Care and Maintenance Guide for Granite, Quartzite, Marble, and Soapstone in Your Kitchen
Selecting the right stone for your kitchen countertops or other surfaces is just the beginning. To ensure they maintain their beauty and functionality for years to come, proper care and maintenance are essential. Let’s explore the specifics for granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone:
GRANITE:
Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its durability and resistance to heat and scratches. To keep your granite looking its best:
Sealing: Granite should be sealed upon installation and resealed periodically (every 1-3 years, depending on use) to prevent stains and moisture absorption.
Cleaning: Use a mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water to clean granite countertops regularly. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the sealant. Here is a terrific stone cleaning solution from Stone Clean International- Check it out here!
Avoiding Damage: Although granite is durable, it’s still susceptible to etching from acidic substances like lemon juice and vinegar. Wipe up spills promptly and use cutting boards to protect the surface from scratches.
One of Brit’s personal favorites like this Taj Mahal slab we used in the Lamar project
QUARTZITE:
Quartzite is a natural stone known for its strength and resemblance to marble in appearance. Here’s how to care for quartzite:
Sealing: Like granite, quartzite should be sealed upon installation and resealed periodically (every 1-3 years). This helps prevent stains and makes cleaning easier.
Cleaning: Use a mild soap or a pH-neutral cleaner with warm water for daily cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
Heat Resistance: Quartzite is highly resistant to heat, but it’s still best to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from direct heat exposure.
Brit’s second favorite countertop material and favorite bathroom stone!
MARBLE:
Marble is prized for its timeless beauty and unique veining patterns but requires more maintenance compared to granite and quartzite:
Sealing: Marble is more porous and prone to staining, so it should be sealed more frequently (every 6 months to 1 year) with a high-quality sealer. We recommend that you seal it every time Daylight savings time hits. That way you get it done every six months! Here is our go to sealer!!
Cleaning: Use a mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner with warm water for daily cleaning. Immediately wipe up acidic spills (like citrus juices) to prevent etching.
Avoiding Scratches: Marble is softer than granite and quartzite, so avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough scrubbing pads that can scratch the surface.
SOAPSTONE:
Soapstone is a smooth, natural stone with a unique texture and high resistance to stains and heat. Care for soapstone as follows:
Sealing: Soapstone doesn’t require sealing like granite or marble due to its natural resistance to stains.
Cleaning: Clean soapstone countertops with mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water. You can also apply mineral oil periodically to enhance its natural patina. This is our favorite soapstone cleaner!
Handling Scratches: Soapstone can develop a natural patina over time, and minor scratches can often be sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper.
General Tips for All Stones:
Preventive Measures: Use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters to protect the stone surfaces from scratches, heat damage, and acidic spills. Yes, you can technically get a pot roast out of the oven and put it on any of these stones but DON'T risk it. Get used to using trivets.
Regular Maintenance: Wipe down countertops after each use to prevent stains and keep them looking clean. Avoid leaving standing water on the surface, especially with marble and soapstone.
Professional Care: Periodically, consider hiring professionals to deep-clean and reseal your stone countertops for optimal performance and longevity. If you are a small household this can be done every 8-10 years. If you have 9 kids, do it every 2-5 years!
By following these care and maintenance tips tailored to each type of stone—granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone—you can preserve their natural beauty and ensure they remain a stunning focal point in your kitchen for years to come. With proper care, these stones will not only withstand daily use but also continue to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your culinary space. Click Here to read more caring for your countertops.
This was a lot of nitty gritty but it’s essential to have your house work for you and the stages of life your family is in.
XOXO - Brit
