There’s something undeniably timeless about granite. Whether it’s your driveway or patio, its natural beauty adds instant character and value. But over time, even the toughest natural stone can lose its sheen if not properly cared for.
Life gets busy, and cleaning the stone might not be on your to-do list. Maybe the kids tracked mud across the path, or last night’s BBQ left more than just good memories on the surface. The good news? With some know-how, you can maintain your granite surface protection with minimal effort.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through simple cleaning tips and maintenance advice to help your granite surfaces stay fresh, vibrant, and damage-free for years.
Looking for high-quality, long-lasting granite that’s as practical as it is beautiful? Granite Setts UK offers stunning granite products that are sustainably sourced from our trusted Portuguese quarry and delivered nationwide.
Call us on 0800 246 1212 or email us at sales@granitesettsuk.co.uk to order your free sample today or get in touch for a quick quote!
At Granite Setts UK, we believe in combining timeless aesthetics with unmatched durability. Our premium Portuguese granite is built to last generations — because your space deserves nothing less.
Granite Surface Cleaning And Maintenance Tips
A little effort goes a long way in terms of granite surface care. Granite is incredibly durable but benefits greatly from regular upkeep, like all natural stone. Whether it’s your garden paving, driveway, or indoor countertops, following a few simple steps will keep your surfaces pristine for decades.
Here are the most effective and easy-to-follow granite maintenance and cleaning tips to keep your surfaces in top condition.
1. Start With Regular Sweeping And Dusting
Granite can accumulate dirt, grit, or organic debris that dulls its appearance and may scratch the surface over time.
- For outdoor areas, sweep weekly with a soft broom to remove leaves, sand, and stones.
- For indoor installations, dust or wipe with a dry microfibre cloth.
This is one of the easiest yet often overlooked granite maintenance tips — and it makes a big difference.
2. Clean With pH-Neutral Products
Never use acidic or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the sealant and compromise the stone’s integrity.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap.
- Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely to avoid streaks or water spots.
This gentle method is effective and safe for granite countertop cleaning and outdoor tiles.
3. Remove Stains With Care
If spills are left too long, they may stain. Act fast if you’re dealing with grease, rust, or wine.
- Oil-based stains: Apply a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 24 hours before wiping it away.
- Organic stains: Use hydrogen peroxide diluted in water.
- Rust stains: Try a specialty stone cleaner or contact a professional granite restoration service.
Make sure to reseal the area after treatment to reinforce the protective barrier.
4. Prioritise Sealing Your Granite
Sealing is essential to granite surface care, especially for outdoor surfaces or high-use areas like kitchens.
- Apply a breathable, penetrating sealer every 12–24 months.
- Test your seal by placing a few drops of water on the surface — if it darkens, it’s time to reseal.
- Outdoor paving may need more frequent applications due to weather exposure.
Granite polishing and sealing protect against water penetration, moss growth, and surface erosion.
Also Read: Granite Paving Stones Installation Tips
5. Polish For Shine And Protection
Bring out the natural sparkle of your stone with high-quality granite polish.
- Use a non-acidic granite surface polish to enhance shine and add an extra layer of protection.
- For interior granite, polish monthly or as needed.
- For external installations, professional polishing every few years can rejuvenate faded surfaces.
Granite polishing and sealing go hand-in-hand to maintain both appearance and longevity.
6. Avoid High-Pressure Washers
While tempting, a pressure washer can dislodge jointing sand and damage the stone’s surface.
- Opt for a low-pressure hose and a soft brush for exterior cleaning.
- For stubborn grime, use a stone-safe outdoor cleaner diluted with water.
Stick with gentle methods to ensure long-term granite surface care.
7. Address Moss And Algae Promptly
Outdoor granite installations can sometimes develop moss or algae in damp, shaded areas.
- Treat these patches with a natural stone-approved moss remover.
- Scrub gently with a stiff brush (never wire brushes).
- Rinse thoroughly to prevent regrowth.
These simple actions can preserve both the appearance and safety of your pathways or patios.
8. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Sometimes, professional help is the best option — especially for larger installations or deeply worn surfaces.
Granite maintenance services can include:
- Machine cleaning and polishing
- Deep stain removal
- Structural repairs
- Full resealing of large areas
If you want to restore your surface to like-new condition or are unsure how to treat a specific issue, a granite restoration service is a worthwhile investment.
By following these granite surface maintenance and cleaning tips, you’ll extend your stone’s life, beauty, and performance — whether it’s in the garden, driveway, or other areas.
Contact Granite Setts UK
Conclusion
Granite is a naturally strong, beautiful material — but just like anything you value, it needs some care to stay at its best. From basic cleaning routines to sealing and polishing, a consistent maintenance routine will preserve your stone’s elegance and durability.
At Granite Setts UK, we don’t just sell granite — we live and breathe it. With years of industry experience, a deep commitment to sustainability, and a close relationship with our Portuguese quarry, we provide:
- Expert advice tailored to your project
- Nationwide delivery
- Free samples of all our finishes
- Granite that conforms to British Standard EN 1342
Contact our expert team today on 0800 246 1212 or email us at sales@granitesettsuk.co.uk for friendly advice, a no-obligation quote, or to request your free granite sample.
FAQs
1. How can I remove stains from a granite surface?
Use a poultice (baking soda + water for oil stains, hydrogen peroxide for organic ones). Apply, cover, and let it sit for 24–48 hours. Rinse thoroughly and reseal the surface.
2. How often should granite be sealed?
We recommend sealing every 12–24 months. Outdoor installations may need more frequent applications due to rain and UV exposure.
3. Can I use vinegar to clean granite?
No. Acidic substances like vinegar can damage the sealant and dull the finish. Use pH-neutral stone cleaners instead.
4. What’s the best way to maintain a granite driveway or patio?
Sweep regularly, rinse with water, and reapply sealant annually. For deeper care, use professional granite maintenance services.
5. What should I do if my granite has lost its shine?
Apply a high-quality granite surface polish or book a machine-polishing and resealing restoration service.
