Natural Stone Care: Cleaning, Stain Removal & Maintenance for Granite, Marble, and More
Natural stone countertops offer unmatched beauty and long-lasting performance—but they do require proper care to preserve their appearance. Whether you're dealing with a daily mess or an unexpected stain, this guide will walk you through the best practices for keeping your stone surfaces in top shape.
Routine Cleaning
Gentle Is Best
For day-to-day care, stick to simple and safe methods:
Wipe down with a neutral pH stone cleaner or mild dish soap mixed with warm water.
Use a soft cloth for countertops and a clean mop for floors—abrasive pads can scratch the surface.
Avoid overusing soap, which can leave behind a hazy film. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel.
In damp areas like showers or bathrooms, run a squeegee after each use to reduce soap scum buildup.
For outdoor stone (e.g., patios or pool areas), rinse with clear water and spot-clean with a diluted bleach solution to remove algae or moss buildup.
Cleaning Products to Avoid
Natural stone is sensitive to certain chemicals and cleaning habits. Keep these tips in mind:
Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or toilet bowl cleaners—they can etch marble and other calcareous stones.
Steer clear of scouring powders or abrasive creams, which can scratch polished surfaces.
Never use rust removers that contain hydrofluoric acid (HF)—this harsh chemical attacks even the strongest stones like granite.
Don’t mix bleach and ammonia. Doing so creates a toxic gas that's harmful to breathe.
If you're ever in doubt, ask your stone supplier to recommend safe cleaning products.
Sealing: An Extra Layer of Protection
Some natural stones benefit from sealing to help resist stains. These sealers—more accurately called impregnators—soak into the stone and create a moisture barrier.
Sealing doesn't make stone stain-proof, but it does buy you time to wipe up spills before they soak in.
Use only non-toxic sealers in food prep areas.
Always follow your supplier's guidance on how often to reseal, which may vary based on stone type and usage.
Identifying & Removing Stains
Before treating a stain, take a moment to investigate:
Where is it located? Is it near a plant, food prep area, bathroom, or makeup station?
What color is it? Different types of stains leave different marks.
What shape or pattern does it have? Rust or metal stains often match the shape of the item that caused them.
What’s nearby? Think about what activities or items are usually around the stained spot.
Once you’ve identified the likely source, use these targeted solutions:
Common Stone Stains & Treatments
Oil-Based Stains
Examples: grease, cosmetics, cooking oils, putty
Appear as dark patches.
Clean gently with mineral spirits, acetone, or a liquid detergent to lift the residue from the stone.
Organic Stains
Examples: coffee, tea, wine, fruit, food spills, paper, leaves
May leave pinkish-brown discoloration.
Indoors: Clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
Outdoors: Sun and rain often help fade organic stains over time.
Metal Stains
Examples: rust from cans, screws, nails, furniture
Rust appears orange to brown; copper turns green or muddy brown.
Remove with a poultice—for deep rust stains, professional treatment may be needed.
Biological Stains
Examples: mildew, algae, moss, lichens
Mix ½ cup bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide in a gallon of water.
Do not mix bleach and ammonia together.
Ink Stains
Examples: markers, pens
On light stone, use hydrogen peroxide or bleach.
On dark stone, try acetone or lacquer thinner.
Paint Stains
Small spots can be scraped carefully with a razor or cleaned with lacquer thinner.
For thick or dried paint, use a commercial paint stripper—but avoid acids and flame tools.
Protect yourself with gloves and eye protection, and use only wood or plastic tools to scrape residue.
Hard Water Spots & Rings
Usually surface-level and caused by mineral deposits.
Buff gently with 0000-grade (super fine) steel wool.
Smoke & Fire Residue
Fireplaces or smoke-stained areas may need a specialized smoke remover.
Acidic residue from smoke can also dull the surface, requiring professional refinishing.
Etching
Caused by acidic contact, even from things like juice or wine.
Etching dulls the finish and may or may not leave a visible stain.
Light etching can sometimes be polished out; deeper etching should be addressed by a stone restoration expert.
Scratches & Surface Dullness
Light scratches can be improved with dry 0000 steel wool.
Deeper gouges or chips require professional refinishing.
Final Thoughts
Natural stone countertops are a premium investment, and with the right care, they’ll reward you with decades of style and performance. Stick to gentle daily cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals, and learn how to respond to stains early. When needed, don’t hesitate to call in a stone care pro—some fixes are best left to the experts.