How to Clean
Stone Countertops

There is no better feeling than getting rid of old, outdated countertops and replacing them with luxurious stone. However, property owners must know that a standard disinfectant wipe or a run-of-the-mill household cleaner may not suffice when cleaning them — especially if you want their beautiful finish to last for years. Every type of stone is different, but if you’re wondering how to clean stone countertops, a few general guidelines apply to each kind. Here are some of the most important cleaning and care tips to keep in mind.

Clean Up Water Immediately

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most common places for property owners to install stone countertops. While the intricate patterns and rich colors can revitalize these rooms, these areas can also leave stone susceptible to water damage. Some spills and accidents are bound to happen, but property owners must be ready to clean these messes immediately to prevent stone damage.

Additionally, you should note that pooling water is common, although its presence is less obvious than a spill. Water can collect around the sink near toothbrush holders or soap dishes, leaving a ring. Therefore, you should lift these items and wipe away any hidden moisture. This simple adjustment to your cleaning routine will keep the stone looking extraordinary in any room!

Dust Your Countertops Regularly

Stone countertops are highly durable, but they can become scratched if they are not properly maintained. We recommend regularly dusting your countertops to eliminate abrasive crumbs and excess debris that can cause unwanted wear and tear. Additionally, cleaning off the dust will give your countertops a beautiful shine. There’s no better feeling than giving your kitchen a quick dusting and the entire space looking brand new!

Use Gentle Cleaning Products

Many regular household cleaning products are not ideal for bathroom and kitchen stone countertops. Common ingredients like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia can eat away at the stone, ruining its finish and even changing its color. Therefore, it’s essential for property owners to only use gentle, curated cleaning products on their countertops. Various stone cleaning products are available in stores and online, but you can also make an at-home concoction of warm water and soap to keep them clean.

Furthermore, your trusted cleaning brushes and scrubbers are likely not ideal for stone. Traditional paper towels or microfiber cloths are both excellent alternatives when scrubbing your new countertops. This adjustment will ensure the stone does not acquire unnecessary scratches while still getting the deep clean it needs.

Use Coasters & Display Trays

Many people love displaying perfume bottles, cosmetics, and skincare products on their bathroom countertops. While they can look fantastic in the space, we always encourage people to utilize display trays instead of placing them directly on the stone. Some of these products contain alcohol or acidic ingredients that can tarnish the finish if they spill or get on the outside of the packaging.

The same rule applies to kitchen countertops. Always use a coaster when setting down drinks or utilize display trays to showcase candles, soaps, and cooking ingredients. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Adding an additional layer of protection will ensure your countertops are out of harm’s way (not to mention, these preventative pieces can add some stylish dimension to the space, too!)

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Some bathroom and kitchen countertop materials, like granite and marble, can fade in direct sunlight. Therefore, we always recommend accessing your space before investing in new countertops to see how much sunlight it gets. If the countertops are in an especially bright room, you can invest in some curtains or blinds to block the sunlight at peak times. In doing so, you can preserve the stone’s rich color and avoid unwanted changes in its appearance.

Seal Your Countertops

Many natural stone countertops are porous, meaning they have microscopic pores that can collect debris, moisture, or germs. However, sealing your countertops is an easy way to solve this problem. It’s often best practice to reseal your countertops every one to five years, but this varies for every property and the type of stone you choose. It’s always a good idea to contact your preferred stone fabricators and insulators if you are unsure of how often you should get your countertops sealed.

Consult a Professional

Maintaining bathroom and kitchen stone countertops is not a challenging task. However, we understand adjusting to the change may take some time, or you may run into something unexpected down the road. If you’re ever unsure of how to clean stone countertops, you can consult the professionals at ADCO Stone & Interiors. We have easily accessible granite and quartz care guides and have answered some of the most frequently asked questions. To explore these resources, click the button below. However, feel free to contact us anytime if you have any additional questions.

Premium Stone Solutions in Dallas, Texas

Are you ready to make the switch to stone countertops? ADCO Stone & Interiors specializes in expert stone fabrication and installation services as well as interior renovations. Serving residential and commercial properties across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, we can help you revamp your space and make it look incredible. Click the button below to request a complimentary consultation!