Countertop
Care Guide
Your countertops are an investment, and with the right care, they’ll stay beautiful for decades. Each stone type has unique characteristics, so we’ve outlined the best care guidelines for quartz, granite, and quartzite below.
Care Guidelines for All Stone Types
Quartz • Granite • Quartzite
Dried Spills (Gum, Food, Nail Polish)
- Gently scrape off the residue with a plastic putty knife (never a metal one).
- Clean remaining residue with the proper cleaner for your stone.
- Avoid abrasive scrub pads as they can dull the surface finish.
About Finishes (Honed, Leathered, Concrete, Matte, Textured)
- Show fingerprints, water spots, and metal marks more easily than polished surfaces.
- May require more frequent cleaning.
- Most marks remove easily with nonabrasive cleaners.
Heat Safety (General)
- Always use trivets or hot pads.
- Avoid extreme temperature shock.
(Stone-specific heat resistance is listed in the stone sections below.)
Cleaners and Chemicals to Avoid
For all stone types, prolonged exposure may cause damage or discoloration:
- Oven/grill cleaners
- Paint removers and thinners
- Toilet bowl and drain cleaners
- Oil-based soaps and furniture polish
- Dishwashing detergent (undiluted)
- Battery acid or strong industrial chemicals
If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with clean water.
General Guidance
- Always use a cutting board, as sharp objects can damage the surface.
- Excessive force or impact may chip corners or edges.
- Rounded edge profiles (⅛” pencil or larger) reduce chipping risk.
Quartz Care
Daily Cleaning
- Quartz is nonporous and highly stain-resistant.
- Clean with mild dish soap and water using a soft cloth.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly to maintain shine.
- Use nonabrasive cleaners only.
- Eco-friendly option: 50/50 vinegar and water solution.
Stubborn Food Stains
- Apply a nonabrasive gel cleaner (like Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach) to a cloth only, not directly onto the surface.
- Clean in a circular motion, rinse well, and dry.
Metal Marks and Rust Spots
- Liquid Bar Keepers Friend may remove marks.
- Use very light pressure and rinse immediately.
Heat Resistance
- Quartz is NOT heat-resistant.
- Avoid placing hot pans, slow cookers, toaster ovens, or other concentrated heat sources directly on the countertop.
Durability Notes
- Scratch resistance: Very good
- Heat resistance: Poor
- Stain resistance: Excellent (nonporous)
- Chemical resistance: Avoid harsh solvents
Granite Care
Daily Cleaning
- Granite is naturally porous, so it requires proper sealing.
- Use pH-balanced stone cleaner or mild dish soap with warm water.
- Avoid acidic/harsh cleaners (which can weaken the sealer).
- Dry after cleaning to help prevent water spots.
- Reseal regularly as recommended by your fabricator.
Stubborn Food Stains
- Use a stone-safe stain remover or poultice designed for natural stone.
- Avoid bleach-based or acidic products (which can damage the sealer).
Metal Marks and Rust Spots
- Use a stone-approved metal stain cleaner.
- Avoid abrasives that could scratch natural stone.
Heat Resistance
- Granite is heat-resistant, not heatproof.
- Avoid placing hot pans, concentrated heat sources, or anything that causes thermal shock directly on the surface.
Durability Notes
- Scratch resistance: Very good
- Heat resistance: Very good
- Stain resistance: Good with sealer
- Chemical resistance: Avoid acids/harsh cleaners
Quartzite Care
Daily Cleaning
- Quartzite is a natural stone, harder than granite but still porous.
- Use pH-balanced stone cleaner or mild soap and water.
- Avoid vinegar and acidic cleaners to prevent etching.
- Dry after cleaning to protect the sealer and maintain polish.
Stubborn Food Stains
- Use a stone-safe stain remover or poultice designed for natural stone.
- Avoid bleach-based or acidic products.
Metal Marks and Rust Spots
- Use a stone-approved metal stain cleaner.
- Avoid abrasives that could scratch natural stone.
Heat Resistance
- Quartzite is heat-resistant, not heatproof.
- Avoid placing hot pans or concentrated heat sources directly on the surface.
Durability Notes
- Scratch resistance: Excellent (hardest)
- Heat resistance: Very good
- Stain resistance: Good with sealer
- Chemical resistance: Avoid acids/harsh cleaners
Material Comparison Table
| QUARTZ | GRANITE | QUARTZITE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance | Very good | Very good | Excellent (hardest) |
| Heat Resistance | Poor | Very good | Very good |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent (nonporous) | Good with sealer | Good with sealer |
| Chemical Resistance | Avoid harsh solvents | Avoid acids/harsh cleaners | Avoid acids/harsh cleaners |
Keep Your Countertops Beautiful
By following these simple steps, your quartz, granite, or quartzite surfaces will remain stunning and functional, just like the day they were installed. If you ever have questions about cleaning products or maintenance, our team is here to help!
