Portuguese pavement: why it must NEVER be washed with acid
There is a mistake we see with alarming frequency: washing Portuguese pavement with acid (muriatic acid or “cement cleaner”). It turns white on the spot, and is doomed in the medium term.
What acid does to limestone
The white stone of Portuguese pavement is limestone, chemically calcium carbonate. Acid reacts with it directly: it dissolves the surface layer of the stone. The immediate result looks clean; the real result is a porous surface that soaks up dirt and moisture much faster. The pavement gets dirtier, more slippery, and wears down with every wash that follows.
How to clean it properly
- Neutral-pH detergent: removes organic dirt without attacking the stone
- Adjusted pressure: enough for moss and crust, without "digging out" the joints
- Rotary surface cleaner: an even result, without the typical "stripes" of a hand-held jet
- Tough stains (such as rust): specific products, tested on a small patch first
The question to ask any company
“What product will you use on my pavement?” If the answer includes acid, thank them and look elsewhere. It is literally the difference between maintenance and paying for damage.
We only use chemicals suited to each surface; it is all described on the service page and in the guides by type of surface, with guide prices published.