Lithofin MN Builders' Clean
Art. 162-11-B
Freshly laid granite steps show a stubborn grey haze, the slate hallway already has white efflorescence marks and the contractor leaves tomorrow. Builders' Clean removes that cement residue in one pass, leaving the stone ready for sealing or immediate use.
What Builders' Clean Does
Builders' Clean is an acidic cleaner for natural stone. With a pH of 1.4 it converts calcium-rich cement and limescale into soluble salts, releasing them from the surface within 3-5 minutes. Inorganic inhibitors limit attack on silicate minerals, so granite (Mohs 7) and basalt (Mohs 7) stay unchanged while up to 200 g/m² of cement film dissolves.
When to Use
- New granite kitchen worktops, 1:3 dilution, to strip grout haze.
- Interior slate floors showing limescale rings, 1:3 dilution.
- Exterior sandstone paving with white efflorescence, 1:5 dilution.
- Basalt stairs after heavy building work, undiluted for cement drops up to 2 mm thick.
- Terracotta tiles before sealing, 1:10 dilution to protect soft surface.
How to Apply
- Pre-wet the stone until the surface darkens; leave no dry patches. Time: 2 minutes.
- Apply solution with a nylon brush or low-pressure spray; use 100 ml/m² at 1:3 dilution. Time: PT5M.
- Agitate with a white pad after 3 minutes contact; keep surface wet. Time: PT5M.
- Rinse twice with clean water, vacuum slurry before it dries. Time: PT5M.
Covers 5-15 m²/L depending on dilution and porosity. No drying time-surface is neutral after the final rinse.
Surface Compatibility
The acidic formula suits granite, slate, basalt, and clinker because their silica framework resists low pH attack. Sandstone and concrete tolerate a 1:5 mix when pre-wetted, as the water layer limits acid penetration. Do not use on polished marble, aluminium fixtures, or acid-sensitive limestone without a 1:10 trial spot.
Choosing the Right Product
For routine grease removal, use MN Power-Clean. For long-term stain protection after cleaning, apply MN Stain-Stop. For ceramic or porcelain grout haze, switch to KF Cement Residue Remover.
Pro Tips
- Keep the area ventilated; acid vapours settle on metal fittings within 10 minutes.
- Neutralise rinse water with 50 g baking soda per 10 L before disposal to protect drains.
- Seal cleaned stone within 24 hours to block resoiling and reduce water absorption by up to 90 %.
Product Details
Application
- Acid-resistant-stone
- 1:3 with water
- Calcareous-stone
- 1:5 to 1:10 with water
- Heavy-cement
- Undiluted on acid-resistant stone only
Compatibility & Safety
| Surface | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marble | Caution | Dilute 1:5 minimum — pre-wet — test first — work quickly |
| Granite | Excellent | Safe even at stronger concentrations |
| Limestone | Caution | Dilute 1:10 — pre-wet — very short contact time |
| Sandstone | Good | Pre-wet to limit absorption, dilute 1:5 |
| Slate | Excellent | Safe for most slate types |
| Bluestone | Caution | Calcareous — dilute 1:5 minimum and pre-wet |
| Basalt | Excellent | Safe — basalt is acid-resistant |
| Porcelain | Good | Use KF Cement Residue Remover instead for best results |
| Ceramic | Good | Use KF Cement Residue Remover instead |
| Glass mosaic | Caution | Test first — use diluted |
| Concrete | Good | Pre-wet first, dilute 1:5 |
| Quartz composite | Caution | Test first — some composites are acid-sensitive |
| Terrazzo | Caution | Treat as marble — dilute heavily |
| Terracotta | Good | Pre-wet, dilute 1:5, rinse immediately |
| Cotto | Good | Pre-wet, dilute 1:5, rinse immediately |
| Clinker | Good | Effective on clinker, pre-wet |
Dosage Calculator
For first application on porous stone, use 50% more product
Frequently asked questions
Can Builders' Clean be used on polished marble?
Only at 1:10 dilution after a test patch. Acid can etch marble within 30 seconds if stronger.
How much Builders' Clean do I need for 40 m² of granite flooring?
At 1:3 dilution expect 10 m²/L, so 4 L of concentrate covers the area once.
Will Builders' Clean remove efflorescence on sandstone?
Yes, dilute 1:5, work in small sections, and rinse thoroughly. Most salts dissolve within 5 minutes.
Is rinsing mandatory after Builders' Clean?
Yes. Two clear-water rinses raise the surface pH above 6 and prevent acid residues from re-crystallising.
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