When you invest in stone countertops, the last thing you want is to damage them with the wrong cleaner or forget the maintenance they need. Homeowners often ask us, “How do I keep my stone surfaces looking as good as the day they were installed?” At Innovative Stone, we’ve guided families across Auburn, Grass Valley, Truckee, and the Tahoe area through caring for granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz. With the right habits, you can protect your investment and enjoy stunning countertops for years to come.
Granite: Rugged and Reliable
Granite is famous for its durability, but it still benefits from proper care.
Seal Regularly
Granite is porous, so seal every 1–2 years to prevent stains.
Clean Gently
Use pH-neutral cleaners or mild dish soap. Avoid acidic products like vinegar that weaken the seal.
Protect from Heat
Use trivets or pads to prevent thermal shock and potential cracking.
Marble: Elegant but Sensitive
Marble adds timeless luxury, but it requires more attention than harder stones.
Seal Frequently
Seal every 6–12 months to guard against stains.
Avoid Acidity
Lemon juice, wine, or even Windex can etch marble. Wipe spills quickly with a soft cloth.
Polish Carefully
Use only marble-specific polish, and match it to your finish (don’t use gloss polish on honed marble).
Quartzite: Beauty Meets Strength
Quartzite combines the elegant look of marble with the strength of granite.
Seal Annually
Protect its porous surface with yearly sealing.
Clean Smart
Stick to mild, stone-safe cleaners and avoid abrasives.
Quartz: Engineered for Ease
Quartz is the lowest-maintenance stone option, designed to resist stains without sealing.
No Sealing Needed
Its non-porous surface eliminates the need.
Use Gentle Cleaners
Stick to pH-balanced products to protect the resin finish.
Watch the Heat
Quartz resists a lot, but it isn’t heat-proof. Always use trivets for hot pans.
General Stone Care Tips
No matter which stone you choose, these best practices apply:
- Wipe surfaces daily with a damp, soft cloth.
- Use coasters and mats to prevent scratches and stains.
- Clean spills right away, especially coffee, wine, and oil.
- Skip abrasive scrubbers and gritty cleaners.
- Stick with pH-balanced, stone-safe products.
- Protect from UV exposure with blinds or UV films where sunlight is intense.
Conclusion
Granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz each bring beauty and value to your home, but no stone is completely maintenance-free. With a little care, you can preserve their elegance while keeping daily upkeep simple. At Innovative Stone, we’ve been installing and maintaining stone surfaces in homes across Auburn, Grass Valley, Roseville, and Tahoe for three generations.
If you’re planning new stone countertops, or if you want professional guidance on caring for your existing ones, we’re here to help. Contact us or try our Instant Estimate Tool to get started today.