Countertop Care & Maintenance

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This page provides general care and maintenance guidelines for quartz, granite, and quartzite countertops. Proper care helps preserve the appearance and longevity of your surfaces.

Quick Daily Care -All Materials

Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner for everyday cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, or acidic cleaners that can dull or damage the surface over time.

Wipe up spills promptly, especially liquids like wine, coffee, oils, or citrus juices, to prevent staining or residue buildup.

Clean spills as soon as possible
Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the surface
Use trivets or heat pads under hot cookware
Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals
Dry the surface to prevent water spots or residue

Quartz Countertop Care

Quartz countertops are non-porous and highly resistant to staining, which makes everyday care simple while still requiring proper handling to preserve their longevity. For routine cleaning, industry guidelines recommend using warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft cloth or sponge, rinsing with clean water and drying thoroughly after cleaning. According to Daltile’s quartz care instructions, “Quartz countertops are extremely resilient. Routine care and cleaning is very simple… clean with a mild detergent, water and a soft cloth.”

The Natural Stone Institute recommends cleaning any stone surface using neutral, non-acidic cleaners and soft cloths to avoid film buildup or surface damage, and to always rinse and dry thoroughly after washing to maintain finish and performance.

Clean with mild soap and warm water for daily maintenance
Use trivets or heat pads under hot cookware
Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemical cleaners
Wipe spills promptly to maintain the surface finish

Granite Countertop Care

Granite is a natural stone and should be cleaned regularly with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth to preserve its surface and sealer. Harsh cleaners, acidic products, or abrasive pads can break down sealers over time and dull the stone’s appearance.

The Natural Stone Institute recommends using neutral cleaners for granite and other natural stone surfaces, rinsing thoroughly after cleaning, and drying with a soft cloth to help maintain the stone’s finish and longevity.

Because granite is a natural stone, it may require periodic sealing to help reduce absorption and protect against staining, depending on the stone and its finish.

Clean with a pH-neutral or stone-safe cleaner
Wipe spills promptly to help protect the sealer
Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or citrus products
Use cutting boards to prevent surface wear
Periodic sealing may be recommended depending on the stone

Quartzite Countertop Care

Quartzite is a natural stone valued for its durability and unique veining, but it still requires proper care to maintain its appearance. Clean quartzite surfaces with warm water and a mild, stone-safe cleaner, rinsing thoroughly and drying with a soft cloth after cleaning. Because quartzite is a natural stone, periodic sealing may help reduce absorption and protect against staining, depending on the specific stone and finish.

Some quartzite varieties may temporarily darken when exposed to moisture, even after sealing. This is a natural characteristic of certain stones and typically lightens as the moisture evaporates.

Clean with mild soap and a stone-safe cleaner
Wipe spills promptly, especially water and oils
Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaning products
Periodic sealing may be recommended depending on the stone
Temporary darkening from moisture can be a natural characteristic

Temporary darkening caused by moisture is a cosmetic characteristic of some quartzite slabs and does not indicate damage or a defect in the stone.

Porcelain Countertop Care

Porcelain countertops are manufactured surfaces known for their durability, low absorption, and resistance to heat, stains, and UV exposure. Routine care is simple and typically involves cleaning with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth or sponge, followed by drying the surface to maintain its appearance.

Because porcelain is non-porous, it does not require sealing and is well suited for both indoor and outdoor applications when installed properly.

Clean with mild soap and warm water for routine care
Resistant to heat, staining, and moisture under normal use
Does not require sealing
Use cutting boards to protect knives and surface finish
Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications when installed properly

What to avoid

Avoid abrasive pads, steel wool, or scouring powders
Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners such as vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or citrus-based products
Avoid cutting directly on the surface; always use cutting boards
Avoid placing hot cookware directly on the surface without heat protection
Avoid allowing standing water or spills to sit for extended periods