Natural stone is a fantastic option for sophisticated, long-lasting countertops. In order to avoid damage, it’s critical to understand how to properly clean stone countertops, regardless of the material you choose—concrete, granite, limestone, marble, quartz, or soapstone.
For instance, stick to milder solutions like liquid dish detergent instead of using acidic cleaners that can scratch a natural stone countertop. Find out more detailed cleaning advice for stone countertops to preserve the attractive appearance of your investment.
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Cleaning Tips For Different Types Of Stone Countertops
Concrete
A mixture of finely crushed stone, sand, cement, and water is produced in a mold to create concrete countertops. The surface of a sealed countertop is resistant to heat, acid, and scratches and should be cleaned with mild cleaners:
Daily cleaning: Acid is one of the things that damage concrete countertops the most. Use a spray bottle to combine 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 4 cups of water for everyday cleaning. After preparing or cooking food, wipe down the counters. Scrubbing pads and aggressive, abrasive cleaners should never be used. Steer clear of white vinegar that has been distilled.
Hard water: The mineral buildup in hard water can damage concrete surfaces. When it comes to your cleaning water, think about installing a water conditioner or softening system.
Etching: Strong acids, such as lemon juice, can dissolve and leave etched patches of carbonate deposits on concrete countertops. Without resealing the surface and polishing or grinding away the damage, these spots cannot be eliminated. Employ a specialist to repair and grind any damage.
Discoloration: Chlorine bleach usually works well to get rid of stains left by meals like mustard and coffee. Wet a white paper towel or cotton ball with bleach. Apply straight onto the stain, then use a heavy glass dish to weigh it down. After letting the bleach do its job for five to ten minutes, thoroughly rinse with cold, plain water. If you use bleach on the stain for more than ten minutes, the sealant may get damaged.
Oil penetration: You’ll need a solvent and something to absorb the oil if oils have gotten past the concrete sealer and stained the concrete. Making a thick paste the consistency of peanut butter by combining baking soda and acetone (a nail polish remover) is an effective DIY cleaning for concrete oil stains. Cover the stain with plastic wrap after spreading the mixture 1/4 inch thick over it. For a whole day, secure the plastic wrap’s edges using tape. Take off the plastic wrap, let it dry fully, and then wipe it away. To extract all of the oil, repeat as necessary. To stop more discoloration, the concrete must be resealed.
Granite
One of the most sought-after unique stone countertops is granite. Because the stone is inherently antibacterial, maintaining it is simple with the right sealer and the following tips:
Cleaning every day: To keep a granite countertop shining, use a spray bottle filled with four cups water and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Use a gentle microfiber cloth to spray and wash down counters after food preparation. Let it dry by air.
Refrain from using aggressive cleansers: The finish of granite may be dulled by the use of vinegar, lemon juice, or foaming bathroom cleaners.
Use a cutting board: These surfaces help shield surfaces from scratches caused by sharp edges and grit.
Removal of stains: For stubborn stains on granite, such as those left by red wine or beet juice, apply a stone poultice. Combine hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a thick paste with the consistency of peanut butter. Cover the stain with plastic wrap after spreading the mixture over it to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. For a 24-hour hold, secure the plastic wrap in place by taping down the edges. After the mixture has had time to fully dry, remove the plastic wrap and wipe it away. Continue as necessary to remove the discoloration. To stop more stains from forming, reseal the cleaned region.
Sealing: Reapply granite countertop sealant according to the installer’s instructions.
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Limestone
Because limestone countertops mimic the opulent appearance of marble at a significantly lower cost, they are very popular. The majority of limestone has erratic, naturally occurring patterns and is either white or off-white in color. But compared to other forms of stone, limestone is porous, readily discolored, scratches, and needs more maintenance. Make use of these suggestions:
Cleaning tips for marble countertops on a daily basis: Avoid using strong or acidic cleansers. Use warm water and dish soap or commercial limestone cleaner. Every day, wipe down with a gentle cloth after preparing food. Avoid using scrubbers or sponges that could scratch the finish.
Stains: Acidic and darkly colored foods like red wine, black tea, and coffee can leave stains on limestone because it is softer and more porous than other stones. Create a thick paste by combining hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply generously, then wrap in plastic wrap for the next 24 hours. Clean up and seal the area once again.
Scratches: Use 0000-grade fine steel wool or a small amount of automobile polishing product to gently buff minor, shallow scratches. After cleaning, always reseal the area.
Burns: Although limestone is somewhat heat resistant, excessive heat can still burn or scorch the stone.
Marble
Expert cooks love marble worktops because of their cool surface temperature, which is ideal for making pastries. Marble is highly permeable and is prone to stains and scratches. Although marble may soon etch from acidic meals, sealing will assist with stains. Observe these cleaning guidelines:
Daily cleaning: Prevention is the key to maintaining marble’s beautiful appearance. Clean up spilled food and beverages as quickly as you can. Marble countertops can be cleaned once a day with a soft cloth and warm water and mild dish soap; do not use scrubbing sponges. Never use aggressive cleansers such as vinegar or ammonia-based glass cleaners.
Stains: Use a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove food stains or metal rust marks. Use a lot of it, let it dry, then wipe it off. As necessary, repeat. Many stains eventually go away.
Etching and scratches: Use marble polishing powder to get rid of scratches. To avoid damage, carefully follow the product’s directions and scrub with the least amount of pressure. After polishing, reseal.
Sealing: To help against stains, reseal every three to six months.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are not solid slabs, despite the fact that quartz is a naturally occurring mineral included in many stones. An engineered stone, a quartz countertop is composed of 93% randomly sized quartz crystals mixed with 7% resins and colored pigment to create a slab.
Since quartz is nonporous, sealing is not necessary. However, if the quartz countertop is exposed to strong, direct sunlight for an extended amount of time, its color will fade. Steer clear of placing hot objects directly on the quartz surface as this could damage the resin.
Daily maintenance: Because quartz does not scratch readily and is unaffected by acidic foods, it is one of the easiest stone counters to maintain. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads and instead use a glass cleaner or any other non-abrasive household cleaner to clean the countertop on a daily basis.
Stains: Quartz is not readily stained. Paint or nail polish that has dried can be removed with a plastic putty knife. But since permanent ink is hard to get off, always use safety precautions while using Sharpies on surfaces.
Soapstone
Soapstone is another easy-care stone countertop that is nonporous, repels most stains, and is heat resistant. The downside of soapstone is that it is not as hard as some other stones, and the countertops can be easily scratched and chipped if hit with a heavy object.
Daily cleaning: Use any household cleaner and water. It is best to avoid scouring powders and pads.
Stains: Since soapstone is nonporous, food and acids do not stain the surface.
Scratches and spots: Rubbing the area with mineral oil will help hide scratches, discoloration, and hard water spots.
Oiling: Freshly quarried soapstone is light gray. The stone becomes darker as it is exposed to water and oils. Enrich the color of a soapstone countertop by rubbing it with mineral oil.
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