Basic advice for cleaning and protecting your stone surface.
Stone Care & Maintenance
Before Cleaning or Protecting Your Stone
Disclaimer – It is essential to understand that the information presented on this page consists of generalized recommendations. With countless stone types, unique geological compositions, and a broad range of finishes, some stones and situations do not adhere to these recommendations.
Know Your Stone – Before cleaning or protecting your stone, be familiar with your stone’s classification and performance factors.
- Stone Type
Is your stone natural or engineered (manufactured)? If natural, is it quartzite, granite, marble, limestone, or other? If engineered, is it quartz, sintered stone, porcelain, or other? This information will help you identify your stone’s performance factors. View the types of stones we carry. - Density/Porosity
The greater a stone’s density, the less porous it is and the less susceptible it is to staining and etching. Porosity varies in natural stone, with quartzite and granite being less porous, and softer stones like marble, limestone, and onyx being more porous. Their finish can also impact staining and etching. Engineered surfaces generally are less porous. - Scratch Resistance
Harder natural stones like quartzite and granite are less susceptible to scratching than softer stones like marble, limestone, and onyx.
Engineered Surfaces: Cleaning, Care, & Maintenance
For cleaning, care, and maintenance of engineered stone surfaces, please refer to the methods directed by the manufacturer. We maintain a collection of guides in our Resource Library, or you may visit the manufacturer’s website.
Natural Stone: Cleaning, Care, & Maintenance
General Cleaning & Disinfecting
- Use a mild dish soap with warm water and a soft dishcloth or sponge for everyday cleaning.
- You may use a water-based PH-neutral cleaning product with no harsh chemicals for more difficult cleanups.
- Never use abrasive scrubbers or aggressive chemicals, including steel wool, Clorox wipes, bleach, vinegar, or ammonia-based products, on honed finishes and softer stones like marble, onyx, limestone, dolomite, and travertine as they may cause etching.
Stain Removers
- A natural stone stain remover can generally eliminate the issue if you experience a stain.
- We recommend first consulting with a stone professional. In some instances, what may appear to be a discoloration or stain, may be an etched surface.
Sealers and Etch Protection
- While there is no perfect solution to protect against staining and etching, there are products available that trained stone care professionals can apply. These solutions can minimize staining and lessen natural stone’s susceptibility to etching.
Professional help
- Our experienced staff can help recommend a qualified stone care professional to meet your needs. A stone care professional will use specialized tools, techniques, and treatments to restore your stone’s natural beauty.
