Natural stone countertops are growing in popularity throughout Wichita and the United States. According to Grand View Research, the natural stone market will reach 69 billion dollars by 2030 and will continue to grow. As more and more homeowners start installing natural stone countertops, we’ve seen more concerns over maintenance and how to clean stone countertops. Star Lumber is providing this stone countertop cleaning guide to give homeowners the skills to properly care for their stone countertop so they can enjoy beautiful surfaces for years to come.
General Stone Countertop Cleaning Process
Regular cleaning is hugely important for every natural stone countertop. Cleaning your countertops with mild dish soap, warm water and a microfiber cloth helps prevent long-term stains, grime buildup and keeps your countertops looking like new. We strongly recommend avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners because they tend to damage the sealant used on natural stone surfaces. With enough damage, that sealant will let moisture through to the stone, leaving stains and cracks that require extensive repairs.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Cleaning your natural stone countertop is straightforward; however, different stones may need slightly different care routines. Here’s a general stone countertop cleaning process that every homeowner can follow.
- Wet a soft microfiber cloth or sponge with soap and water.
- Gently wipe down the entire countertop surface.
- Rinse the countertop and wash the cloth thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry countertop completely with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
When it comes time to clean specific stones, such as quartz, granite and marble, it’s important to understand how to clean different countertop materials.
Quartz
Quartz is generally a low maintenance countertop material, but like with other stone countertops, avoid abrasive chemicals that may damage the sealant. Avoid using acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice as these will damage the surface. For quartz countertops, mild dish soap and warm water will work for any normal spill or stain.
Granite
Granite counters are fairly stain resistant when sealed properly. However, if you leave stains to sit, they may cause discoloration, so quick cleaning is always recommended. Like with other stone countertops, a simple soap, soft cloth and warm water should be enough to keep your granite countertop clean and looking great. As always, don’t use steel wool or scouring pads to avoid scratches and damage to the sealant.
Marble
Marble countertops typically require a little extra care compared to other natural stone counters. Since marble is more susceptible to etching and staining, homeowners should use specialized cleaners to strengthen and maintain its appearance. For long-term care, consider using a pH-neutral stone cleaner to gently remove dirt and grime without damaging the surface. Follow up with marble polishing powder to restore the shine and luster to your countertop.
How to Clean Spills and Stains on Stone Countertops
Cleaning spills promptly is crucial for preventing stains and damage to your countertops. Spills and stains are bound to happen; however, different stains should be cleaned in specific ways.
Acidic liquids or Substances: should be cleaned immediately as these can damage countertops and stone quickly.
Oil-based stains: Act quickly when cleaning oil stains. Blot the stain with a cloth or paper towels to remove as much oil as possible. Avoid wiping, as this can spread the stain. Then, clean the area with mild dish soap and warm water, rinsing and drying thoroughly. If the stain persists, try a poultice made of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap and then let it sit for 24 hours. After a day, remove the wrap, allow the paste to dry completely and then gently scrape it off with a plastic spatula.
Organic Stains: When cleaning coffee, tea and wine stains we recommend trying the dish soap and water method first. For stains that stick around, use a specialized stone cleaner or hydrogen peroxide mixture. If you choose the mixture, combine a ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia, apply to the stain, cover in plastic wrap and then let sit for a day. Once the time is up, clean the area with water and dry.
Resealing
Most natural stone countertops need to be sealed for proper protection and longevity, so homeowners will periodically have to reseal countertops to maintain their durability. This may not be necessary for all types of stone countertops, such as quartz. To be sure, you can test your countertop sealant by placing a few drops of water on the surface. If the drops have soaked in after 10-15 minutes, it’s most likely time to reseal.
In Conclusion
The most important takeaway when cleaning your stone countertops is routine and consistency. Regularly cleaning surfaces with mild dish soap and occasionally resealing counters will keep your beautiful stone countertop looking pristine. Contact Star Lumber if you have additional questions about stone countertop maintenance, we’re always happy to help.
