Paving Stonecare

Cleaning Instructions for exterior Granite Paving
Absolute Stone recommends the application of 2 coats of a good quality “penetrating” sealer. We do not recommend the use of surface sealers or epoxy-based sealers. These typically alter the look, slip resistance and colour of natural stone. Unlike “penetrating” sealers, surface sealers also break down with UV exposure and need re-sealing regularly.


Note:All external paving should be sealed to increase the ease of cleaning. Granite is no different. Once sealed correctly, granite requires minimal ongoing maintenance, other than a good cleaning schedule. (as durable as it is, granite is not ‘self-cleaning’)

Step-by-step procedure:

  • Clean spills and stains quickly.
  • Note: Allowing any soiling on the stone surface to be baked on in direct sunlight for weeks at a time, makes stain removal more difficult.

Granite can be cleaned and washed down as per any other external paving, generally with a non-acidic-based detergent or bleach.

Periodically, depending on the traffic received, it should be high pressure cleaned with warm water and / or detergent. For high-traffic areas, mechanical scrubbers can also be used periodically. For example in addition to normal street sweeping, the Hay St Mall is scrubbed and washed down approx. every 3-4 weeks by a ride-on machine.

Spot cleaning can be done when needed, using neat detergent, bleach, or in extreme circumstances, diluted (30:1) hydrochloric acid.

  • Note 1: Paving should be thoroughly wet down before any acid is applied
  • Note 2: Please always check with stone supplier for confirmation that the particular stone will not be adversely affected by acid.
For general week-to-week cleaning, we recommend the use of bleach or any of the MB brand commercial granite cleaners. (These are non-acidic based and thus have no adverse affects on the stone.)

 

For hard to remove stains, contact Absolute Stone and we can recommend qualified people to arrange cleaning.

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