Stone countertops are more than just a work surface, but a major design feature and investment in your home. Whether you choose granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, porcelain, or soapstone, proper care is key to maintaining their beauty, function, and value. At Design Surfaces in Westlake, OH, we work with homeowners, designers, and contractors throughout Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood, Avon, and Cleveland to help select the perfect surfaces for kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces. Find out how the right maintenance routine can keep stone countertops looking their best for decades.
What Are Stone Countertops and Why Care Matters
Stone countertops are prized for their durability, timeless beauty, and variety of finishes. But despite their toughness, every surface—from natural granite to engineered quartz—has unique characteristics that require specific care. The right cleaning techniques help you:
- Maintain the natural luster and color of your stone
- Prevent stains, etching, and scratches
- Extend the life of your investment
- Keep your home safe and hygienic for food prep
Benefits of Proper Stone Countertop Cleaning
A consistent cleaning and care routine offers more than just aesthetics:
- Longevity – Well-maintained stone can last a lifetime
- Stain Resistance – Immediate cleanup prevents deep-set stains
- Hygiene – Non-porous or sealed surfaces resist bacteria and mold
- Cost Savings – Preventative care costs far less than restoration
- Sustained Resale Value – Kitchens and baths in great condition help homes sell faster and for more money
How to Clean Different Types of Stone Countertops
Not all stone surfaces are created equal. Here’s how to care for the most popular options we offer at Design Surfaces:
Granite Countertops
- Daily Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for natural stone.
- Avoid: Harsh or acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, bleach).
- Maintenance Tip: Seal every 1–2 years to keep the surface stain-resistant.
- Spill Strategy: Blot spills immediately—don’t wipe—to prevent spreading.
Quartz Countertops
- Daily Cleaning: Mild dish soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaner.
- Avoid: Abrasive pads and strong chemicals (no bleach or ammonia).
- Heat Caution: Use trivets or hot pads—quartz is heat-resistant but not heat-proof.
- Bonus: No sealing required, making quartz a low-maintenance choice.
Marble Countertops
- Daily Cleaning: Soft cloth with warm water and pH-neutral stone cleaner.
- Avoid: Acidic foods and liquids, which can etch the surface.
- Maintenance Tip: Seal regularly and use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters.
- Stain Removal: Use a baking soda poultice for oil stains; hydrogen peroxide for organic stains.
Quartzite Countertops
- Daily Cleaning: Gentle dish soap and water or stone-safe cleaner.
- Maintenance Tip: Seal annually to protect against stains.
- Spill Strategy: Treat spills quickly—especially wine, coffee, or citrus juices.
- Durability: Scratch- and heat-resistant, but still benefits from protective pads.
Porcelain Countertops
- Daily Cleaning: Warm water and mild dish soap; microfiber cloths work best.
- Avoid: Abrasive tools that may dull the surface.
- Maintenance Tip: No sealing required.
- Bonus: Highly resistant to stains, heat, and scratches.
Soapstone Countertops
- Daily Cleaning: Simple soap and water is all you need.
- Unique Feature: Can be darkened with mineral oil if desired.
- Maintenance Tip: No sealing required, but scratches can be sanded out.
- Durability: Non-porous and acid-resistant—perfect for kitchens and baths.
General Stone Countertop Care Tips
Regardless of your stone type, these rules apply:
- Always Use Cutting Boards – Protects both your counters and your knives.
- Blot Spills Immediately – Especially with wine, citrus, vinegar, oils, and coffee.
- Use Coasters & Trivets – Prevents heat damage and liquid rings.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Stick to pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners.
- Dry After Cleaning – Prevents water spots and streaking.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most durable stone can be damaged by improper care. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Placing hot pans directly on stone – Can cause thermal shock and cracks.
- Using vinegar, lemon juice, or bleach – Can etch or dull the finish.
- Scrubbing with steel wool or abrasive pads – Can scratch and wear down sealants.
- Letting water pool near seams or edges – Can lead to staining or adhesive breakdown.
- Skipping regular sealing – Leaves porous stones vulnerable to stains.
Complete the Look with Design Surfaces
Looking for more than flooring? At Design Surfaces, we offer a full range of high-quality materials to complete your project with style and substance. In addition to natural and engineered stone countertops, you'll find:
- James Martin Vanities – Elevate your bathroom with furniture-style vanities from the James Martin 2025 Collection. Featuring warm wood tones, woven textures, and soft curved silhouettes, these pieces combine artisan craftsmanship with practical storage—bringing luxury, functionality, and natural beauty to any size bath.
- Rebel Collection Tile by WOW – Make a bold statement with this high-design collection, known for its daring colors, gloss-matte combinations, and dimensional textures that redefine what wall tile can be.
- Mont Synthesis Shower Surround System – Create a sleek, grout-free bathroom with Mont’s large-format porcelain panels. These innovative surrounds offer a clean, modern look with high performance and minimal maintenance—perfect for today's luxury bath remodels.
- Cabinetry Hardware and Designer Plumbing Fixtures – Add the finishing touch with elevated details that make a big impact. We offer a curated selection of knobs, pulls, and designer fixtures that bring cohesion, contrast, and polish to every space.
- Richelieu Cabinet Hardware – Elevate any kitchen, bath, or built-in with Richelieu’s designer-grade knobs, pulls, and handles. With hundreds of styles, finishes, and materials, from matte black and satin brass to leather-wrapped and wood accents, Richelieu offers the perfect finishing touch to tie your cabinetry, countertops, and tile together.
Design Surfaces brings every element together—so your entire space feels cohesive, elevated, and uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cleaning Stone Countertops
Can I use antibacterial wipes on stone countertops?
Only if the product is specifically labeled stone-safe. Many common antibacterial wipes contain bleach, ammonia, or acidic ingredients that can damage natural stone sealants and dull the finish. For everyday sanitizing, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.
Do quartz countertops need sealing?
No. Quartz is an engineered, non-porous material, so it does not require sealing. However, you should still clean up spills promptly and avoid harsh chemicals to keep the surface looking its best.
What’s the easiest stone to maintain?
Quartz and porcelain are the lowest-maintenance countertop materials. They resist staining, don’t require sealing, and are ideal for busy kitchens or households with children and pets.
Can I remove etch marks from marble at home?
Light surface etching may be minimized by using a marble polishing powder and a soft cloth. However, deep etching—especially on polished marble—often requires professional refinishing to restore the original surface.
Can I use vinegar or lemon juice to clean my stone countertops?
No. Even diluted acids can etch, dull, or weaken the surface—especially on calcareous stones like marble, limestone, and some granites. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners designed for stone.
What’s the best way to sanitize stone countertops without damage?
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water, apply with a soft cloth, and rinse thoroughly. For deeper sanitization, use a stone-safe disinfectant spray recommended by your installer or the Stone Fabricators Alliance.
Is it okay to cut directly on my stone countertop?
It’s not recommended. Even though granite, quartz, and quartzite are scratch-resistant, cutting directly on the surface can cause micro-abrasions, dull the finish, and damage your knives. Always use a cutting board.
Bring Your Vision to Life with Design Surfaces
Knowing how to clean stone countertops the right way will keep your investment looking beautiful for years. Whether you have granite in your kitchen, marble in your bathroom, or quartzite on your outdoor bar, a little preventative care goes a long way. If you’re considering new countertops, visit Design Surfaces in Westlake to see our full range of granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, porcelain, and soapstone options in person. We proudly serve Cleveland’s west side communities including Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood, and Avon. Let our experts help you choose and care for the perfect surface for your home.
Call: 440.899.9900 • Email: info@designsurfaces.com • Contact: submit your request
.png)
