How to Care For & Maintain Natural Stone Benchtops

Natural stone benchtops flaunt style, luxury and timeless beauty. With so many cleaners on the market, which one is the best one for your stone benchtop?  Choosing the right cleaning solution is essential for proper care and maintenance. Whether you’re a residential homeowner or commercial business, extending the lifespan of your stone benchtop will ensure it looks it’s best for years to come. Here are some handy hints to help you maintain your stone surface effectively.

What is Natural Stone?

Natural stone is highly porous material use mostly for kitchen benchtops. It can very quickly develop stains or marks, especially if it’s not cleaned and sealed properly. If you have invested your hard-earned money on a contemporary kitchen or bathroom renovation, caring for your stone is an absolute necessity. However, not all cleaners are made the same. There are some you should avoid. Let’s take a look.

Stone Benchtops & The Best Way to Clean It

1. Granite

Granite benchtops have a luxurious appeal that comes in a variety of different patterns, colours and grains. This natural stone is one of the most popular stones for residential homeowners, particularly for its superior strength, durability and hard-wearing features. When sealed properly, granite is perfect for everyday use, making it highly resistant to stains, scratches and heat.

Cleaning Tips:

One of the best ways to keep granite clean, stain free and in pristine condition, is to seal it on an annual basis.

Avoid using acidic cleaning solutions such as vinegar or citrus based products such as citrus solvent, as this can strip the sealant, diminishing the effectiveness and protective qualities over time. The ‘go to’ products we recommend are pH neutral cleaners and mild soap solutions. This will ensure your granite maintains its timeless appeal and stunning visual appearance, without ruining the natural surface.

2. Marble

Marble becnhtops are the epitome of luxury, class and sophistication. Whether it’s for a high-end bathroom or contemporary kitchen, marble stone benchtops are a stand out in any space.

Cleaning Tips:

Being softer and more porous than other natural stones, makes marble more susceptible to staining, etching and scratches. Abrasive cleaners should never be used as it can very quickly damage the marble surface, stripping the colour and causing unsightly streaks.  The best cleaning solution to use is a gentle spray cleaner specifically formulated for marble applications.

3. Quartz

Low maintenance and durable, Quartz stone benchtops look very similar to marble with its veining, colour shades and patterns. Non porous and less likely to need sealing, makes it a tougher choice for both residential and commercial spaces. It is more resistant to heat and scratching, making it a highly resilient, functional and high-performance stone for a range of different purposes.

Cleaning Tips:

Although sealing your quartz benchtop is not necessary, it’s still recommended if you want to maintain a shiny and glossy finish. Avoid using bleach, non-abrasive products and other harsh chemicals as this may impact the quartz surface and internal resins. Use soft micro fibre cloths, soapy water and surface sprays for maximum results.

Daily Cleaning Tips to Protect Your Stone Benchtop

• Avoid placing heavy objects on your benchtop to reduce the chances of potential breakage, chips and dents.
• Regular resealing of granite and marble surfaces is recommended every 6-12 months for maximum protection and long -lasting performance.
• Don’t put hot frying pans, plates or bowls directly onto the stone benchtop. Make sure you use chopping boards, coasters or tea towels to protect from direct heat.
• Remove dirt, oil and grime using a soft microfibre cloth or gentle sponge. Always use a mild stone cleaner or soapy solution to protect its surface.

Maintaining your stone benchtop doesn’t have to be hard work or take too much of your time.

A key thing to remember is to wipe away spills as soon as they happen (particularly darker liquids such as red wine, beetroot or blackcurrant juice) – as this can stain your benchtop very fast. Avoid using harsh cleaners, abrasives and applying direct heat to your stone surface. If you follow these simple steps, you will protect and look after your benchtop for many years to come. Get in touch with our Sydney team today to discuss your stone benchtop requirements.

Common questions about natural stone care

What are natural stones composed of & why do they need special cleaning?
Natural stone is a porous material that can absorb stains, oils and liquids. Because of this, some abrasive cleaners can dull the surface or remove the sealant, so it’s important to choose the right cleaner.

What cleaner is safe for stone benchtops?
The least risky choice for most stone surfaces is a neutral pH gentle cleanser, such as mild dishwashing soap or plain water. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives, bleach, vinegar or citrus cleaners.

How can I clean my granite benchtops without scratching them?
Granite should be cleaned with pH neutral cleaners and soft microfibre cloths. Avoid acidic products like vinegar and citrus cleaners, as acid can remove protective sealants.

Do granite benchtops need to be sealed?
Yes. Granite should be sealed once a year to maintain its stain-resistant, glossy and protected finish.

How should I clean marble benchtops?
Only use gentle spray cleaners that are formulated for marble. Never use abrasive or harsh cleaners as they can scratch, etch or dirty the marble very quickly.

Are quartz benchtops sealed the same way as marble and granite?
Since quartz is non-porous, it does not require sealing. However, sealing can still be used to enhance shine and gloss if desired.

What cleaners should I not use on quartz benchtops?
Avoid bleach, abrasive materials or harsh chemical cleaners. Stick to mild soapy water or gentle surface sprays.

Can I place hot pans directly onto stone benchtops?
No. Natural stone should not have direct high heat applied. Always use coasters, chopping boards, heat pads or tea towels to prevent damage.

How regularly do I need to reseal my stone benchtop?
Most marble and granite surfaces need to be resealed every 6–12 months, depending on the level of usage.

What if I stain my stone benchtop with red wine or other dark liquids?
Wipe spills immediately, especially red wine, beetroot and dark juices. Stone is porous and stains can set very quickly.

Are natural stone benchtops easy to look after?
Yes. Maintenance is simple and long lasting when using gentle soaps, avoiding harsh chemicals, resealing when recommended and preventing extreme heat on the surface. This will keep your kitchen looking beautiful for years.