Anything as beautiful as natural stone is bound to need a special cleaning procedure. No matter what kind of counters you have, these tips will help you maintain that amazing shine.
Granite
Granite is best cleaned with mild dish soap and warm water. First, wipe the counter down with soapy water, and use pressure to clean any difficult areas. Rinse your cloth or sponge, and wipe the counter down again with plain water. Repeat as necessary until the counter is clean.
The seal on your granite will do quite a bit to prevent stains. However, you should still wipe up spills as quickly as possible. Oil in particular can sink into the pores of a granite slab and permanently darken the stone.
If you need to remove a more difficult stain from your granite counter, try using a paste made from baking soda and water. Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, and bleach.
Marble
Marble is slightly more delicate than granite, but the best cleaning agent is still mild soap and warm water. Make sure your dish soap doesn’t contain lemon or orange juice, as even a small amount of acid can etch the stone.
All types of natural stone can become etched if exposed to acid. This is why you should never use lemon juice, vinegar, bleach, or any other harsh cleaning agent on stone counters. You should also be aware that spilled juices and sauces can cause etching if they’re allowed to sit for an extended period of time.
Heavy stains on marble can also be removed using baking soda and water. However, because marble is more delicate, you should be much more careful while you clean. If the stain looks too dramatic, consider asking a professional to remove it.
Quartzite
When it comes to cleaning, quartzite is nearly identical to granite and marble. Wipe up spills quickly, and sanitize the surface with mild soap and warm water. Remember to use a soft cloth that won’t scratch the stone.
All types of natural stone should be sealed on a semi-yearly basis. If the seal is allowed to wear thin, the small spills associated with normal cooking can quickly turn into permanent stains. Don’t worry if this happens; large stains on granite, marble, and quartzite can be removed by polishing the stone until the stain is gone.
Quartz
Engineered quartz is made from a combination of natural stone and resin. This means it’s much more durable and will survive occasional exposure to harsher cleaning agents. However, the safest way to clean a quartz counter is still to use soap, warm water, and a soft washcloth.
Engineered quartz will not absorb oil the same way that granite and marble will. Still, you should clean stains as quickly as possible to prevent the color from soaking in. Baking soda won’t have the same stain-removing effect, so look for a cleaner intended for use on engineered quartz.
As long as you use the right cleaners, natural stone is incredibly easy to maintain. Wipe spills up quickly, re-apply your sealer, and enjoy your low-maintenance countertops.
