ROKI Collection, schist masonry façade cleaned and sealed by RTS Construction Chemicals, Queenstown

Stone cleaning · Queenstown & Wanaka

Ōamaru stone, schist, brick and natural stone tile, cleaned with care.

The stone that defines the Southern Lakes is too valuable to clean wrong. Chemistry-led, low-pressure methods that restore natural colour to Ōamaru stone, schist, brick, block and natural stone tile, without damaging mortar, surface texture or the substrate.

The stone we work with

Every stone has its own chemistry.

  • Ōamaru stone

    Soft, breathable limestone used in many of Queenstown's most photographed heritage buildings. Highly absorbent and prone to algae, lichen and erosion. Demands a low-pressure soft wash and the right alkaline/biocide treatment, get it wrong and you accelerate the decay you were trying to fix.

  • Schist

    Central Otago's signature stone. Found in Arrowtown's heritage walls, premium home façades and landscape features across the region. Needs gentle, chemistry-led cleaning, high pressure will loosen the pointing and erode the soft mica layers.

  • Brick & block

    Clay brick, concrete block, retaining walls and boundary walls. We clean off lichen, moss, weathering and efflorescence without compromising the mortar joints or the surface texture.

  • Natural stone tile

    Travertine, limestone, slate, paver tile and similar surfaces, pool surrounds, patios, entryways and indoor floors. Specialist cleaners that lift dirt without etching the stone or stripping any existing seal.

  • Limestone & bluestone

    Heritage and architectural surfaces. Each variety has different porosity and acid sensitivity, we test before committing to a method.

  • Stacked & dry-stone walls

    Cleaned and revitalised without disturbing mortar joints or moss-pointed gaps. We work to the spec the original mason intended.

Selected work

Drag to compare.

A Queenstown schist boundary wall, salt-stained and weathered, returned to its natural colour with pH-balanced chemistry that doesn't damage the mortar joints.

Same schist wall restored to its natural colour after specialist cleaning
Queenstown schist boundary wall with heavy salt staining and efflorescence before cleaning
BeforeAfter

How we work

Slow when it matters, fast when it doesn't.

  • 01

    On-site assessment

    We come and look at the stone in person. Identify the substrate, test a small area, and work out what the surface actually needs.

  • 02

    Tailored method

    Soft wash, steam, mild alkaline cleaner, biocide treatment, chosen for your stone, not from a one-size-fits-all playbook.

  • 03

    Careful application

    Low-pressure equipment that won't blast mortar out of joints. Plant protection. Spot-testing as we go.

  • 04

    Optional sealing

    Once clean, we can apply a breathable sealer to extend the result and protect against future moss, salt and water damage.

Local pages

Find your area.

Stone work varies by town, different exposure, different heritage rules, different stone. Our local pages dig into specifics.