Cleaning granite: How to clean and care for your natural stone properly
Granite is a noble and hard-wearing natural stone that is used in many areas, whether as a worktop in the kitchen, as flooring or as a patio slab outdoors.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to clean and care for granite, which cleaning agents you should use and how to remove stubborn dirt and discoloration.
The basics of granite cleaning
Cleaning granite starts with understanding the nature of this natural stone.
Granite is porous and therefore susceptible to discoloration and stains.
Regular cleaning and care are essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of granite slabs.
Important note: We have compiled this information to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Please test all household and cleaning products on an inconspicuous area before treating the entire surface with them. The specified applications and dosages should always be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Table of contents
Tips and methods for removing dirt and stains
Cleaning granite: The first steps
– Basic cleaning: Use a gentle cleaning agent and mix the cleaner with clean water according to the dosage instructions. One example is our Biosativa® cleaner, which is ideal for indoor and outdoor use as it is completely biodegradable and reliably removes dirt at the same time.
– General cleaning: When cleaning, you should use mild cleaning agents and soft (microfiber) cloths to avoid damaging the surface.
Removing discoloration and stains
– Stubborn stains: A special grease remover is suitable for stubborn stains such as oil or grease stains . Apply the cleaner evenly to the affected areas and allow it to work according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask the relevant specialist staff in detail which cleaner is the right one for your application.
– Rust stains: Rust stains are particularly stubborn and can be treated with a specific rust remover for natural stone. The following also applies here: obtain detailed information from the manufacturers and sellers.
Gentle cleaning and care of granite
– Home remedies: Washing-up liquid and water are often a good choice for light soiling. Be careful not to use acidic or abrasive cleaning agents, as these can cause irreparable damage to the surface.
– Maintenance care: For daily care, it is usually sufficient to wipe the granite floor with a damp cloth.
Cleaning granite outdoors
Granite slabs in outdoor areas are often exposed to heavy soiling, be it from leaves, pollen or other environmental factors.
– Rough cleaning: First remove coarse dirt such as leaves or soil with a broom or leaf blower.
– High-pressure cleaner: A high-pressure cleaner can be used for deeper cleaning, but the pressure should not be set too high to avoid damaging the surface or leaving unsightly stains. If in doubt, consult a specialist before using a pressure washer on granite.
Natural stone sealing with long-term and deep effect
Highly effective natural stone sealer
for indoor and outdoor use:
✓ Suitable for all mineral absorbent natural stone surfaces
✓ Easy-to-clean effect: dirt does not adhere and can be easily removed
✓ Absolutely invisible: unchanged look and feel of the surface
✓ Long-lasting depth effect over many years
✓ Water-repellent Lotos pearl effect
Granite care and sealing
The importance of impregnation
Impregnation protects the granite from stains and makes cleaning easier.
Our natural stone sealant with a long-term and deep effect (impregnation = breathable sealant) is ideal for this purpose.
It forms an invisible protective layer which, when applied correctly, repels dirt, water and grease.
Application:
- First clean the surface deeply and then allow it to dry completely.
This is essential so that the sealant can develop the best possible effect. - Once the surface is completely dry, apply the impregnation evenly to the clean and dry surface.
- Allow the sealant or impregnation to take effect and dry according to the instructions.
Important: Every surface is different and has different requirements. For this reason, you should also test the impregnation on an inconspicuous area so that you do not cause any damage to the surface. You can also find out more on the product page.
Here you will find detailed instructions for each product .
Cleaning granite worktops
Special features and care of the kitchen worktop
A granite worktop in the kitchen requires special care as it often comes into contact with food.
- Daily cleaning: Wipe the worktop after each use with a mild detergent and a damp cloth.
- Avoid acids: Avoid contact with acidic foods such as lemon juice or vinegar, as these can damage the surface in the long term. Clean the surface immediately if acids get on it.
Frequently asked questions about granite care
There are special cleaning agents for natural stone that are well suited for cleaning granite.
These often do not contain acidic substances that could damage the stone.
For example, pH-neutral cleaners are an excellent choice.
To remove stubborn stains from granite, you can make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the stain.
Leave the paste to work for a few hours and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Yes, washing-up liquid can be used to remove light soiling and grease stains.
Make sure you use a mild, pH-neutral detergent and then rinse the granite thoroughly with water.
The best way to remove rust stains from granite is with a specialized rust remover suitable for natural stone.
Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then rinse thoroughly with water.
When cleaning granite tiles, you should be careful not to use any acidic or abrasive agents, as these could damage the surface.
Instead, use special natural stone cleaners and soft cloths.