Products to clean your patio

To clean a stone terrace, the approach depends on the type of stone, its porosity and the type of dirt. In general, a broom, a little water and a suitable product are enough.

Start by sweeping the surface to remove leaves and deposits of dirt. Then use a mild cleaner such as the Lithofin Exterior Cleaner, applied neat for an effective action on organic stains: moss, algae, bird droppings, crushed fruit, etc. Rinse with a water jet and use a brush for the dirtier areas.

Tip: For a deep clean without damaging your joints, prefer a sprayer or a low-pressure washer rather than a Karcher that is too powerful.

For terrace slabs, choose products specifically designed for natural stone. Here is our selection:

• Lithofin Allex : a concentrated anti-moss product to be diluted in 9 to 10 litres of water and sprayed. It works in 2 to 3 weeks to eliminate moss, algae and lichen
  without damaging the grout joints or the materials.
• Lithofin Outdoor Cleaner: ideal for everyday dirt, food or plant stains. Apply neat, leave to act for a few minutes, then rinse.
• Multi Cleaner and Cement Remover: effective against cement or building-site marks on the surface of stones.

These products are compatible with natural stones, terraces,
pool copings and outdoor steps.

The use of a Karcher (or pressure washer) should be handled with care, especially on porous stones such as limestone or travertine. Excessive pressure can damage the joints, detach the substrate or weaken the stone surface.

✔️ Instead, use moderate pressure with a wide nozzle, keeping a certain distance. For optimal results, combine with a product such as Lithofin Allex which works deep down without mechanical abrasion.

The frequency of cleaning depends on your environment (wooded areas, humid climate, exposure). Here is our advice:

• Twice a year: in spring and autumn, with a suitable product.
• In case of heavy soiling (after a rainy winter, falling leaves, etc.), act as soon as moss or black stains appear.

Regular maintenance with a brush, a broom and a good cleaner makes it possible to
keep the original appearance of your terraces.

After thorough cleaning, it is essential to apply a protective treatment to prevent infiltration, oil marks, mold or
wine stains.

Our recommendations:

• Lithofin Protection W: a water repellent based on water, very easy to apply on dry natural stones with a roller or a sprayer.
• Fleckstop W: water and oil repellent, also protects against grease and oil, ideal around a barbecue or an outdoor kitchen.

Apply the treatment only when the slabs, the adhesive and the mortar are
completely dry (often several months after installation, depending on the temperature
and thickness).

For a terrace that is dirty or has been neglected, you need to combine mechanical action (brush) and powerful products:

1. Apply the Multi Cleaner undiluted on the dirtiest surfaces.
2. Leave to act for several minutes, scrub with a hard brush.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water or with a hose.

Don't hesitate to repeat the operation if some stains persist.

Natural stones are resistant, but you should avoid overly acidic products
such as bleach or undiluted caustic soda which could damage the surface.

Black marks are often caused by moisture, organic deposits or fungi. Lithofin Allex is ideal for this type of dirt: it works on its own after spraying.

• Spray the diluted product.
• Leave to act without rinsing: the dirt will dry naturally.
• Rinse after 2 to 3 weeks or wait for
  a good rain.

This solution is economical and gentle, and respects the grout joints, the substrates and the natural materials.

Travertine is a porous stone that requires special care. Here are the steps:

1. Sweep and rinse with clear water.
2. Apply the Lithofin Exterior Cleaner undiluted.
3. Scrub with a soft brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly.

Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a water-repellent treatment such as Protection W to make maintenance easier and remove future stains more easily.

Avoid abrasive products, bleach, or overly powerful pressure washers on travertine!

To fight moss, you need to:

1. Remove shaded areas or nearby woodland that retain moisture.
2. Use an anti-moss product such as Lithofin Allex, preventive and curative.
3. Apply a protective water repellent after cleaning to limit regrowth.

In a humid environment, repeat the treatment every 1 to 2 years depending on the effect observed.

The products from Lithofin are formulated for natural stones, respect the surfaces , even delicate ones, ensure lasting effectiveness, and make cleaning easier without damaging the substrates.

Available individually or as a kit, they enable professional maintenance directly at home, with solutions suited to every need (moss, stains, protection, etc.).

Discover our full collection of products for cleaning stone terraces and benefit from tested and approved solutions for an always impeccable outdoor space.