The Ultimate Stone Care Handbook

‍Everything You Need to Know about Countertop Cleaning & Maintenance

In order to keep countertops looking and performing their best, maintenance and care are essential. This is true for most things. American author Tom Robbins even wrote in his seventh book “There's birth, there's death, and in between there's maintenance.” While it is important, this aspect of stone countertops does not have to be difficult. Below is the ultimate care handbook for different types of countertops, with a few tips & tricks to help the process. If you have learned some helpful hints, let us know!

Quartz

For everyday cleaning: spray with water and a little bit of dish soap, then wipe with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid strong cleansers such as vinegar, bleach and ammonia, as well as abrasive pads like steel wool. "Harsh chemicals that can dull the countertops should be avoided," says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, A Neighborly Company. Spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible.

For deep cleaning: a solution of watered-down rubbing alcohol is effective and safe for quartz countertops. Add a tablespoon or two of rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle of warm water (you can add a few drops of dish soap for an extra cleaning boost) and spray stains liberally. Gently scrub the surface with a nonabrasive sponge until the stain begins to fade. Wipe down the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to finish.

Specific messes: for dried-on residue like gum or food, gently use a plastic scraper to lift it off. For sticky or greasy spots, mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water, apply to the area, and wipe clean. For ink or marker stains, use a mild cleaner approved for quartz and wipe gently—avoid scrubbing.

Maintenance: always use a cutting board and a barrier between hot dishes or pots.

For added protection: finish the cleaning process with a quartz polish. These polishes typically provide an additional disinfectant, can buff out light scratches, and some even include UV protection to prevent discoloration from sun exposure.

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Granite

For everyday cleaning: use pH-Neutral soap and warm water, or a cleaner specifically designed for use with granite. Apply the cleaner and wipe the counters down with a soft cloth. Spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible.

For deep cleaning: fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water. According to housekeeping and organization expert Amanda Thomas, founder of Moxie Girl, this DIY spray cleaner gives granite surfaces a “nice shine”, as well as helps eliminate germs and disinfect countertops.

Specific messes: some oil-based stains, such as grease and milk, can be cleaned with a paste made out of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap with small holes, and let it sit for at least an hour. Lightly dab up with a soft cloth. If water-based staining occurs, try combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, then follow the steps above for oil-based stains. For sticky stains, dip a damp microfiber cloth in hot water, place the cloth over the stain and let it sit for just a few minutes, then wipe the countertops dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Maintenance: use coasters to avoid extra moisture, and hot pads or trivets to create a division between surfaces and hot objects.

For added protection: ensure the sealing is intact and reviewed annually. Also, avoid storing staining items such as olive oil containers, oil-based cosmetics, and creams on granite surfaces.

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Quartzite

For everyday cleaning: wipe down regularly with a soft cloth and a little mild dish, pH-Neutral soap mixed with warm water. Specialized stone cleaners are also a good option. Be sure not to use anything with bleach, ammonia, or acids like lemon juice. Wipe up spills immediately with a blotting motion.

For deep cleaning: liquids such as coffee, wine, and tea often leave a brown or pinkish tint; these can be cleaned using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda to create a paste. Oil-based stains like grease, butter, and cosmetics create a dark spot and can be cleaned using a specialized degreaser. Always test a small, hidden spot before applying solutions to large areas.

Specific messes: stubborn spots or stuck-on debris can be worked out with a scrubby pad and medium rubbing.

Maintenance: use trivets or hot pads under hot pans and tools.

For added protection: keep up with the wear and tear of the sealant.

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Marble

For everyday cleaning: daily cleaning with warm water and a soft microfiber cloth is often sufficient. Use of pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone is also acceptable.

For deep cleaning: while various home remedies are available, many prefer to use professional deep cleaning services when stubborn stains persist.

Specific messes: spills should be immediately blotted with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel – never wipe, as this can spread the liquid and increase the affected area. For oil-based spills, sprinkle baking soda or corn starch over the affected area to absorb the substance. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently brush away the powder. Repeat if necessary until oil is fully absorbed.

Maintenance: coasters/trays under glasses, bottles, and containers, plus trivets or hot pads under warm dishes and cooking vessels will go a long way in keeping marble pristine. Cutting should also never be done directly on the surface. Further, chemical reactions from certain medications, hair products, and cosmetics can react with the marble’s calcium carbonate composition so avoid contact.

For added protection: marble countertops require regular sealing to maintain their beauty and protect against stains and etching. Dusting is also helpful for keeping abrasive grit off of marble surfaces.

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Soapstone

For everyday cleaning: wipe the surface with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and a mild dish soap, not harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners such as bleach or lemon juice. Blotting spills as soon as they happen is very important as well.

Maintenance: it is advisable to use trivets or hot pads when placing hot pots, pans, or other heated objects on a soapstone surface. Although soapstone can withstand higher temperatures, sudden temperature changes, such as placing a hot pan directly on a cold soapstone surface, can lead to thermal shock and may cause cracks. Use a cutting board for all preparation work to prevent etches and scratches.

For added protection: applying a sealant or food-safe mineral oil can deepen the color and further the protection. Refrain from dragging appliances or pots across the surface, as this can leave marks.

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A Word from the Owner: David’s Notes

‍Never turn your back on time—it isn’t going to wait. The sooner you clean up a spill or mess, the better off your stone will be. Many people believe that once a sealer is applied, stone becomes impervious to the world. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case. I often compare it to owning an exotic car. Even if it has a fresh coat of wax, you wouldn’t drive it through a hailstorm or leave road salt sitting on the paint just because it was washed two weeks ago. The same principle applies to natural stone. You might be surprised at how much wear and tear stone can withstand while still maintaining its beauty, especially when it’s cared for properly. Taking a few minutes to clean up after a meal, a gathering, or a party can make all the difference.

‍Don’t make your stone wait for attention. Treat it with the same care you’d give any valuable investment, and it will reward you with a lifetime of beauty and enjoyment, no matter what type of stone you choose.