Caring for marble, quartz and granite countertops

Three surfaces, three temperaments

Stone and stone-look counters are some of the most beautiful surfaces in a home, and some of the most misunderstood. Marble and granite are natural stone, cut from quarries. Quartz countertops are engineered: crushed quartz bound with resin. Each one reacts differently to acids, heat and cleaning products.

If you are not sure what your counters are made of, check closing documents or builder paperwork, or ask whoever installed them. When in doubt, treat the surface as the most delicate option, and follow any care instructions from the manufacturer or installer first.

Daily care that suits all three

A simple routine is safe for marble, quartz and granite alike:

• Wipe with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, or a cleaner labeled pH-neutral and safe for stone.
• Use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge, never scouring powder or abrasive pads.
• Dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.
• Blot spills promptly rather than wiping them across the surface.

Marble: gentle and patient

Marble is a softer, calcium-based stone. Acids react with it and leave dull, rough marks known as etching. Lemon juice, vinegar, wine, tomato sauce, many sodas and a lot of all-purpose sprays can all etch marble, sometimes within minutes.

Sealing helps marble resist stains from oils and liquids soaking in, but it does not stop etching, because etching is a chemical reaction on the surface itself. The best protection is habit: coasters under glasses, trays under oils and vinegars, cutting boards for food, and a quick wipe whenever something acidic touches the stone.

• Avoid vinegar, lemon and citrus cleaners, and bleach.
• Use only cleaners labeled safe for marble or natural stone.
• Treat light etching as part of marble’s character, or ask a stone professional about honing and polishing.

Granite: durable, but not invincible

Granite is harder and more resistant than marble, which is why it is so common in Florida kitchens. Most granite counters are sealed, and the sealer is what keeps oils and dark liquids from soaking in.

Harsh or acidic cleaners can wear that sealer down over time. A simple way to check it is the water test: place a few drops of water on the counter and watch. If the stone darkens and absorbs the water within several minutes, it may be time to reseal. If the water beads, the sealer is still doing its job.

• Avoid regular use of vinegar, bleach, ammonia and citrus cleaners.
• Use trivets for very hot pans as a habit, even though granite tolerates heat well.
• Wipe up oil, wine and coffee quickly, especially on lighter granite.

Quartz: low-maintenance, with two rules

Quartz is non-porous and does not need sealing, which makes it one of the easiest surfaces to live with. Its two weak points come from the resin that holds it together.

The first is heat. A hot pan set straight on quartz can scorch or discolor the resin, so trivets and hot pads are a must. The second is harsh chemicals. Strong solvents, oven cleaner, drain cleaner and bleach can damage the surface, so keep them well away and rinse quickly if any splash on the counter.

• Use mild soap and water or a cleaner the manufacturer approves.
• Always use trivets for hot pots, pans and slow cookers.
• Use cutting boards; quartz resists scratches but knives can still mark it.

Letting the cleaners know

If your home has marble, quartz or granite, mention it when you book a cleaning. A note about what each surface is, and any products you prefer used on it, helps the team give it the right care from the first visit.