The last blog post provided information on how to maintain quartz countertops, which are an engineered, or man-made product designed for easier maintenance than organic materials like stone or wood. In this post we will overview how to maintain stone countertops – quartzite, granite, and marble.
Maintaining stone kitchen countertops is easier than you think.
Quartzite Care: Sealing and Stains
Quartzite is a natural stone which is formed deep within the earth. It is one of the hardest natural stones so it is good at resisting scratches, chips, cracks, heat and stains far better than other natural stones like marble or granite.1 As with most natural stone products, quartzite is porous, meaning that it can absorb liquids and because of this it is prone to staining.
Regular sealing of quartzite countertops stops liquids from staining. It is recommended that quartzite countertops be sealed every year, or every six months if the kitchen is subject to heavy use. While you can use a topical stone sealer made from polyurethanes, natural wax or acrylics, penetrating seals, made from siliconates and similar substances last longer.2 Always follow the directions on the sealant used and make sure to use these products in well-ventilated areas.
Quartzite countertops are sealed when installed. Once sealed they are easy to clean with a few drops of mild PH-neutral dish soap and a damp, not wet, cloth. Abrasive cleaners and any cleaner containing acid, like vinegar and citrus products, should not be used as they will deteriorate the sealant.
For stubborn stains, mix baking soda and water and apply the paste to the stain.3 Then cover the stain with plastic wrap and tape down the edges of the plastic wrap and let it sit for a day or two until the paste dries. Then remove the dried paste. This process can be repeated if the stain does not disappear.
Granite Care, Protection and the Seal Test
Granite is also a natural stone and while it may appear impervious to damage “granite can be damaged by many of the cleaning products and techniques that are perfectly sale to use on other kitchen surfaces.”4 As with any countertop material, spills should be wiped up and dried immediately with a soft cloth or sponge. A few drops of mild dish soap or granite cleaner can also be used. Don’t use the scrubbing side of a sponge as granite can be easily scratched.
For tough stains use the same baking soda and water paste as with quartzite or use a commercial granite cleaner. Granite should also be sealed annually or as necessary. To tell if your granite needs to be resealed sprinkle several drops of water on the countertop and wait about 15 minutes.5 If the water doesn’t bead up remove the stain with the baking soda paste as directed above and then seal the granite.
To keep your granite countertops looking their best avoid vinegar, lemon, lime and any citrus. Also avoid ammonia-based cleaners like Windex, bleach at full strength and disinfecting wipes. Steel wool, like SOS, should never be used on granite.
Marble Care that Works
While marble is a stunning design choice for a kitchen countertop it does require more care than other natural stones like quartzite and granite. Spills must be cleaned immediately or marble will stain, as it is very porous. Marble also scratches easily so daily wear can take its toll on marble countertops. For daily cleaning, use a slightly damp, not wet, soft cloth and several drops of Ph-neutral dish soap.6
Avoid scrubbing your marble countertop as etching or scratches may appear. Rinse the cleaned area with water to avoid streaking from dish soap. Then dry the area with a soft cloth. Stains can be removed in the same way as done with quartzite or granite stains. Marble sealing should also be done annually or as needed.
Proper Maintenance Helps Protect Your Countertop Investment
Many countertop materials come with a limited warranty that only is valid if the product is installed by a professional contractor. Warranties generally only cover manufacturing defects. They don’t cover damage caused by scratching, heat, improper maintenance or other factors caused by homeowners. That is why it is important to ask your countertop installer how best to care for your countertop. You can also go to the manufacturer’s website to get maintenance information on your specific countertop.
Stunning Stone Countertops in Oak Creek
Proper care can keep natural stone countertops looking beautiful for years, but it all starts with choosing the right material and having it professionally fabricated and installed.
Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek offers a wide selection of granite, quartzite, marble, quartz, and other premium countertop materials for kitchens, bathrooms, and remodeling projects throughout the Milwaukee area. We handle every step, from countertop fabrication to installation, with designs tailored to your vision and space.
Visit our Oak Creek countertop store and showroom to explore colors and materials in person or contact us online for a FREE estimate!
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1 Quartzite Countertops Pros and Cons You Need to Know by Rose Peterson, 1/9/2026
Link: https://betterthathome.com/quartzite-countertops-pros-and-cons/
2, 3 Protect Your Investment: How to Clean and Seal Quartzite Countertops, 5/19/2025
Link: https://www.msisurfaces.com/blogs/post/2025/05/19/protect-your-investment:-how-to-clean-and-seal-quartzite-countertops.aspx
4, 5 How to Clean Granite Countertops by Teresa Odle & Bob Vila, 6/27/2025
Link: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-granite-countertops/
6 How to Clean Marble Countertops Without Leaving Streaks or Dull Spots by Daley Quinn, 6/6/2026
Link: https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-marble-countertops-11986779