Stone countertops are an investment, and the good news is they don't need much to stay beautiful. Most of it comes down to the right cleaner, wiping up spills and knowing what each material doesn't like.
For daily cleaning, warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft cloth are all you need. Dry the surface afterward to avoid water spots. This works on granite, quartz, marble and quartzite alike.
Skip harsh or abrasive products. Bleach, ammonia, scouring powders and rough pads can dull the finish, and on natural stone they can wear down the sealer. Vinegar and lemon-based cleaners are a bad idea for marble in particular. If you want a stronger cleaner, choose one labeled safe for natural stone or for quartz.
Natural stone (granite, marble and quartzite) is porous, so it should be sealed. A sealer doesn't make stone stain-proof, but it slows liquids from soaking in and gives you time to wipe them up. To check whether it's time to re-seal, put a few drops of water on the counter and wait 10 to 15 minutes. If the water still beads up, you're fine. If the stone darkens, it's time to re-seal. Quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing.
Know each material's weak spots. Marble reacts to acids, so wipe up citrus, wine, vinegar, soda and tomato right away and use coasters under glasses. Quartz doesn't like direct heat, so always use a trivet under hot pots, pans and slow cookers. Even granite and quartzite, which handle heat better, last longer with trivets, and they protect your sealer too.
A few more good habits: use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the stone, which protects both the surface and your knives. Don't stand or sit on the counters, especially near the sink or cooktop cutouts and around overhangs. Wipe up oil and grease quickly on natural stone, because they can darken it if they soak in.
Have a stain you can't get out, or not sure if your stone needs sealing? Call us at (732) 881-7911 or stop by our shop at 4490 Stelton Road in South Plainfield. We're happy to answer questions in English or Spanish.