How to Maintain Your Countertops: Do’s and Don’ts by Material

Maintaining your countertops properly is key to preserving their beauty and functionality for years to come. Different countertop materials – from natural stones like granite and marble to engineered surfaces like quartz and porcelain – have unique characteristics that affect how you should care for them. Understanding the do’s and don’ts for each material will help you protect your investment and keep your kitchen or bathroom surfaces looking their best.

In this guide, we’ll provide expert, practical tips for cleaning and caring for six popular countertop materials: granite, marble, quartz, quartzite, porcelain slab, and soapstone. Each section covers the material’s characteristics, recommended dos, and important don’ts to avoid.

Granite Countertops

Key Characteristics:
Granite is a hard, durable natural stone known for its heat resistance. Most granites need periodic sealing to prevent stains, though some dense, dark granites may not require it.

Do’s:

• Seal if needed (use the water test annually).

• Blot spills promptly, especially oils or acids.

• Use gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and soft cloths.

• Use coasters and trivets to prevent thermal shock.

• Always cut on a cutting board.

• Wipe and dust regularly to preserve shine.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or acidic cleaners.

• Don’t use abrasive scrubbers or powders.

• Don’t let liquids pool or bottles leak on the surface.

• Don’t ignore resealing needs.

Marble Countertops

Key Characteristics:
Marble is elegant but softer and more porous than granite. It scratches and etches easily, especially from acids, so it requires diligent care and regular sealing.

Do’s:

• Clean spills immediately to prevent etching or stains.

• Use coasters, trivets, and placemats at all times.

• Cut on boards, never on marble directly.

• Seal regularly (every 6–12 months).

• Use pH-neutral cleaners designed for marble.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use vinegar, lemon, bleach, or common household cleaners.

• Don’t scrub with abrasives like steel wool or Magic Erasers.

• Don’t store toiletries or oily products directly on marble.

• Don’t stand on or place very heavy objects on it.

• Don’t delay resealing if water no longer beads on the surface.

Quartz Countertops (Engineered Quartz)

Key Characteristics:
Quartz is engineered with quartz crystals and resins. It is non-porous, stain-resistant, and never needs sealing. However, it is sensitive to high heat and harsh chemicals.

Do’s:

• Wipe spills quickly, especially pigmented ones like wine or coffee.

• Clean daily with mild soap and water.

• Use non-abrasive cleaners for tough messes.

• Sanitize occasionally with diluted alcohol.

• Use cutting boards and trivets.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use abrasive pads, powders, or steel wool.

• Don’t use harsh chemicals (oven cleaner, drain opener, paint remover).

• Don’t put hot pans directly on quartz (use trivets).

• Don’t cut directly on the surface.

• Don’t seal or wax quartz – it’s unnecessary.

Quartzite Countertops

Key Characteristics:
Quartzite is a natural stone that looks like marble but is as hard as granite. It is durable, heat-resistant, and should be sealed to prevent staining.

Do’s:

• Use mild, pH-neutral stone cleaners.

• Blot spills quickly, especially oils and dark liquids.

• Seal every 1–2 years to maintain resistance.

• Use cutting boards and trivets.

• Perform occasional deep cleaning with stone-safe products.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use acidic or bleach-based cleaners.

• Don’t use abrasives like steel wool or gritty powders.

• Don’t let spills sit overnight.

• Don’t expose it to sudden extreme temperature changes.

• Don’t use it as a workbench or drop heavy objects on it.

Porcelain Slab Countertops

Key Characteristics:
Porcelain is an engineered ceramic that is non-porous, lightweight, heat-resistant, and UV-resistant. It never needs sealing.

Do’s:

• Wipe regularly with mild soap and water.

• Clean spills promptly to prevent residue.

• Use baking soda paste for stubborn spots.

• Use cutting boards to avoid dulling knives and prevent metal marks.

• Use trivets for very hot cookware.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use steel wool or extreme abrasives.

• Don’t drop heavy objects on edges or seams.

• Don’t stand on porcelain counters.

• Don’t use hydrofluoric acid cleaners (rare, but highly damaging).

• Don’t try to seal porcelain – it’s unnecessary.

Soapstone Countertops

Key Characteristics:
Soapstone is non-porous, stain-proof, and resistant to acids and heat. It never needs sealing, but it scratches more easily and develops a natural patina. Many owners oil it for appearance.

Do’s:

• Clean with mild soap and water.

• Apply mineral oil or wax occasionally (optional) for color enhancement.

• Use cutting boards to prevent scratches.

• Keep fine sandpaper or Scotch-Brite handy to buff scratches.

• Take advantage of its heat resistance.

Don’ts:

• Don’t seal or chemically treat soapstone.

• Don’t cut directly on it with knives.

• Don’t panic about minor scratches – they blend into the patina.

• Don’t drop heavy objects on edges or corners.

Conclusion

Each countertop material has its own unique maintenance needs. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll preserve the beauty and extend the life of your surfaces. With just a little preventative care – wiping spills promptly, using cutting boards and trivets, avoiding harsh cleaners – your countertops will remain strong, stunning, and long-lasting.