Types of Natural Stone Countertops and How to Clean Them

Introduction: There are many reasons to love natural stone countertops. They’re extremely durable, luxurious and can instantly add style to any kitchen or bathroom. And as long as you take proper care of them, they’ll look great for years to come. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the entire process – so your countertops are always spick and span. First, it’s important to understand that not all natural stone countertops are created equal. And while there are some basic rules you should follow to clean any stone surface, the proper way to maintain it comes down to the type of rock. In this article, we’ll cover four of the most common types of stone countertops and give you everything you need to become an expert when it comes to cleaning them. General Stone Cleaning Instructions Before we dive in, you should know that natural stone such as granite, marble and others are quarried from the Earth and can be very susceptible to wear and tear. There are three basic steps for proper care and maintenance of natural stone surfaces. CLEAN Clean once a day and after every meal preparation. Avoid common cleaners and abrasives, which are not formulated for natural stone; they’ll dull the professional finish and break down the protective seal and may cause costly damage. SEAL Seal frequently to provide long-lasting resistance to staining, etching and soil build-up. Regularly check the integrity of the seal by pouring water (about 3 inches in diameter) on the surface in several locations and let it sit for 30 minutes. If you see a dark mark or ring, it’s time to reseal. POLISH Polish regularly to reinforce the protective seal and provide ongoing protection against water spots and fingerprints. Plus, it’ll bring out the stone’s natural beauty. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the different types of stone countertops and how to clean each one of them properly. Granite Cleaning Tips First, use a safe-on-stone cleaner like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®. Simply spray and wipe to get a clean surface. Do not use lemon or vinegar! They are highly acidic and will wear away the natural stone’s protective seal and dull the professional finish. Next, seal your granite countertop with Granite Gold Sealer®. Finally, wait 24 hours for the Sealer to dry and polish with Granite Gold Polish®. You can use the surface two hours after sealing, but be sure to wait 24 hours before polishing. Quartz Cleaning Tips Because it is fabricated with more than 90 percent natural stone particles, quartz is susceptible to harsh chemicals found in common household cleaners. They’ll dull the surface over time and wear away the professional finish, leading to costly repairs or replacement. A common recommendation is to clean with dish soap and water, which is prone to leaving streaks. To clean, just spray Granite Gold Quartz Brite® directly onto the surface. It’s specially formulated to clear away dirt and grime from quartz, while leaving behind a shiny finish. Buff to a shine with a paper towel or microfiber cloth and wipe the surface with a dry cloth. It couldn’t be easier! Marble Cleaning Tips Marble is one of the most porous natural stones, so more care is needed to clean and disinfect it. Common household cleaners are too acidic and may lead to chemical etching and a dulled professional finish. Instead, use a proper marble cleaner, like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®. Then, disinfect the surface with MicroGold® Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray, which can be used on sealed stone surfaces as well as hard, non-porous surfaces. Limestone Cleaning Tips Common household cleaners should never be used on limestone because they will weaken the protective seal and make the surface look dull. A specially formulated cleaner, like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®, is the only substance you should use on your limestone counters. To prevent staining, never let any substance sit on limestone counters for too long. Like marble, limestone is very porous, so reseal frequently with Granite Gold Sealer®. Conclusion Natural stone countertops as well as quartz counters can last a lifetime. The key is to perform regular cleaning and maintenance with products specially designed for the task. Remember to avoid common household cleaners, because they can cause unsightly chemical reactions and could lead to costly repairs. No matter what type of natural stone or quartz countertop you have, Granite Gold covers every stone care need. Our passion is born out of three generations of family expertise — manufacturing, installation, restoration, and care & maintenance. Have questions about your stone surface? Just Ask the Experts.