Granite

Granite Cleaning and Care – How to Protect and Maintain Outdoor Granite Surfaces

Granite remains a top choice for patios, driveways, and paths because it’s strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting. Although granite is tough, it still needs proper care to stay clean, keep its colour, and last for years. Regular Granite Cleaning and Sealing will keep your surfaces protected.

Using the wrong cleaner can damage the surface, so it’s important to know how to clean granite the right way.

What Makes Granite Unique?

Granite forms from cooled magma beneath the Earth’s surface and contains:

Quartz – Adds hardness and makes the surface more scratch-resistant

Feldspar – Gives granite colour and helps with durability

Mica – Creates the natural sparkle and texture

Granite is dense but slightly porous, so it can soak up water or stains if you don’t clean and protect it properly. Harsh chemicals can damage the surface, fade its colour, and weaken the stone over time.

How Harsh Cleaners Can Harm Granite

Many household cleaners include acids, bleach, or strong chemicals that react badly with granite’s natural minerals.

These cleaners can cause:

❌ Etching – Acid eats into the surface, leaving it rough and dull
❌ Fading – Harsh products strip the colour and natural patterns
❌ Weakening – Repeated use breaks down the stone, leading to cracks or deeper stains

Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, or general patio cleaners on granite—these often cause long-term surface damage.

How to Clean and Protect Granite the Right Way

Use a pH-balanced, non-acidic cleaner made for natural stone to clean granite without harming it.

The right cleaner will:

✔ Remove dirt and stains without damaging the stone
✔ Stay safe for frequent cleaning without causing surface wear
✔ Work with granite’s natural features rather than breaking them down

Why Sealing Granite Helps

Adding a high-quality stone sealer gives extra protection from water, stains, and bad weather.

A proper sealer will:

✔ Block water, oil, and dirt, making cleaning easier
✔ Stop moss, algae, or lichen from growing
✔ Keep the colour and finish looking fresh and natural

Seal granite every 12 to 18 months, depending on how much it’s used and the weather it faces. Sealing adds a barrier that makes maintenance easier and keeps the stone looking great longer.

Why Using the Right Products Matters

We always recommend products made for granite because they:

✅ Protect your surface without risk – No acids, no bleach, no damage
✅ Help granite last longer – By stopping erosion, cracks, and surface wear
✅ Keep it looking beautiful – Clean without stripping colour or natural finish

General patio cleaners and household disinfectants often cause more harm than good when used on granite. That’s why choosing safe, stone-friendly products is so important when cleaning or protecting your surface.

Your granite surface is a real investment—treat it right, and it will stay strong and beautiful for many years. By cleaning correctly and sealing regularly, you’ll protect it from water stains, weather, fading, and dullness.

Taking a little extra time to use the right products saves you from costly damage and keeps your granite in top condition.