Care and Maintenance: Quartz vs. Granite vs. Marble Countertops
Stone countertops are a beautiful and durable investment, but they each require slightly different care to keep them looking their best. Here's a quick guide on how to clean and maintain quartz, granite, and marble countertops:
How do I clean my stone countertops?
Quartz Quartz is non-porous and low-maintenance. For daily cleaning, use a mild soap or a pH-balanced cleaner with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals like bleach or oven cleaners, which can damage the surface. Quartz doesn't require sealing, but it's still a good idea to wipe up spills quickly to prevent staining from things like wine or coffee.
Granite Granite is very durable but porous, so it does require sealing to prevent stains. Use a granite-safe cleaner or mild dish soap with water for daily cleaning. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. It's recommended to reseal granite once a year (or as needed—see below details). Always blot spills, especially oils, wine, and citrus, to avoid etching or staining.
Marble Marble is the most delicate of the three. It's highly porous and prone to etching from acidic substances like vinegar, lemon juice, and tomato sauce. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid anything abrasive. Resealing marble regularly is essential to protect it from stains, and you should wipe up spills immediately to avoid permanent damage.
No matter the material, using cutting boards, coasters, and trivets will help protect your counters and extend their lifespan. A little daily care goes a long way!
Do I Need to Seal My Countertops?
Sealing your countertops helps protect them from stains, etching, and bacteria by filling in their natural pores. But not all stone needs to be sealed. Here's a breakdown:
Quartz Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. They’re engineered with resins that make them non-porous, so liquids and bacteria can’t penetrate the surface.
Granite Granite is porous and should be sealed to maintain its resistance to stains and moisture. Most granite is sealed before installation, but it’s a good idea to reseal it about once a year. A simple water test (see below) will help you know when it’s time.
Marble Marble absolutely needs to be sealed—and often. Its porosity makes it prone to staining and etching, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Depending on use and the specific type of marble, sealing may be needed every 3 to 6 months.
How to Test If Your Countertops Need Sealing Place a few drops of water on the surface and wait 10–15 minutes. If the water darkens the stone or gets absorbed, it’s time to reseal.
Using the right sealers and maintaining a routine will keep your stone looking beautiful and protected for years to come.