How to preserve and clean granite

How to Maintain and Clean Granite?

Granite is a material often chosen for its hardness and durability in outdoor applications. However, to preserve its natural appearance and resistance to outdoor elements, regular maintenance and proper cleaning are essential.

Here are some tips to effectively maintain and clean outdoor granite:

Regular Cleaning

To maintain and clean granite, it is important to remove dirt, debris, and residues. Sweep or use a vacuum to remove leaves, twigs, and accumulated dust from the granite surface. Then, clean the surface with warm water and a mild cleaner specifically formulated for outdoor granite. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage the surface.

Cleaning steps:

Preparation: Remove all objects and furniture from the granite surface and sweep it to eliminate solid debris.

Pre-washing: Use a garden hose to thoroughly wet the granite surface. This will help loosen dirt and make cleaning easier.

Mild cleaner: Choose a cleaner specifically formulated for outdoor granite or use a solution of warm water mixed with a mild, non-acidic detergent. Avoid corrosive chemicals that could damage the granite.

We offer our Lithofin maintenance products, specially designed for natural stone:

Applying the cleaner: Apply the cleaner to the granite surface using a soft-bristle brush or a scrubbing broom. Work in small sections to ensure the entire surface is covered evenly.

Brushing: Use the soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the granite, focusing on stained or dirty areas. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure that could cause scratches.

Rinsing: Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residues. Make sure to rinse completely to avoid any residue that could leave streaks or marks.

Drying: Allow the granite to air dry. Avoid walking on it until it is completely dry to prevent accidents and footprints.

Inspection: After drying, carefully examine the granite surface to ensure it is clean. If stains persist, repeat the cleaning process or use a specific cleaner recommended for removing these particular stains.

Removing Stubborn Stains:

If you encounter stubborn stains on your outdoor granite, there are methods to remove them.

Oil or grease stains: Sprinkle the stain with an absorbent like flour, talcum powder, or baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours, then remove the absorbent. If the stain persists, use a specific stain remover for oil stains following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Our stain removers:

For stains caused by fuel, grease, or vegetable or synthetic oils, we recommend Oil-Ex gel by Lithofin, which is particularly effective.

This is a ready-to-use paste in gel form based on a compound of solvents and highly absorbent solids.

Mold stains: Use an antimicrobial cleaner recommended for removing mold stains. Apply the cleaner to the affected area, let it sit for the recommended time, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Rinsing and drying: After treating the stain, rinse the granite surface thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner residues. Then, use a clean cloth or let the surface air dry.

Preventing Damage:

To avoid damage to outdoor granite, take certain preventive measures.

Avoid placing heavy or sharp objects directly on the granite surface, as this can cause scratches or cracks.

Use felt pads under furniture or objects in contact with the surface to prevent scratches.

You can regularly apply a suitable sealer for outdoor granite to protect it from stains, moisture, and discoloration caused by outdoor elements.

Seasonal Maintenance:

In addition to regular cleaning, seasonal maintenance is recommended for outdoor granite.

This may include inspecting the joints between the pavers, removing weeds that may grow between the gaps, and applying an additional sealer if necessary to maintain the granite’s protection.