Maintaining a stone benchtop isn’t just about keeping it clean; it’s about preserving its durability, elegance, and functionality for years to come. Whether you’re a homeowner revamping your kitchen, an architect designing stunning spaces, or a business constructing retail experiences, the right cleaner can extend the lifespan and beauty of your benchtop while ensuring it remains in pristine condition.
But with the diverse range of stone materials available, how can you ensure you’re using the right cleaner? This guide dives into the best practices and products, helping you choose the ideal cleaner for stone benchtops.
Understanding Different Stone Benchtop Materials
Different stone types have unique properties, and cleaning them requires tailored approaches. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials:
1. Granite
- Durability: Hard-wearing and highly durable.
- Care Tip: Requires periodic sealing to maintain its stain resistance.
- Best Cleaner: pH-neutral cleaners and mild soap solutions work best.
2. Marble
- Porosity: Highly porous and more prone to stains than other stones.
- Care Tip: Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.
- Best Cleaner: Use gentle, pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for marble.
3. Quartz (Engineered Stone)
- Non-Porosity: Non-porous and doesn’t require sealing.
- Care Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that may affect the resin binding.
- Best Cleaner: Non-abrasive multipurpose cleaners are ideal.
4. Porcelain
- Resilience: Scratch and stain-resistant.
- Care Tip: Use soft cloths and avoid abrasive pads.
- Best Cleaner: A mix of soapy water or brand-recommended products.
Characteristics of the Best Stone Benchtop Cleaners
Here’s what to look for in a cleaner that’s truly stone-friendly and effective.
- pH-Neutral Formula: Maintains the natural finish and prevents damage from acidic or alkaline solutions.
- Chemical-Free Composition: Avoid products with bleach, ammonia, or vinegar as they can harm specific stones like marble.
- Non-Abrasive: Prevents scratching or etching the surface.
- Tailored for Stone: Choose a cleaner that matches your specific stone type.
Top Recommended Cleaners for Stone Benchtops
Commercial Cleaners
Looking for powerful stone-friendly products? Here are well-known brands widely recommended for their effectiveness:
- Caesarstone® Spray Cleaner – Perfect for engineered quartz benchtops.
- Method Daily Granite Cleaner – Safe for granite, marble, and quartz.
- StoneTech Revitaliser Cleaner and Protector – Great for natural stone surfaces.
DIY Natural Cleaners
Prefer eco-friendly and budget-friendly options? These natural solutions work just as well.
- Warm Water & Mild Dish Soap
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- Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
- Ideal for everyday cleaning of all stone types.
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- Baking Soda Paste
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- Combine baking soda and water to tackle stubborn stains.
- Safe for quartz and granite, but avoid on marble as it can be abrasive.
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Avoid Vinegar at all costs as its acidic nature can ruin the finish and cause irreversible damage to stone surfaces.
Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Many individuals unintentionally damage their stone benchtops by making these common mistakes.
- Using Acidic or Harsh Chemicals
Substances like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia can strip the protective coating, causing damage.
- Scrubbing with Abrasive Pads
Steel wool or scouring pads leave scratches and ruin the glossy finish.
- Ignoring Spills
Leaving spills unattended can result in permanent stains, especially on porous stones like marble.
- Forgetting Regular Sealing
Porous stones like granite and marble require consistent sealing to maintain their water resistance.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Stone Benchtops
- Daily Cleaning
Wipe down surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grease.
- Use Coasters & Trivets
Prevent stains and heat damage by using coasters for glasses and trivets for hot dishes.
- Regular Resealing
Granite and marble surfaces need resealing every 6-12 months to protect against stains and scratches.
- Avoid Heavy Impact
Take precautions around sink edges to prevent chips, and avoid standing or placing heavy objects directly on the benchtop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use dishwashing liquid to clean stone benchtops?
Yes, a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid mixed with water is safe for most stones. Avoid using concentrated soaps as they can leave streaks.
What is the best product to clean stone countertops with?
StoneTech and Caesarstone Spray Cleaner are excellent options specifically designed for stone benchtops.
Can you use Windex on stone benchtops?
No, most Windex products contain ammonia, which can damage stone surfaces over time.
Can I use baking soda on Caesarstone?
Yes, but only as a gentle paste. Avoid rubbing it on marble or using excessive force during cleaning.
Can you use vinegar on stone benchtops?
No, vinegar is highly acidic and can etch and dull the stone finish.
How do you deep clean stone countertops?
Use a pH-neutral cleaner or a baking soda paste for stubborn stains. Follow up with a thorough rinse and polishing using a microfiber cloth.
Can you use Gumption on stone benchtops?
Gumption is not recommended due to its abrasive properties, which can scratch the surface.
Is vinegar safe on Caesarstone?
No, avoid vinegar as it can damage the resin used in Caesarstone surfaces.
Is Methylated Spirits good for cleaning stone benchtops?
Yes, it’s great for streak-free cleaning, especially for granite and marble. Use it sparingly.
How do I restore the shine to my stone benchtop?
Polish the benchtop with a granite-specific polish or a soft cloth following a thorough clean.
What is the best product to clean Caesarstone with?
Caesarstone’s Spray Cleaner is specifically formulated for their surfaces.
How do you get stains off a stone benchtop?
Spot treat stains with a mixture of baking soda and water or a specialised stain remover for stone.
