Natural Stone Care

Caring for Your Natural Stone

Natural stone lasts for generations with a little routine care. These are the basics our team recommends for countertops, vanities, and floors.

Everyday cleaning

• Wipe surfaces with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner or a few drops of mild dish soap, then dry with a soft cloth.
• Avoid vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, and abrasive pads or powders. Acids etch marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx.
• Blot spills right away, especially wine, coffee, juice, and cooking oil. Blot rather than wipe so the spill does not spread.

Protecting the surface

• Use cutting boards, and trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans.
• Use coasters under glasses, especially those holding alcohol or citrus drinks.
• On floors, use mats at entrances and felt pads under furniture to limit scratching from grit.

Sealing

Granite, marble, quartzite, limestone, and travertine are porous and benefit from a penetrating sealer. To check, place a few drops of water on the surface. If the stone darkens within a few minutes, it is time to reseal. How often depends on the stone and how much it is used.

Quartz, porcelain, and ultracompact surfaces

Engineered quartz (such as Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone), porcelain, and ultracompact surfaces (such as Dekton) do not need sealing. Clean them with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals. Use trivets under hot cookware on quartz, because high heat can discolor it.

Questions about a specific stone? Contact our team or call (858) 653-5971.