Why don't people try both methods ? Usually because they only have a pressure washer. I get the mono out now and again to make a change, How can you tell Yorkshire stone - its really thick
I've tried both methods although not to the extent of using honing powders but have tried scrubbing with chemicals with a rotary and a cimex.
I think the difference in opinion comes from discussing 2 different jobs, Kev is (I believe) when using honing powders is removing the top surface of the stone therefore removing any dirt, I have seen how this process and it is incredibly effective at renovating/cleaning stone. But in my opinion ( I always use the term
in my opinion as that is all it is ) this method is not practical for outside areas and more suited for internal floors
I have never, after watching 100s of videos from every corner of the world seen a single video of this method being used to clean outside stone, but if you search 'cleaning Yorkstone' on YouTube you can see a similer process as Kev mentions as the first video listed ( for my search anyhow)