Countertop Care and Maintenance: How to Clean and Seal Every Surface
Clean granite, marble, and quartzite with mild soap and water, re-seal them once a year, and keep acids and heat off every surface. Quartz needs no sealing at all. The right routine keeps stone looking new for decades. Here is exactly what to do and what to avoid for each material.
The 5 rules of countertop care
- Wipe daily with soap and water. Use a soft microfiber cloth, warm water, and a few drops of mild dish soap. Wipe spills immediately, rinse with a clean damp cloth, and dry with a towel to avoid water spots and film.
- Avoid acidic and abrasive cleaners. Skip vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, and scouring pads on all stone. Use only pH-neutral or dedicated stone cleaners so you do not strip the sealer or scratch the surface.
- Re-seal natural stone yearly. Test granite, marble, and quartzite by splashing water on the surface. If it absorbs and darkens, apply a food-safe impregnating sealer, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. Quartz never needs sealing.
- Use trivets, coasters, and cutting boards. Protect every surface from heat, moisture rings, and scratches. Set hot pans on trivets (especially on quartz), use coasters under drinks, and always cut on a board, never directly on the stone.
- Treat stains with a poultice. For deep stains on natural stone, apply a baking soda or hydrogen peroxide poultice, cover it, and let it draw the stain out over 24 to 48 hours before wiping clean and resealing.
Care by material
Granite
Daily wipe with soap and water. Re-seal yearly with a food-safe impregnating sealer. Avoid vinegar and abrasive pads. See granite countertops.
Quartz
No sealing ever. Wipe with mild soap and water. Always use a trivet for hot pans, since resin can be damaged by heat. Avoid bleach and scouring pads. See quartz countertops.
Marble
Wipe spills immediately, especially acidic ones like lemon, wine, and tomato, which etch the surface. Re-seal every 6 to 12 months. Use coasters and cutting boards always. See marble countertops.
Quartzite
Harder than granite but still porous, so seal yearly. Clean with pH-neutral soap and water. Wipe spills fast to prevent stains. See quartzite countertops.
What to never do
- Never use vinegar, lemon, or acidic cleaners on natural stone
- Never set hot pans directly on quartz
- Never cut directly on any countertop
- Never use abrasive scouring pads or powders
- Never let spills sit, especially oil, wine, and coffee
Need help choosing or sealing?
If you are resealing an older top or considering a new one, our team fabricates and installs all four materials from our Woburn showroom. Compare options in our material comparison, check 2026 pricing, or see our Greater Boston service areas.
How do I clean granite countertops?
Clean granite countertops daily with warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth. Wipe spills promptly, avoid abrasive scrubbers and acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, and re-seal the surface once a year. A dedicated stone cleaner is fine but not required for everyday cleaning.
Do quartz countertops need sealing?
No, quartz countertops never need sealing. Quartz is engineered with resin, so it is non-porous and resists stains and bacteria on its own. Just wipe it with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and abrasive pads, and always use a trivet for hot pans since resin can be damaged by high heat.
How often should I seal marble or quartzite?
Seal marble and quartzite countertops once a year, or every 6 to 12 months in heavy-use kitchens. Test by splashing a few drops of water on the surface; if it beads up, the sealer still works, but if it absorbs and darkens the stone, it is time to reseal. A food-safe impregnating sealer protects against stains without changing the color.
What should I avoid on marble countertops?
Avoid acidic foods and cleaners on marble, including lemon juice, vinegar, wine, tomatoes, and bathroom cleaners. Acid etches the polished surface and leaves dull spots. Wipe spills immediately, use coasters and cutting boards, and never set hot pans directly on marble. Re-seal yearly to limit staining.
How do I remove a stain from granite?
To remove a stain from granite, make a poultice of baking soda and water (for oil) or hydrogen peroxide and flour (for organic stains), spread it over the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and leave it for 24 to 48 hours to draw the stain out. Repeat if needed. Avoid scrubbing hard or using acidic cleaners, which can etch the sealer.
Can I use vinegar to clean countertops?
Do not use vinegar on natural stone countertops like granite, marble, or quartzite. Vinegar is acidic and can etch the surface and break down the sealer over time, causing dull spots and stains. Use mild dish soap and water instead. Vinegar is safe only on non-porous quartz, but even then a pH-neutral cleaner is gentler.
How do I protect quartz from heat damage?
Protect quartz countertops by always using a trivet, hot pad, or cutting board under hot pots, pans, and baking dishes. Quartz contains resin that can discolor, warp, or crack when exposed to sudden or prolonged high heat, even though the quartz mineral itself is heat-resistant. Never place a hot pan straight from the stove or oven onto quartz.
Pablo Marble and Granite, LLC – 10 Breed Ave, Woburn, MA 01801 – (781) 696-2990. Serving Greater Boston with marble, granite, quartz, and quartzite countertops since 2009.