Cleaning granite, basalt and bluestone

Cleaning Granite Floors, Benchtops and Vanities

Granite in particular is usually harder and less porous than most other stones, so it can be easier to care for. However there are various qualities of granite – some are impervious, while some are not. Some are acid-sensitive, while some are not. These characteristics also extend across basalt and bluestone. Therefore each granite surface should be treated carefully until its true characteristics are determined.

This granite cleaning regime is designed to maintain good-condition granite surfaces. However Slique treatments are able to professionally clean your granite, remove scratches and foot traffic marks, reverse fading, and protect the surface from future damage.

Contact Slique for a free consultation.
 

Cleaning Granite or Basalt (Bluestone) – regular cleaning

  1. Vacuum (floors)

    2. Vacuum the floor to remove loose dust and grit from the surface.

  2. Damp clean / wipe

    3. Clean using a microfibre mop or cloth dampened with warm water (no chemicals are necessary when using good-quality microfibre, as the fabric is 99.9% antibacterial which is a much better result than can be achieved with most cleaning chemicals available).
    If you have smooth granite, use a flat microfibre mop or smooth-surface cloth. If your granite is textured, use a microfibre string mop or a rougher microfibre cloth which can more easily enter the texture of the tile. The microfibre will ‘grab’ the surface and lift off most daily grime. Use some pressure to work the microfibre – floating it lightly over the surface will not be so productive!

  3. Spot clean – floors

    4. Spot clean any spills, marks or stains using a neutral pH chemical such as Slique Cleansing Fluid. After spot cleaning, rinse the surface lightly with clean water.

  4. Spot clean – benchtops

    5. Use a special benchtop cleaning spray every few weeks to bring your benchtop up to a great shine – for benchtops that haven’t been sealed, use Daily Benchtop Cleaner, or if the granite has been sealed a Benchtop Cleaner and Sealer product will also maintain the sealer.

  5. Dry

    6. DO NOT leave to dry naturally – dry using an old towel or a clean, dry mop. Lighter-coloured granite in particular will discolour when it soaks up water. To avoid this, make sure to dry the granite thoroughly with a clean cloth. The colour will return to normal once the surface is completely dry.

 

Cleaning Granite or Basalt (Bluestone) – intensive cleaning

  1. Vacuum / wipe

    2. Vacuum or wipe tiles to remove loose grit from the surface.

  2. Scrub

    3. Scrub a small area (about 3-4 square metres) using a light solution of a cleaner safe for use on natural stone, such as Slique’s Heavy Duty Tile cleaner. Your local tile shop will have something suitable for tile cleaning home use. Use a soft brush or broom to work the solution into the pores of the granite. Continue to complete small areas until the entire surface has been scrubbed.

  3. Soak

    4. Leave the solution to work for several minutes, then scrub again.

  4. Extract

    5. When the solution has lifted out the dirt, remove the liquid and dirt using an old towel or clean, dry mop.

  5. Rinse

    6. Pour clean water over the surface to rinse.

  6. Dry

    7. DO NOT leave the surface to dry naturally. Lighter-coloured granite in particular will discolour when it soaks up water. To avoid this, make sure to dry the granite thoroughly with a clean cloth. The colour will return to normal once the surface is completely dry.

 

Preventing Granite Kitchen Benchtop damage and stains

  • When preparing food, cut on chopping boards, NOT directly on the stone. Do not let juice or liquids from the chopping board drip into the stone.
  • Don’t put hot items from the oven or hobs directly onto the benchtop, as intense heat can cause cracking or discolouration. Items from the oven will be hotter than those off the stove top or hobs.
  • When cooking on hobs, use a tea towel to protect the surrounding stone from spitting oil and food splashes.

 

Preventing Granite Bathroom Vanity damage and stains

  • Immediately wipe up any spills from cosmetics, mouthwash, toothpaste, soaps and shampoos etc. Store all containers in a tray (glass or stainless steel) that will capture and spills or drips.
  • Do not leave cleaning agents stored on the vanity.
  • Do not leave toilet or shower cleaners stored in the bathroom within reach of guests or cleaners who may not be aware of the potential for damage. The presence of cleaning agents suggests they can be used to clean the benchtop!