Countertop Care FAQ
Quick Definition
This countertop care FAQ answers the most common questions from fabricators and homeowners.
Countertop care covers the daily cleaning, periodic maintenance, and damage prevention practices that keep stone and engineered surfaces looking their best. Different materials require different care - granite needs sealing, quartz doesn't; marble etches from acids, quartzite doesn't. Proper care extends the life of any countertop surface and protects the homeowner's investment, which typically runs $3,000-$12,000 for a kitchen countertop installation.
TL;DR
- Quartz is the lowest-maintenance countertop material - no sealing, easy cleaning
- Granite needs sealing every 6-24 months depending on the specific stone
- Marble requires the most care - seal every 3-6 months, avoid all acids
- The #1 rule for all stone: wipe up spills promptly, especially acidic liquids
- Never use vinegar, bleach, or Windex on natural stone surfaces
- pH-neutral stone cleaners are the safest choice for granite, marble, and quartzite
- Heat damage is a real risk for quartz (resin scorches above 300°F) but not for granite
- Most countertop damage is preventable with basic daily habits
- Proper care information should be part of every fabricator's post-install package
Daily Cleaning by Material
How do you clean granite countertops?
Granite is relatively easy to maintain:
Daily cleaning:
- Warm water and a soft cloth or sponge - this handles 90% of daily cleaning
- For tougher spots, use a pH-neutral granite cleaner (sold at home improvement stores, $8-$15 per bottle)
- Dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots
Products to avoid on granite:
- Vinegar (acidic - can dull the polish over time)
- Bleach (can discolor the stone and break down sealant)
- Windex/glass cleaners (ammonia damages sealant)
- Citrus-based cleaners (acidic)
- Abrasive scrubbers or powdered cleaners (scratch the polish)
Recommended granite cleaners:
- Granite Gold Daily Cleaner
- Method Daily Granite Cleaner
- Black Diamond Granite Cleaner
- Simple Green Stone Cleaner
How do you clean quartz countertops?
Quartz (engineered stone) is the easiest countertop material to clean:
Daily cleaning:
- Warm water and dish soap with a soft cloth
- Any non-abrasive kitchen cleaner works on quartz
- No sealing required - ever
What to avoid on quartz:
- Abrasive scrubbers (can dull the surface)
- Harsh chemicals (oven cleaner, drain cleaner, paint stripper)
- Permanent markers (some pigments can stain resin)
- Prolonged exposure to high-pH cleaners
Quartz is non-porous, so liquids don't soak in. Stains that would penetrate granite sit on the quartz surface and wipe away. This is quartz's biggest practical advantage over natural stone.
How do you clean marble countertops?
Marble requires the most careful cleaning routine:
Daily cleaning:
- Warm water and a very soft cloth only
- For deeper cleaning, use a marble-specific pH-neutral cleaner
- Wipe up any spills immediately - especially anything acidic
- Dry the surface after cleaning
Critical items to keep off marble:
- Lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice
- Vinegar (even diluted)
- Wine (red and white)
- Tomato products
- Coffee (if left sitting)
- Any cleaning product not specifically labeled for marble
Why marble is different: Marble is composed of calcium carbonate, which reacts chemically with acids. This reaction is called etching - it dissolves a microscopic layer of the surface, creating a dull spot. Sealing protects against stains (liquid soaking in) but does NOT protect against etching (chemical reaction on the surface).
How do you clean quartzite countertops?
Quartzite care falls between granite and quartz:
Daily cleaning:
- Warm water and a soft cloth for routine cleaning
- pH-neutral stone cleaner for tougher spots
- Dry after cleaning to prevent water spots
Maintenance:
- Seal every 6-12 months (quartzite is slightly less porous than granite)
- Very scratch-resistant (7-8 Mohs) - harder than granite
- Heat-resistant - handles hot cookware better than quartz
- Not acid-reactive like marble (quartzite is silica-based, not calcium-based)
Quartzite is often confused with quartz, but they're completely different materials. Quartzite is natural stone that needs sealing. Quartz is engineered and does not.
Sealing
Which countertop materials need sealing?
| Material | Needs Sealing? | Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | Yes | Every 6-24 months | Porous - liquids can absorb |
| Marble | Yes | Every 3-6 months | Very porous, stain-prone |
| Quartzite | Yes | Every 6-12 months | Moderately porous |
| Soapstone | Optional (oil instead) | Every 1-3 months (mineral oil) | Develops patina without oiling |
| Quartz (engineered) | No | Never | Non-porous by design |
| Porcelain slab | No | Never | Non-porous |
| Solid surface (Corian) | No | Never | Non-porous |
How do you seal a countertop?
The sealing process takes about 15-20 minutes for a full kitchen:
- Clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry completely (2-4 hours or overnight)
- Apply sealer - Pour or spray granite/marble sealer evenly across the surface
- Let it absorb - Wait 15-20 minutes (follow the product's instructions)
- Wipe off excess - Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any unabsorbed sealer
- Buff - Polish lightly with a clean, dry cloth
- Cure time - Most sealers reach full protection in 24 hours. Avoid placing wet items during this period.
Sealer cost: $15-$30 for a bottle that covers 200+ square feet (one kitchen application).
How do I know when my countertop needs resealing?
The water test is the simplest method:
- Place a few tablespoons of water on the counter surface
- Wait 10-15 minutes
- Wipe up the water and check the area
Results:
- Water beads up and doesn't soak in = Seal is still good
- Water soaks in within 5-10 minutes, leaving a dark spot = Time to reseal
- Dark spot fades as the stone dries = Seal is weakening but still has some protection
Other signs that sealing is needed:
- Water no longer beads on the surface
- Light-colored stone shows dark spots where liquids have sat
- Fingerprints or water rings appear more easily
Damage Prevention
What damages countertops most often?
The most common types of countertop damage, ranked by frequency:
| Damage Type | Primary Cause | Materials Affected | Preventable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etching (dull spots) | Acidic liquids on marble/limestone | Marble, limestone, travertine | Yes - wipe up acids immediately |
| Staining | Oil, wine, coffee absorbed into stone | Granite, marble, quartzite (unsealed) | Yes - seal and wipe promptly |
| Chips | Impact from heavy objects on edges | All materials, especially thin edges | Mostly - avoid impacts |
| Heat damage | Hot pots on quartz/solid surface | Quartz, solid surface, laminate | Yes - always use trivets |
| Scratches | Cutting directly on surface | Marble, soapstone, solid surface | Yes - use cutting boards |
| Cracks | Structural stress, impact, or thermal shock | All materials (thin areas most vulnerable) | Sometimes - proper support helps |
Can you put hot pots directly on countertops?
This depends entirely on the material:
| Material | Hot Pots OK? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | Yes | Excellent heat resistance. Hot pans won't damage granite. |
| Quartzite | Yes | Very heat-resistant natural stone. |
| Marble | With care | Won't scorch, but extreme heat can cause thermal shock cracking |
| Quartz (engineered) | No | Resin binder can scorch and discolor at 300°F+. Always use trivets. |
| Porcelain slab | Yes | Very heat-resistant. |
| Solid surface | No | Will melt and discolor from hot cookware. |
| Laminate | No | Will scorch and blister. |
The safe rule: Always use trivets or hot pads, regardless of material. It costs nothing and prevents the one-in-100 incident that damages the surface.
How do you prevent chips in countertops?
Chip prevention strategies:
- Avoid slamming heavy objects near counter edges (cast iron pans, ceramic crocks)
- Choose appropriate edge profiles - Simple edges (eased, bullnose) chip less than ornate edges (ogee, dupont)
- Keep the edge clear - Items placed right at the edge are more likely to be knocked against it
- Be careful during move-in - Boxes and furniture bumping countertop edges during a move cause many chips
- Corner guards during construction - If contractors are still working in the kitchen after counter installation, temporary edge protection prevents tool impacts
Stain Removal
How do you remove stains from stone countertops?
Different stains require different approaches:
Oil-based stains (cooking oil, grease, cosmetics):
- Create a poultice with baking soda and water (paste consistency)
- Apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, tape edges
- Let sit 24-48 hours
- Remove and rinse
- Repeat if necessary
Organic stains (coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice):
- Poultice with hydrogen peroxide (12%) and baking soda for light-colored stone
- Or poultice with acetone for dark-colored stone
- Same application method as above
Water stains / hard water rings:
- Usually not actual stains - they're mineral deposits
- Steel wool (0000 grade) with a small amount of water
- Or commercial hard water stain remover for stone
Rust stains (from metal objects left on wet stone):
- Commercial rust stain remover formulated for stone
- Do not use standard household rust removers - they contain acids that damage stone
- May require professional treatment for deep rust
Ink and marker:
- Acetone or lacquer thinner on a soft cloth
- Dab - don't rub - to lift the stain
- Follow with pH-neutral cleaner
Can you use baking soda on stone countertops?
Yes. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and non-abrasive, making it safe for all natural stone surfaces. It's the base ingredient in most DIY stone poultices for stain removal. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water for gentle scrubbing of stuck-on food. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Long-Term Maintenance
How long do different countertop materials last?
Expected lifespan with proper maintenance:
| Material | Expected Lifespan | Key Maintenance Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | 50+ years | Sealing every 6-24 months |
| Marble | 50+ years (stone itself) | Sealing, careful use, periodic refinishing |
| Quartzite | 50+ years | Sealing every 6-12 months |
| Quartz (engineered) | 15-25 years (warranty period) | Minimal - avoid heat and UV |
| Porcelain slab | 25+ years | Minimal |
| Solid surface | 15-20 years | Periodic buffing |
| Laminate | 10-15 years | Avoid water at seams |
Natural stone, with proper care, effectively lasts forever. The surface condition (polish, smoothness) may change, but the stone itself doesn't wear out. Professional refinishing can restore the surface every 10-20 years.
Should fabricators provide care instructions to customers?
Absolutely. Providing written care instructions at installation is a best practice that reduces callbacks and protects your reputation. What to include:
- Material-specific cleaning instructions
- Sealing schedule and recommended products
- List of products to avoid
- Heat, scratch, and impact guidelines
- How to handle common stains
- Contact information for questions
- Warranty terms and limitations
Customer education reduces the "my countertop is defective" calls that are actually user-caused damage. A customer who knows not to use vinegar on marble won't call you complaining about dull spots.
A customer portal - like SlabWise's - can include digital care guides that customers access anytime, reducing repeat phone calls and creating a professional post-installation experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best daily cleaner for stone countertops?
For granite and quartzite, a pH-neutral stone cleaner or just warm water with a soft cloth works well. For marble, use only marble-specific cleaners or plain water. For quartz, standard dish soap and water handles everything. Avoid all-purpose kitchen cleaners on natural stone - most contain acids or ammonia that damage sealant and dull polish over time.
Can I use Clorox wipes on my countertops?
Not on natural stone. Clorox wipes contain citric acid and bleach, both of which damage granite sealant and etch marble. You can use Clorox wipes on quartz, porcelain, and solid surface without damage, though there's no particular need - soap and water clean these materials just as effectively.
How often should I clean my countertops?
Wipe down countertops daily with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and surface dust. Do a more thorough cleaning with appropriate cleaner once or twice a week. Clean up spills immediately - this is the single most important habit for maintaining any countertop, especially natural stone.
Do quartz countertops need any special care?
Very little. Quartz is non-porous and doesn't need sealing. The only real maintenance concern is avoiding extreme heat (always use trivets for hot pots), not cutting directly on the surface (preserves the finish and your knives), and avoiding harsh chemicals like oven cleaner or paint stripper. Quartz is genuinely low-maintenance.
Why does my marble have dull spots?
Those dull spots are almost certainly etch marks from acidic liquids. Even a drop of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar will etch marble within seconds. The acid dissolves a thin layer of the calcium carbonate surface, leaving a dull, lighter spot. Light etch marks can be buffed out with marble polishing powder. Deeper etching may require professional honing.
Can you use vinegar to clean any countertop?
Vinegar should never be used on marble, limestone, or travertine - it will etch the surface immediately. While vinegar won't chemically damage granite, it degrades the sealant over time, which reduces stain protection. Vinegar is safe on quartz, porcelain, and laminate, but honestly, mild dish soap and water works better for all surfaces without any risk.
How do you fix a scratch on a quartz countertop?
Light scratches on quartz can sometimes be buffed out with a non-abrasive pad and a quartz-specific polish. Deeper scratches require professional repair - a stone restoration specialist can grind and polish the affected area to restore the finish. Prevention is easier than repair: always use cutting boards and avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface.
Is it safe to sit or stand on countertops?
Not recommended. While stone countertops are strong across their surface, concentrated weight near unsupported areas (overhangs, corners, near cutouts) can cause cracking. Countertops are designed to support distributed weight from above (dishes, appliances, cooking), not the concentrated point-load of a person sitting or standing on them.
What happens if I never seal my granite?
The granite itself won't deteriorate, but it becomes increasingly stain-prone. Oil, wine, coffee, and other liquids will soak into the pores and create permanent discoloration. The longer granite goes without sealing, the harder stains are to remove. If you inherit unsealed granite that's already stained, a professional stone restoration company can deep-clean and reseal it, though deeply set stains may not fully come out.
Can countertop damage void my warranty?
Yes. Most fabricator warranties exclude damage from improper care - using harsh chemicals, placing hot items on quartz, failing to seal natural stone, or using the surface as a cutting board. Keep your care instructions and follow them. If you have a warranty claim, the fabricator will typically ask about your cleaning and maintenance practices.
Help Your Customers Take Care of Their Investment
Every callback about "defective" countertops that turns out to be a care issue costs your shop time and reputation. Educating customers at installation and providing ongoing access to care resources reduces complaints significantly.
SlabWise's customer portal includes digital care guides, maintenance reminders, and direct communication with your shop - reducing the 8-15 daily status calls that eat your time while keeping customers informed. Happier customers, fewer callbacks, more time for production.
Start your 14-day free trial and see how a professional customer portal improves your post-installation experience.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Care and Maintenance Guide for Natural Stone Surfaces
- Marble Institute of America - Marble cleaning and stain removal protocols
- Quartz manufacturer care guides (Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, MSI)
- ISFA - Post-installation customer care standards
- Stone World Magazine - Maintenance best practices for fabrication professionals
- National Kitchen and Bath Association - Consumer care resources
- Stone restoration professional associations - Damage repair techniques and costs
- Fabricator industry surveys - Callback cause analysis (2024-2026)
Internal Links
- Marble FAQ - Marble-specific care and maintenance details
- Granite FAQ - Granite care, sealing, and cleaning
- Quartz FAQ - Quartz maintenance and heat precautions
- Countertop Materials FAQ - Full material comparison including maintenance
- Post-Installation Checklist - Installer's completion and handoff checklist
- Customer Portal Guide - Setting up digital customer communication
- Countertop Warranty Guide - What warranties cover and exclude