granite & basalt clenaing and maintenance guide
GRANITE & BASALT Cleaning and Maintenance Guide
Natural granite and basalt paving provides a durable, hard-wearing surface and is a valuable investment. Please be aware that all natural stone paving will periodically require basic maintenance to keep it looking its best and to make sure the surface is free from permanent staining etc.
All paving will benefit from a regular wash using a stiff scrubbing brush and mild solution of light domestic detergent and water, such as washing up liquid or specialist cleaning products such as PureKleen BR or PureKleen MG. Regular maintenance will prevent the build-up of organic and inert residues, which if neglected could result in permanent staining or deep rooted growth requiring advanced treatment and cleaning methods.
General dirt and debris removal
To remove general dirt and detritus, regular brushing and washing is recommended. This is good practice and the regularity and the extent will depend on the surface finish concerned: e.g. a pale honed finish will typically benefit from a maintenance wash every 2-3 months, whereas a dark flamed finish may need a light brush over every 6 months. The most common method of washing paving is detergent solution or a specialist floor cleaning product (as listed above), carefully agitated into the paving surface with a stiff brush and then washed off with clean water. Continue washing the surface with the clean water until all of the solution has been thoroughly removed.
Deep cleaning and specialist stain removal
The accumulation of organic debris on the surface of paving if allowed to remain can encourage the germination of algae and weed growth. If this is unattended to, this can penetrate deeply into the stone and may require an organic removing solution to kill and deep clean the stone, restoring it to its original state. Always choose a specifically developed product that will not harm your paving and follow the application method carefully. It is always recommended to trial the product on a sample area prior to application to the entire area.
Deep cleaning granite & basalt may be necessary to remove stubborn stains and the services of a professional contractor will need to be employed with specialist equipment such as low pressure steam cleaners. Power washing is only advised with a light duty pressure washer, and a test on a sample area must be carried out prior to cleaning the entire area. Take care not to hold the nozzle any closer than 400mm from the paving to avoid damaging the surface of the stone. The recommended professional cleaning equipment is DOFF advanced steam cleaning system, which is designed for use on stone and other hard surfaces and will effectively remove paint, graffiti, bird fowling, algae, moss, fungi, wax, chewing gum, bitumen, oil & grease. Other treatable types of staining with specialist products include: rust, oil, wine, fruit, leaves, blood, cement, concrete and efflorescence.
For specific guidance and information regarding the type of treatment required for your stone, contact our Technical Team on +44 (0)1935 415560.