Stone Countertop & Vanity Care: Simple Do’s and Don’ts

Stone countertops and vanities work hard. They see spills, hot pans, cosmetics, cleaners and daily wiping. A few simple habits keep them looking beautiful for years, and a few common mistakes can dull them quickly.

First, Know Your Stone

Not all stone behaves the same way.

• Granite is hard and resists scratches, but it is still porous and needs sealing to resist stains.

• Marble, travertine and limestone are calcium-based. They are softer and react to acids, which leave dull etch marks.

• Quartzite and other stones vary. Some are tough, and some behave more like marble.

If you’re not sure what you have, we can tell you during an estimate.

The Do’s

• Do clean with a pH-neutral cleaner made for natural stone, or warm water and a soft cloth.

• Do wipe up spills quickly, especially wine, coffee, juice, oil and tomato sauce.

• Do use cutting boards, trivets and coasters.

• Do keep cosmetics, perfume and toiletries on a tray in the bathroom.

• Do test your sealer now and then. Put a few drops of water on the stone and wait a few minutes. If the stone darkens, it is time to reseal.

The Don’ts

• Don’t use vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia or glass cleaner on stone.

• Don’t use powdered or cream cleansers or scrubbing pads.

• Don’t rely on dish soap for daily cleaning. It leaves a film that builds up and dulls the surface.

• Don’t set hot pans directly on the stone.

• Don’t stand or sit on countertops. Stone can crack, especially near sinks and seams.

Signs It’s Time for Professional Care

• The surface looks cloudy or has dull spots that don’t wipe away.

• Water soaks in and darkens the stone.

• Stains keep coming back.

• Seams, edges or the area around the sink are wearing.

Professional cleaning, polishing and sealing can bring back the finish and protect it going forward. Most countertops do well with professional care every one to two years, depending on the stone and how much use it gets. See how we restore natural stone →

Book a free in-home estimate. Ron will look at your countertops and vanities, tell you what they need and what they don’t, and explain the price up front. Book My Free In-Home Estimate or call (408) 270-7000.

Related: Why Your Marble Lost Its Shine (and How to Get It Back)