Cleaning and Care Guide for Different Countertop Materials

When you choose the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom, you want to make sure that it will look great for many years. Proper cleaning and care are important to ensure your surfaces maintain their beauty and durability. Each stone and engineered material has unique characteristics and maintenance needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for cleaning and caring for marble, granite, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, and onyx countertops.

Marble Countertops

Marble has been a favorite for centuries due to its timeless elegance and natural veining. However, it is also one of the softer natural stones, making it more porous and susceptible to etching and staining. With proper care, your marble countertops will remain as beautiful as the day they were installed.

Daily Care:

• Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a mild, pH-neutral dish soap.

• Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaners, as they can etch the surface.

• To remove stains, mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the stained area. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24-48 hours before wiping it away.
  
  

Stain Prevention:

• Wipe up spills immediately, especially wine, coffee, and citrus, which can leave permanent marks.

• Always use coasters under glasses and cutting boards for food preparation.

Sealing:

• Marble should be sealed regularly, typically once or twice a year, to help protect against stains and moisture absorption.
  
  

Granite Countertops

Granite is prized for its strength, natural beauty, and resistance to heat and scratching, making it a popular choice for kitchens.

Daily Care:

• Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a microfiber cloth.
  
  
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals.
  
  

Stain and Damage Prevention:

• Granite is less porous than marble but can still absorb liquids if unsealed. Wipe spills promptly to prevent staining.
  
  
• Granite is resistant to heat, but it’s good practice to still use trivets or hot pads under pots and pans to prevent potential thermal shock.
  
  

Sealing:

• Granite countertops should be sealed periodically (once every 1 to 2 years), depending on usage and the type of granite.
  
  

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite combines the luxurious appearance of marble with durability closer to granite. It’s harder and more resistant to etching than marble, but still requires some care.

Daily Care:

• Wipe with a damp cloth and a gentle soap solution.
  
  
• Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemical cleaners.
  
  

Stain Prevention:

• While quartzite is dense, it can still be stained by oils, wine, or acidic substances if left unattended. Clean spills quickly to maintain its polished look.
  
  

Sealing:

• Sealing is generally recommended once per year to enhance resistance to moisture and stains.
  
  

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a unique, non-porous natural stone known for its soft feel and deep, rich color that can darken over time. Unlike marble or granite, it doesn’t require sealing.

Daily Care:

• Simply clean with soap and water.
  
  
• Because it’s non-porous, it naturally resists bacteria and staining, making it a popular option for chefs.
  
  

Scratch and Wear Management:

• Soapstone can scratch more easily than harder stones, but scratches can be sanded out with fine sandpaper. Many homeowners appreciate the rough and lived-in look of sandstone with regular use and choose not to sand it back to a smooth surface.
  
  
• You may apply mineral oil periodically to enhance the stone’s color and reduce the appearance of surface wear.
  
  

Sealing:

• No sealing is needed, though mineral oil treatments are a personal preference to enrich its look.
  
  

Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain has become a modern favorite for countertops due to its wide range of colors, patterns, and superior durability. It’s engineered for strength and is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.

Daily Care:

• Clean with warm water and a gentle detergent.
  
  
• Non-abrasive sponges or microfiber cloths are ideal.

• The edges of porcelain can be more brittle than other materials like granite. Use caution when setting down heavy pots and pans, and try to avoid hitting the edges to keep your porcelain looking brand new.
  
  

Stain and Heat Resistance:

• Porcelain is highly resistant to staining and can withstand direct contact with hot pots and pans.
  
  
• Unlike natural stone, sealing is not required.
  
  

Long-Term Maintenance:

• Porcelain countertops require very little maintenance, making them a great choice for busy households.
  
  

Onyx Countertops

Onyx is one of the most visually striking countertop materials, known for its translucence and dramatic veining. However, it is also one of the most delicate stones, requiring special attention.

Daily Care:

• Use only soft cloths with warm water and a stone-specific cleaner.
  
  
• Avoid acidic or abrasive products entirely.
  
  

Stain and Scratch Prevention:

• Onyx is highly prone to etching and scratching, so always use cutting boards and coasters.
  
  
• Promptly clean up spills, especially from acidic foods and drinks.
  
  

Sealing:

• Sealing onyx is essential and should be done regularly, sometimes multiple times a year, depending on use.
  
  

Special Note:

• Many homeowners choose onyx for its beauty in low-traffic or statement areas, such as bar tops or bathroom vanities, where it can shine without heavy wear.
  
  

AP Marble & Granite is Metro Detroit’s Premier Countertop Supplier

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of marble, the durability of granite, or the bold statement of onyx, AP Marble & Granite offers one of the largest selections of natural and engineered stone in Metro Detroit. With over 40,000 square feet of showroom space, you’ll find an unmatched variety of marble, granite, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, and onyx to fit any design style.

As one of the region’s top suppliers, AP Marble & Granite is dedicated to helping homeowners, designers, and contractors find the perfect countertop materials for their projects. To learn more or to start planning your next renovation, schedule a visit to our expansive showroom today.