Stone Countertop Care & Maintenance Guide
Learn how to clean, protect, and maintain your quartz, granite, marble, quartzite, porcelain, and soapstone countertops. Whether you're looking for daily cleaning tips or long-term maintenance advice, this guide will help you keep your custom stone surfaces beautiful for years to come.
Congratulations on Your Stone Purchase
In general, stone is easily cleaned with a soft damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. For any natural stone, it is best to avoid cleaning products that include vinegar, bleach or ammonia. Never use abrasive cleaners that will damage and dull the finish. Always use a cutting board when cutting on any type of countertop. Depending on the type of stone product you have, there are slightly different methods to appropriately care for your stone.
How Do You Care for Granite Countertops?
Granite countertops are one of the most durable natural stone surfaces, making them an excellent choice for busy kitchens and bathrooms. To keep your granite looking its best, clean it regularly with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild soap. Because granite is naturally porous, it should be resealed approximately every six months to help protect against stains and moisture. While granite is highly resistant to scratches and heat, we recommend using a cutting board for food preparation and placing trivets under hot pots and baking dishes to help preserve your countertop's finish.
How Do You Care for Marble Countertops?
Marble countertops are prized for their timeless beauty and distinctive natural veining, but they require a little extra care to maintain their appearance. Clean marble regularly with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner, and wipe up spills immediately to help prevent staining. Because marble is a porous, softer natural stone, it should be sealed regularly and protected from acidic foods, citrus, vinegar, wine, oils, and harsh cleaners that can cause etching. We also recommend using cutting boards and placing trivets under hot pots and baking dishes to help preserve your countertop's finish for years to come.
How Do You Care for Porcelain Countertops?
Porcelain countertops are one of the easiest stone surfaces to maintain thanks to their non-porous, durable construction. Simply clean the surface with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to keep it looking its best—no sealing is required. Porcelain is highly resistant to heat, stains, and scratches, making it an excellent choice for busy kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and even wall applications. Its thinner profile and sleek, modern appearance also make porcelain a versatile option for a wide range of residential design projects.
How Do You Care for Quartz Countertops?
Quartz countertops are one of the most popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms because they're durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain. Clean the surface with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner or soap and water—no sealing is required. To protect your countertop, always use a trivet or hot pad under hot pots and pans, as excessive direct heat can damage the resins that bind the material. Some premium quartz products offer enhanced heat and scratch resistance, making them suitable for outdoor kitchens, fireplace surrounds, and other specialty applications. If you're interested in these advanced quartz surfaces, the Ambiance Stone team can help you select the best option for your project.
How Do You Care for Quartzite Countertops?
Quartzite countertops are prized for their natural beauty, exceptional durability, and resistance to everyday wear, making them an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Clean the surface with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild soap or non-abrasive cleaner. Because quartzite is a natural stone, it should be resealed approximately every six months to help protect against stains, especially on lighter-colored slabs. Although quartzite is highly heat resistant, we recommend using cutting boards and placing trivets under hot pots and baking dishes to help preserve your countertop's finish for years to come.
How Do You Care for Soapstone Countertops?
Soapstone countertops are naturally durable, non-porous, and exceptionally resistant to heat, stains, acids, and everyday wear, making them one of the easiest natural stone surfaces to maintain. Clean your soapstone with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild soap as needed. Unlike many natural stones, soapstone does not require sealing and won't be damaged by hot pots, citrus, wine, or common household chemicals. Over time, soapstone develops a rich natural patina that enhances its character. While not required, applying mineral oil can help promote an even, darker appearance, and minor scratches can typically be minimized with a fine abrasive pad and mineral oil.
