Everyone knows natural stone surfaces are beautiful. They add a sense of unique personality to a kitchen, bath, or any space in the home. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows how to care for them. Maintenance is key to having kitchen or bath countertops that last a lifetime. It’s not hard, but there are a few “habits” you should get into to make sure your countertops stay beautiful. 

Here are Marble & Granite, Inc.’s top tips for caring for your natural stone countertops: 

9.)  Always use coasters. Get into the habit so that when you’re drinking acidic beverages such as alcohol or juice you’re protected. 
8.)   Use trivets and pot holders under hot pots and pans. Again, it’s just a good habit to help maintain the integrity of your countertop. 
7.)   Use placemats when eating on a natural stone counter or bar top, this way you’re covered in case you drip or spill. 
6.)   Seal your natural stone countertops regularly. And before sealing, make sure natural stone has been cleaned before sealing. If not, sealers can trap in dirt and debris, resulting in damage to the stone. 
5.)  Clean natural stone frequently with warm water and mild soap, like dishwashing liquid. 
4.)  Avoid abrasive cleaning products like Comet or Soft Scrub and never use any type of scouring pads on natural stone. They often contain silicon carbide and will scratch even the toughest stone. 
3.)  Don’t use harsh disinfectants like bleach or ammonia. Never use vinegar to clean natural stone—it’s highly acidic and will damage it. Also avoid alkaline cleaners, such as baking soda. Basically, unless the label specifically notes that it is safe for use on natural stone, do not use it. Glass cleaners should also be avoided. 
2.)  Wipe up spills as quickly as possible. The longer they sit, the bigger the risk of permanent damage, even if the natural stone has been sealed. Some substances that can be particularly damaging include orange juice, lemonade, wine, tomato sauce, yogurt, salad dressing, perfume, and after shave.
1.) Have Marble & Granite, Inc. professionally clean your countertops! Our Service Department now offers professional cleaning and sealing of our natural stone countertops. We’ll re-seal them using the best sealers on the market and finish them with a final polish. Contact us directly at jverrengia@marbleandgranite.com to schedule a service visit. 
You can learn more about natural stone maintenance on our website: www.marbleandgranite.com. And feel free to give our stone experts a call at 877 39 STONE. We’ll help you keep your investment looking great for decades to come!