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Cleaning your Stone Countertops

Updated: Jul 13, 2018

We're always asked, "how do I clean my countertops?" or even "is granite, quartz or marble hard to clean?" so today we're giving you the answers! Many of us have stone countertops in our own home (pretty surprising I'm sure, seeing as we work/own a countertop shop), so we know exactly what works! Granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, and quartz all require a bit of special care, but truthfully it just involves less chemicals and is probably way better for your health!

Now, every stone is a little different, and it's important to take this into consideration when picking a cleaning method. Marble and Onyx are definitely the most susceptible to issues such as etching (dulling in certain areas of the surface) and scratches. Although granite, quartzites, and quartz countertops are more durable, they're still sensitive to acids and abrasion. To avoid damaging the stone, we recommend avoid acids (even vinegar), using coasters and hot mats when possible, and keeping the surface free of dust and debris. This is a good starting point if you're new to stone countertops.

A good sealant is also an important step to clean countertops. As long as your countertop is properly sealed, it will be easy to clean. We recommend Stonetech BulletProof Sealer (available at Luxury) which is easy to apply and food-safe. Doing this prolongs the life of the stone's finish. Luxury seals your countertops upon installation, so you only need to seal your countertops every 1 to 4 years after installation, depending on the stone. You can always do the water test or contact us to find out if your stone needs re-sealing!


Now let's get to cleaning!

After all, that's why you're here, right?

When it comes to natural stone, the rule of thumb is to use only non-acidic cleaners. Ideally, your stone should be cleaned with something made specifically for it and only with a soft cloth or sponge - do not use a scrub pad of any kind. Some of us personally use Method Daily Granite and absolutely love it, but just plain soap and water work for regular cleaning.

If you need to clean a tough spot, we recommend soaking the area with warm water and neutral soap and carefully wiping the surface. If this does not work (such as on rust stains) try Barkeepers Friend, but be extremely careful as it can easily damage your stone. Only resort to this with extremely difficult stains and do a test patch somewhere inconspicuous. As well, too much scrubbing in one spot or using a harsh chemically may lead to uneven wearing of the finish or even the stone itself.


Some people will recommend a diluted vinegar mixture. Although quartz and granite will typically be safe to use this on, calcareous stones like marble will definitely be damaged by even a small amount of vinegar.


Same as with granite, marble, and other natural stones, you want to avoid acids with quartz. Warm soap and water will do the job for the most part. Each manufacturer recommends a slightly different approach to cleaning and maintenance, so be sure to check with their instructions. Below are a few of our most popular suppliers reccomendations:


So the best options to clean your stone are:

- Warm water, soap and soft cloth.

- Cleaners made specifically for granite, marble, and quartz such as Method Daily Granite.

Finish off with a soft cloth to dry and "buff" the surface!


I hope this helps answer any of your questions, but always feel free to get a hold of us for more information!


- Alyssa

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