Walk into any luxurious kitchen. You will be embraced by countertops made of natural stone. But will they be shining? Depends on how well they have been cleaned (and maintained). Now, the question is: how to clean stone countertops? The answer isn’t as simple as you think. There’s a lot to consider and implement to keep your investment in beautiful shape.
Best Cleaning Products for Stone Countertops
The safest way to clean your stone countertops is by using the cleaning product recommended by your installer or provider. These are typically gentle (yet effective) cleaners that protect the stone—and any applied sealant. If the recommended cleaner is unavailable, mild dish soap and warm water usually work well.
The key is to follow these don’ts, always.
Do not use acidic cleaners. Like products containing vinegar or harsh chemicals.
Do not use abrasive tools. Scouring pads, powders, creams, etc.
Do not use rust removers. Particularly cleaners made of hydrofluoric acid.
Daily Cleaning & Maintenance
Generally, wiping countertops daily and cleaning spills immediately is enough. Specifically, you need to do more than that…
Concrete
Regular cleaning is very simple. A combination of 1 tsp detergent + 4 cups water is enough to keep the surface shining. Spray this after every meal prep. Don’t use abrasive cleaners. Avoid distilled white vinegar.
Granite
Clean daily with a spritz of 1 tsp of dishwashing liquid + 4 cups water after meals. Wipe with a gentle microfiber cloth. Allow it to air dry.
Limestone
Give that expensive look of marble (at an affordable price). To maintain the opulent look, we’d recommend a commercial limestone cleaner. Dish detergent + warm water works, too. Skip scrubbers. A soft cloth is enough.
Marble
The secret is prevention. Wipe food/drink spills as soon as possible. Never use glass cleaners with ammonia, or even vinegar. Just wipe down with a solution of mild dish detergent and water.
Quartzite
The secret is prevention. Wipe food/drink spills as soon as possible. Never use glass cleaners with ammonia, or even vinegar. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to warm water. You don’t need a lot of soap, just enough to make the water sudsy. Dip a clean microfiber cloth or other soft, nonabrasive cloth in the water and soap mixture. Using circular motions, gently wipe down the countertop.
Quartz
Non-porous, so doesn’t need a sealant. Don’t place hot items on it directly, though; quartz can even get damaged by long exposure to direct sunlight! Good news is, it isn’t damaged by acidic foods, and doesn’t scratch easily. You can clean it with a non-abrasive household cleaner (or glass cleaner), but avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Soapstone
Any household cleaner + water works. Ditch scouring pads and powders.
How to Clean Stains from Stone Countertops
Occasional stains can happen despite your best efforts. The cleaning technique will depend on the type of stains.
| Type of Stain | Cleaning Technique |
| Organic stains (from tea, coffee, food) | A combination of 12% hydrogen peroxide + a few drops of ammonia. |
| Oil-based stains (cooking oil, grease, cosmetics) | A liquid cleaner containing acetone/mineral spirits. |
| Water spots (from hard water) | Buffing with dry 0000 steel wool. |
| Ink stains | Bleach or lacquer thinners. |
That’s a guideline for stain-particular techniques; you also need to consider material-specific tips.
- Concrete- Baking soda + water for organic or rust stains. Degreasing dishwasher for oil stains.
- Granite- Stone poultice for tough stains (like beet juice). For other stubborn stains, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (the mixture should resemble the consistency of peanut butter). Spread it over the stain (about ¼ inch thick) and cover with plastic wrap. Let it sit for 24 hours. Remove the plastic wrap, and wipe off with a soft cloth.
- Limestone- Use the same baking soda + hydrogen peroxide mixture, as done with granite. Limestone is porous (and super susceptible to darkly colored stains from acidic foods), so this method works really well.
- Marble- Again, use the baking-soda-hydrogen-peroxide mixture. Most stains on marble will come from rust or food items.
- Quartzite- 1: Combine mild dish soap with bucket warm water. 2: Dip the microfiber cloth into the soapy water mixture, wringing out the excess water into the bucket to prevent spillage. 3: Wipe the stained area of the countertop, applying a small amount of pressure to remove the stain chemicals. 4: Repeat Step 3 until the stain has been removed. 5: Rinse off the countertop with clean warm water, using the dry cloth to completely dry the surface to prevent water staining.
- Quartz- Doesn’t stain easily. For dried paint or nail polish, a plastic putty knife works great.
- Soapstone- No tips needed. Foods and acids do not stain this material 🥳
How to Remove Scratches from Stone Countertops
Removing scratches isn’t as simple as daily cleaning or lifting stains. You want to be extra careful here. Minor scratches can often be buffed out with a stone-safe buffing powder or polishing solution. But if the scratches are deeper, we’d recommend contacting a professional stone technician.
- Concrete- Requires buffing. Grinding away the damage. And resealing the surface. An expert would do it best, so don’t DIY it.
- Granite- Apply a paste of granite polishing powder + water over the scratch. Cover with masking tape. Wipe away and apply a granite sealer.
- Limestone- Buff with a bit of car polishing compound (or 0000-grade fine steel wool). Reseal.
- Marble- Use marble polishing powder—and the slightest scrubbing. Reseal.
- Quartz- Apply a quartz polishing compound. Reseal.
- Soapstone- Rub the area with mineral oil.
Pro Tips to Maintain Stone Countertops
Avoid direct heat. Protect stone counters from hot pans, pots, and dishes. Excessive heat cracks the surface. Trivets can help maintain airflow, especially under slow cookers that keep the countertops exposed to heat for hours.
Don’t stress the counter. Never stand or sit over the counter. Pressure from weight causes fissures. Grab a step stool instead.
Use cutting boards. Don’t chop or slice directly on the surface. Always use a good-quality cutting board.
Clean up spills immediately. Blot the spills; don’t wipe (to avoid spreading the mess).
Seal consistently. Definitely one of the most important tips. Sealants won’t last forever. Wear and tear damages the finish. How often you need to reseal will depend on the color, type, and quality of the stone. Light-colored stone sealing lasts one to three years; dark-colored tints can go three to five years.
Call for help when needed. We recommend a periodic beauty treatment (clean, polish, seal service, etc.) on your countertops by a professional. Even if your natural stone is super damaged, it can always be repaired in the hands of a qualified stone restoration contractor.
FAQs
What’s the best way to clean stone countertops?
A solution of water and gentle dish detergent. That’s the best way out. But remember, there’s no one-fits-all solution. Each stone type has its own requirements. Do your research. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. And most importantly, never go harsh.
What shouldn’t I use to clean stone countertops?
Anything abrasive or harsh. Be it a chemical or scrubber. Throw it miles away. You don’t need it.
How to protect stone floors?
How to protect stone countertops is one thing; protecting stone floors is another. Here are the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do’s…
- Vacuum regularly
- Use a soft bristle broom
- Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner
- Mop with a damp (not wet) mop
- Dry the floor immediately
- Seal periodically
Don’ts…
- Use acidic cleaners/abrasive scrubbers
- Leave water standing
- Use ammonia or bleach
- Neglect regular maintenance
Final Words
Stone countertops are an expensive investment—and a stunning addition to your home. If you already have it, follow every tip to extend its lifespan. If you still haven’t installed this beauty in your home, contact our Arizona-based interior designers for expert tips on how to choose and how to care for stone countertops 💙