How to clean granite pavers

If you wish to clean natural granite pavers & patios Floorseal has several products which are suitable for this purpose.

The problems encountered when cleaning granite, maybe organic, such as algae, or removal of cement residues etc after installation.

Cleaning new granite pavers usually relates to removing cement residues and general dirt. Older granite patios may require a cleaner for the removal of algae, lichen, grime and leaf staining.

Further information on the products noted in this article can be seen by clicking the product titles highlighted in blue.

There is a link at the foot of the page to view all products & articles regarding cleaning & sealing granite pavers

Cleaning recently installed granite pavers

Granite pavers which have just been installed, or are in the process of being installed, may have cement, concrete or cement-based slurry primers contaminating the surface.

Floorseal Cement & Grout Haze Remover is suitable for removing cement-based contaminations. This includes cement-based pointing, cement-based grout, cements from the base, concretes & cement-based slurry primers.

Cement & Grout Haze Remover can be used as a general final builder’s cleaner to remove the contaminations noted above. It will also remove general dirt, soil, grime & muddy footprints.

This product can be applied at various dilution rates from 1:4 up to being applied neat. Test before use for suitability and to obtain the most efficient dilution rate.

Removing efflorescence from granite

If some efflorescence salting appears after installing granite pavers you should apply Floorseal Cement & Grout Haze Remover to remove efflorescence salting. This product will remove general newly formed efflorescence salting. Test before use.

Cleaning newly laid pavers if they have been pointed with resin-based compounds or grout

If you have pointed or used a resin-based compound or grout system you should pre-clean the surface with Floorseal Sealer Residue Remover before sealing.

This product is for the removal of the invisible resinous slick which can be left on either side of the joint. This type of contamination is sometimes known as ‘rainbowing’ due to the reflection of light from the resin when it has become wet from rainwater etc.

Please note that some 2-part jointing compounds & severe general resin staining can be permanent!

Cleaning older granite pavers of organic contaminations

If you wish to clean an older patio or remove the grime & algae which forms over the winter, please use Floorseal Patio Cleaner Plus.

Floorseal Patio Cleaner Plus will remove organic contaminations including black spot lichen, green algae, slimes, fungi, and leaf staining.

Dampen the surface with water before applying the cleaner, dilute the product 1:1 with water and apply with a simple garden pump-up sprayer or alternatively, apply with a watering can.

Leave to dwell and do not allow the solution to dry out during the dwell time. Use a dwell time of 15 mins to 1 hour+. Adjust to suit your patio.

Keep the surface wet by applying more product or misting with water. Rinse the product away with clean water from a hosepipe.

You can pressure wash the surface after rinsing but just rinsing the product away with a hose pipe is usually all that is required.

Removing leaf staining on granite patios

Leaf staining can be easy to remove with Floorseal Patio Cleaner Plus when it is superficial i.e newly formed. If leaf staining has heavily penetrated the surface it can require a longer dwell time.

Patio Cleaner Plus will remove most leaf stains with adequate dwell time. The dwell time can be from one hour to twelve hours. Please test before use – please note severe leaf staining can be extremely difficult to remove.

Removing rust marks from granite pavers

To remove rusting from granite pavers use Floorseal Rust Remover for Stone.

Rust spots are often left by the feet of metal patio furniture or plant holders. They can also be the result of overspray of lawn & plant fertilisers.

Rusting can occur due to natural rusting from iron contained within certain granites.

To remove rust spots carefully scrape away any obvious lumps from the surface. Then apply Rust Remover for Stone to the stone when it is dry. Keep the surface of the material being treated wet (with more product) during the process.

Do not allow the product to dry out, always rinse the solution away with water once the reaction to the rust is noted. Agitate with a soft/medium stiff brush, and always rinse with water after use.

We recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before use on more visible areas. The dwell time can be kept fairly short to prevent premature drying. Rust Remover for Stone turns a deep purple colour as it reacts with the rust. Repeat the process for heavy contaminations.

In conclusion

Cement & Grout Haze Remover is for the removal of any cement-based marks. Such as cement, cement-based grout, cement-based slurry primers, concrete and efflorescence salting. Also for the removal of heavy soil/mud marks and bleed marks/staining from the base of plant pots.

Sealer Residue Remover is used prior to sealing when a resin-based brush in compound or resin-based grout has been applied. Basically, a general pre-cleaner to remove slight contaminations of resin residues.

Patio Cleaner Plus for the removal of organic marks such as lichen, algae, slime, fungi, dirt and leaf staining. Perfect for cleaning the pavers in the spring or granite patios which suffer from organic growth. This may be due to the pavers being north facing or being in close proximity to trees.

Rust Remover for Stone should be used to remove general rust spotting and iron oxidation.

To view all products & articles regarding cleaning & sealing granite pavers please Click Here.

The information contained within this article is not exhaustive. If you need further information please contact Floorseal on (01484) 861461 or email us Info@floorseal.co.uk our web address is www.floorseal.co.uk.