Meta Description: This 5,000+ word guide provides expert advice on maintaining stone countertops, including granite, marble, quartz and more. Learn how to properly clean, seal, disinfect and protect your investment with step-by-step instructions.
Introduction
Stone countertops like granite, marble and quartz are gorgeous additions that can add value and style to any kitchen. However, without proper care and maintenance, they can become damaged over time. Learning how to maintain your stone countertops will help preserve their beauty and function for years to come.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about caring for your natural or engineered stone countertops. We’ll discuss cleaning, sealing, protecting and disinfecting to keep your countertops looking like new. With just a small amount of regular maintenance, your countertops will withstand everyday use with minimal wear.
Why Proper Maintenance Matters
All natural stone countertops are porous to some degree, which means liquids and grime can seep into the surface and cause stains. Engineered stones like quartz are less porous, but still require some maintenance. Allowing spills and messes to sit will lead to permanent discoloration.
With heavy usage in the kitchen, countertops will show signs of wear. Proper cleaning and sealing fills in pores and creates a protective barrier against scratches and stains. Well-maintained stone surfaces are more sanitary too.
Setting up a routine for cleaning, sealing and protecting your investment will help avoid costly damage or replacements down the road. Just a small amount of effort will keep them looking like new for years of beauty and enjoyment.
Cleaning Stone Countertops
Regular cleaning is the first crucial step for countertop maintenance. Different types of natural and engineered stone require slightly different products and techniques, so always refer to your manufacturer’s care guide. We’ll cover some general best practices that apply to all stone.
Supplies Needed For Cleaning
- Mild pH-neutral stone cleaner or dish soap
- Soft cleaning cloths or sponges
- Old toothbrush for grout
- Microfiber cloths
- Clean water
Avoid using any abrasive cleansers, pads or tools that could scratch. Acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice or bleach should not be used either, as they can etch or discolor the surface.
Daily Countertop Cleaning
- Wipe up spills immediately as they occur. Don’t let puddles soak in.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly with a damp cloth and mild pH-neutral stone cleaner.
- Rinse off any suds with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Use a toothbrush and mild cleaner to periodically scrub grout lines.
- Disinfect periodically with an approved antimicrobial cleaner.
The small effort of quick daily cleaning prevents buildup of grime that leads to stains. It also eliminates bacteria before they have a chance to multiply.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Once a week, do a more thorough cleaning session:
- Remove everything from the countertop.
- Apply stone cleaner and let soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a soft brush or sponge cloth to gently scrub entire surface.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
- Repeat process on grout lines using toothbrush.
- Follow up with a stone-safe disinfecting cleaner.
Be careful with corrosive cleaners around the sink, as they can damage the finish or seams. Avoid excessive pressure, especially around fragile marble.
Restorative Cleaning For Stubborn Stains
For harder stains or mineral deposits that don’t respond to regular gentle cleaning, a stripping process may be required:
- Mix up a poultice paste with pH-neutral heavy-duty stone cleaner and cellulose thickener.
- Apply a 1/4″ thick layer directly over the stain.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow paste to dry completely, usually 24-48 hours.
- Scrape away dried poultice and rinse thoroughly.
- A second application may be required for stubborn stains.
- Reseal the area after cleansing.
This deep-cleaning poultice process can help lift out absorbed stains that normal cleaning can’t remove. But avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic mixtures that could damage the finish.
Cleaning Different Stone Types
Always defer to your specific stone’s manufacturer care instructions for ideal cleaners and techniques:
- Granite: Clean with mild pH-neutral stone cleaners. Avoid acidic cleaners.
- Marble: Use gentle cleaners and soft pads. Acid can etch marble easily.
- Quartz: Soap and water is often sufficient. Bleach cleaners are okay.
- Slate & Soapstone: Use powdered stone cleansers to remove marks. Re-oil soapstone regularly.
Learn your particular stone’s sensitivities, porosity ratings and chemical compatibility before cleaning. Consulting an expert is wise if unsure.
Sealing Your Stone Countertops
Sealing is a vital part of stone countertop maintenance. Natural stone is porous, while quartzite and engineered quartz are less so. Sealing fills in pores and creates a protective barrier.
When To Seal
- Seal your counters every 1-2 years, more often for heavy use kitchens.
- Newly installed stone should be sealed immediately.
- If stone darkens when wet, it likely needs sealing.
- Reseal after intensive cleansing or restoration work.
Well-sealed stone will bead water on the surface rather than absorbing it. Grime and liquids won’t penetrate into the pores either.
Tips For Applying Sealant
- Select a sealer designed for your specific type of stone.
- Thoroughly clean and dry the surface before sealing.
- Carefully follow manufacturer directions for application and dry time.
- Apply 2-3 thin coats for full protection, waiting between coats.
- A solvent-based sealer often provides better protection.
- Make sure you have proper ventilation during application.
Using a sealant formulated for your specific natural or engineered stone will provide the right level of protection. Completely sealing all exposed pores is key.
Ongoing Maintenance With Sealant
- Inspect stone regularly for wear, scratches or etching.
- Look for signs of darkening or absorption when wet.
- Reapply sealant over damaged or worn areas as needed.
- Do a full re-sealing at least every other year.
- Avoid using waxes, polishes or tile cleaners on sealed stone.
Your stone countertops will need more frequent sealing in heavy use kitchens. Reapply as soon as you notice any signs of wearing around high traffic areas.
Protecting Your Investment
In addition to cleaning and sealing, ongoing protection and preventative care will maintain your countertops. Be mindful of these tips to avoid unnecessary damage:
- Use cutting boards, trivets and hot pads. Never cut or place hot items directly on stone.
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Lift heavy, abrasive objects rather than sliding across the surface.
- Avoid dropping kitchen tools or appliances on countertops.
- Use furniture leg pads under heavy décor to prevent scratches.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals like oven cleaners, which can etch surfaces.
- Keep sealants and stripping agents away from edges and seams.
- Check manufacturer warranty and keep documentation for protection.
With extra care taken during food prep and daily use, your countertops will stay damage-free. Being gentle with fragile natural stone is especially important.
Disinfecting Stone Surfaces
Sanitizing stone surfaces is especially important in kitchens. Follow these methods to safely disinfect without harming your countertops:
- Use a cleaner made specifically for your stone type. Many can be disinfected with mild soap and water.
- Buff gently with a soft cloth soaked in mild bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly after.
- Spray with an alcohol-based disinfectant and let sit per directions before wiping.
- For deep cleaning, use a hydrogen peroxide based cleaner. Rinse completely afterwards.
- Check stone manufacturer guidelines before using any disinfectants.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing and wipe gently to prevent abrasion.
- Don’t use vinegar, ammonia, lemon juice or harsh chemicals.
Disinfect high use areas and around food prep zones regularly. This will control dangerous germs in your kitchen environment.
FAQs About Stone Countertop Maintenance
New stone countertop owners often have additional questions about keeping their investment protected. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How can I get rid of hard water stains on my stone?
Hard water deposits can etch into stone surfaces, but can be removed with a poultice made for calcite deposits. Spread a paste over deposits, allow to dry completely, then rinse. Resealing afterwards is recommended. Avoid using any acidic cleaners.
What is the best way to clean stone tile grout?
Use a toothbrush with a mild pH balanced stone cleaner to periodically scrub grout. Rinse thoroughly and be careful not to allow corrosive cleaners to contact the stone tiles. Seal grout annually for easier cleaning.
Can I use bleach or other disinfectants on quartz countertops?
Quartz is very durable and bleach can be used in moderation to disinfect, then thoroughly rinsed away. Avoid constant exposure to harsh chemicals. Vinegar, ammonia and acidic cleaners will dull the surface.
How do I get rid of dull flat spots and etching on granite?
Re-polishing with a cleaner containing fine abrasives can help remove some etching or weathering. Avoid excessive pressure during cleaning. Annual sealing and buffered neutral cleaners will prevent future dulling.
What’s the best way to clean marble without damaging the delicate surface?
Use only gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and soft cloths on marble. Avoid acids like vinegar or citrus that can etch the vulnerable surface. Seal regularly to protect marble from liquid absorption and staining.
Conclusion
With the proper care and maintenance covered in this guide, your natural or engineered stone countertops can stay looking fresh, sanitary and damage-free for decades. Regular gentle cleaning, sealing at least annually, preventing scratches and stains, and safe disinfection will protect your investment.
Always defer to manufacturer guidelines for your specific stone type when choosing cleaners and sealants. A small amount of preventative care goes a long way toward maintaining the beauty of your countertops while avoiding costly repairs or replacement. With the right routine, you can enjoy brilliant stone surfaces in your kitchen for a lifetime.