Countertop Care
How to Clean and Care for Quartz, Granite and Marble
Most countertop damage comes from the wrong cleaner, not from daily use. Quartz, granite and marble each have simple routines, and the manufacturer or supplier's care guidance for your specific product always comes first.
This guide replaces our earlier countertop care blog post and covers cleaning, sealing and what to avoid.
How to clean quartz countertops
Wipe daily with warm water and a mild dish soap on a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge. For dried spills, use a plastic scraper and a cleaner the manufacturer approves. Quartz does not need sealing.
- Avoid bleach, oven cleaner, high-pH or strongly acidic cleaners and abrasive pads.
- Never put hot pans directly on quartz; resin can scorch or discolor.
- Use cutting boards; quartz resists scratches but knives can still mark it and dull blades.
How to clean granite countertops
Use warm water with a mild soap or a pH-neutral stone cleaner and dry with a soft cloth. Wipe up oils, wine and acidic spills promptly, especially on lighter stones.
- Avoid vinegar, lemon, bleach and ammonia, which can dull the finish and wear down sealer.
- Skip abrasive powders and scouring pads.
- Blot stains instead of wiping them across the stone.
Sealing granite countertops
Many granites benefit from periodic sealing; some dense stones need little or none. A common check is the water test: put a few drops of water on the surface and watch. If it darkens the stone within minutes, it is time to reseal. Follow the sealer manufacturer's directions and the stone supplier's data sheet for frequency and product choice.
Marble care
Marble is softer and reacts to acids, so lemon juice, wine, tomato and some cleaners can etch dull marks into the surface even when it is sealed. Use pH-neutral stone cleaners, coasters and cutting boards, and accept that marble develops a patina over time. Honed marble shows etching less than polished marble.
Need care products?
Our Sundry Pro Shop in Columbia Falls carries stone care and sealing products, including Miracle 511. Ask our team which products suit your countertop.
Countertop Care FAQ
What is the best way to clean quartz countertops?
Warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth handle most daily cleaning. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals and abrasive pads.
Can I use vinegar on granite?
It is best not to. Acidic cleaners like vinegar can dull granite's finish and wear down the sealer over time. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
How often should granite be sealed?
It depends on the stone. Use the water test: if water darkens the stone within a few minutes, reseal. Follow the supplier's data sheet and the sealer's directions.
Do quartz countertops need sealing?
No. Engineered quartz is non-porous and does not need sealing. See quartz countertops.
Where can I buy stone sealer and cleaner?
Our Sundry Pro Shop in Columbia Falls carries stone care and sealing products, including Miracle 511.
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