The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Stone Countertops to Keep Them Looking New

Notice those stains (oh no), dull spots (ouch), or etching on your beautiful stone countertops? It hurts. We know. You're not alone. Many homeowners like yourself accidentally damage their investments with the wrong cleaning methods.

That "all-natural" cleaner might be etching your marble. Those daily wipe-downs could be stripping your granite's sealant. Before you know it, your stunning counters look tired and worn.

Good news! Proper stone care is simpler than you think. We've maintained thousands of countertops in Charleston SC homes, and we're sharing our pro secrets. Ready to find out real dos and don'ts for your stone counters? Let's keep your stone looking amazing for decades.

Your stone countertops aren't just surfaces - they're investments that can last generations with proper care. Unlike laminate or solid surface, natural stone is porous and reacts to chemicals, acids, and abrasives.

• The consequences of poor care are real:
• Etching from acidic foods that dulls the surface permanently
• Stains from spills that seep into unsealed pores
• Scratches from abrasive cleaners that ruin the polish
• Damage that can void your warranty

But here's the good news. With simple daily habits and the right products, you are sure to prevent 95% of common stone problems. Here's the thing, though. Different stones have different needs. Just take this into account right away. Granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz each require different care approaches.

It's totally worth to follow proper maintenance best practices. It protects your investment and maintains your home's value where you want it to be. Well-cared-for stone countertops can look brand new even after 20 years of use. We've seen it countless times in Charleston homes where humidity and coastal living put countertops to the test.

PS Countertops tip: The first step is knowing what type of stone you have. Check your paperwork or give us a call - we keep records of all our installations!

Let's talk about what you should be doing to keep your stone counters looking absolutely stunning. I've been working with stone here in Charleston for over fifteen years, and these are the exact same tips we share with our clients - the ones that really work.

Here's the secret: stone doesn't need fancy cleaners. For daily cleaning, grab that bottle of pH-neutral stone cleaner or even just some simple dish soap with warm water. I always tell people - if it's gentle enough for your hands, it's probably gentle enough for your stone.

Microfiber cloths are absolutely your best friend here. They clean effectively without scratching. And the best part? They're cheap enough to replace every now and then. Tiny but very important detail.
After cleaning, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. This prevents water spots, especially important here in Charleston where our mineral-rich water leaves deposits.

This isn't just a suggestion - it's non-negotiable if you want to keep your counters perfect. Wine, coffee, oil, and citrus juices are likely to stain or etch your admirable stone within minutes, not hours. I keep a dedicated stone-safe cleaning cloth right next to my kitchen sink. Just for this. And we recommend all our clients do the same. Why? That's because this way, when that red wine spills during dinner parties (be sure it will), you're ready to take action right away.

We can't stress this enough. Even heat-resistant stones can be damaged by extreme temperature changes. That beautiful granite might handle heat well, but why risk it? And for moisture protection - coasters are essential.

For us here in Charleston, where as you know humidity fluctuates constantly, this is especially important. The moisture from a cold drink actually seeps into stone over time if left unprotected.

Different stones have different needs:

• Granite: Every 1-2 years
• Marble: Every 6-12 months (it's more porous)
• Quartzite: Every 1-2 years
• Quartz: Never needs sealing (that's one reason it's so popular)

Even though some stones are scratch-resistant, always use cutting boards. This isn't just about scratches - it's also about acid transfer from foods like lemons and tomatoes that can etch your stone over time.

Once a month, give your counters a little extra love with a dedicated stone cleaner that won't strip the sealant. Avoid anything with acid, alkali, or abrasive properties. Think of it like a spa day for your counters!

PS Countertops pro tip: Here's a trick we share with all our clients - test your sealant every few months. Just sprinkle some water on the surface. If it beads up, you're good. If it soaks in, it's time to reseal. This simple test has saved countless Charleston homeowners from stain disasters.
When it comes to how to clean stone countertops to keep them fresh and polished, consistency is the way to go. The best way to clean stone countertops is to establish good habits and stick with them. I've seen counters that are twenty years old that look brand new because the owners followed these simple dos. It's not rocket science - just good, consistent care that becomes second nature after a while.

Remember your stone counters are a valuable investment. And they're are totally worth protecting. A little regular care goes a long way. Do this and your countertops will look beautiful for years to come.

Alright, let's talk about the things that make stone countertops cry. After twenty years in the countertop business here in Charleston, we've seen some real disasters - most of them completely preventable. Just know what not to do to your counters. And thank yourself later. Ready?

I know those Pinterest posts swear by natural cleaners, but please trust me on this one. Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and will etch marble, limestone, and travertine almost immediately. Even granite can be damaged over time. This is literally the number-one mistake we see homeowners make.

That faint cloudy spot that won't go away? That's etching from acid, and it's permanent without professional polishing. I had a client last month who used vinegar water for two years on her marble counters. We had to completely refinish them.

Put down the scouring powder and step away from the eraser! These might work on your tub, but they'll permanently dull your stone's beautiful finish. Those rough scrub pads? They're like sandpaper on your counter's surface. We don't recommend to scrub anything stubborn.

Here's the thing most people don't realize. Nearly all those popular all-purpose cleaners contain acids, alkalis, or chemicals that will slowly damage both your stone and its sealant. Always check labels for pH neutrality. If it doesn't specifically say "safe for natural stone," assume it's not.

I don't care if it's just water - blot it immediately! The five-second rule doesn't apply here. Wine, coffee, oil, citrus juice - these can all cause permanent damage within minutes. Keep a dedicated cleaning cloth handy and make spill response a habit.

This one surprises people, but hair products, perfumes, and cosmetics often contain alcohols and chemicals that can damage stone surfaces. Use pretty trays or mats - they actually look nicer anyway and protect your investment.

They make your counters look shiny. But it's temporary! The worst part? They leave a film that builds up over time and actually dulls the stone's natural beauty. Stick with pH-neutral cleaners specifically made for stone.

We get it. You want to save money. But using the wrong products for chips or stains usually makes problems worse and more expensive to fix. We've seen too many "quick fixes" turn into thousand-dollar repair jobs.

PS Countertops warning: We recently had to completely refinish a marble vanity because the homeowner used vinegar cleaner for years. The etching was so deep it needed professional restoration that cost more than the original installation.

When it comes to what not to use on stone countertops, the rule is simple: when in doubt, don't use it. Stone is beautiful and durable, but it's not indestructible. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your counters looking like new for decades.

Remember: good intentions can still cause bad damage. If you're ever unsure about a product or method, just give us a quick call. We'd much rather answer a simple question than have to repair preventable damage!

Create a Stone Care Kit
Keep these items handy:

• pH-neutral stone cleaner
• Soft microfiber cloths
• Sealant (if needed)
• Felt pads for bottom of appliances

Seasonal Deep Cleaning
How often to seal stone countertops? Every 3-4 months, do a thorough cleaning and check your sealant. For countertops in Charleston SC, the humid summer months might require more frequent sealing checks.

Professional Maintenance
Consider annual professional cleaning and sealing, especially for high-use areas. We offer maintenance packages that include inspection, cleaning, and resealing.

Address Problems Early
If you notice staining, etching, or damage, address it promptly. Small issues are much easier and cheaper to fix than major damage.

Use Protective Items

• Trivets under all hot items
• Coasters under all drinks
• Cutting boards for all food prep
• Mats under small appliances

Educate Your Household
Make sure everyone in your home knows the basic dos and don'ts. It only takes one mistake to cause permanent damage.

PS Countertops final tip: Think of stone care like car maintenance - regular attention prevents major problems. We're always here for questions - even if we didn't install your counters!