Natural stone benchtops, such as granite and marble, bring timeless elegance and long-lasting durability to your kitchen or bathroom. However, keeping them clean requires specific care to preserve their beauty and ensure they stand the test of time. If you’re wondering how to clean natural stone benchtops without causing damage, this detailed guide is here to help you.
Whether you’re working with a marble feature piece or a hardy granite surface, this article shares expert tips to maintain your stone’s pristine condition and avoid common cleaning mistakes.
Understanding Your Natural Stone Benchtop
Different types of natural stone demand different cleaning strategies because of their unique properties:
- Marble: Known for its luxurious appearance, marble is relatively soft and porous. It can etch or stain easily when exposed to acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar.
- Granite: More durable and less porous than marble, granite is an excellent choice for long-lasting benchtops. However, it still needs proper sealing and care to resist stains and moisture.
Understanding the material you’re working with is the first step to ensuring you take the right precautions.
Why Proper Cleaning Is Essential
Cleaning natural stone benchtops isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about maintaining your investment. According to the Marble Institute of America, improper cleaning can gradually degrade the stone’s appearance and reduce its lifespan. With the average installation cost of granite and marble benchtops in Melbourne ranging between $2,000 and $5,000, protecting your investment is vital.
Statistics show that nearly 70% of damage to natural stone benchtops occurs due to improper cleaning practices, including the use of abrasive cleaners or neglecting sealing maintenance. Following the right cleaning methods can save you from costly repairs or replacements.
How to Clean Natural Stone Benchtops Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A soft microfibre cloth or sponge
- pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A dry, lint-free towel
- A resealing product suitable for granite or marble (if your stone requires resealing)
Avoid: Harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners (like vinegar, citrus-based products, or bleach), abrasive sponges, and generic household cleaners. These can strip the sealant or cause etching on your stone.
Step 2: Daily Cleaning
Perform light cleaning daily to maintain your benchtops.
- Remove Debris: Sweep or wipe away crumbs or dust particles with a dry cloth. This prevents debris from scratching the surface.
- Wipe Down: Mix warm water with a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap or stone cleaner. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the surface.
- Rinse with Clean Water: Use a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry Thoroughly: Dry the surface with a lint-free towel to avoid water streaks or stains.
Pro tip for Melbourne residents: Dust tends to accumulate quicker indoors during windy weather. Wiping your benchtops daily can help prevent micro-scratches.
Step 3: Stain Removal
Accidents happen, and spills can leave stains. Act quickly to minimise damage:
- For Marble: Remove stains by mixing baking soda with water to form a paste. Cover the stain with the paste, then place plastic wrap over it. Leave it for 12–24 hours, then gently wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- For Granite: Use a granite-safe stain remover or make a paste similar to the marble cleaning method.
Important: Always test any homemade solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Preventative Tip
For both marble and granite, wipe up spills immediately. Substances like coffee, red wine, and cooking oils can cause discolouration if left for too long.
Step 4: Resealing (When Needed)
Natural stone benchtops are typically sealed during installation, but over time, the sealant can wear off. A good rule of thumb is to reseal every 1–3 years, depending on use and Benchtops stone type.
How to Check if Your Benchtop Needs Resealing:
- Pour a few drops of water on the surface.
- Leave it for 15 minutes.
- If the water seeps into the stone, it’s time to reseal.
To reseal:
- Follow the instructions on your chosen sealing product.
- Apply the sealant evenly and buff it into the surface with a clean cloth.
Melbourne Insight: The humid climate can sometimes speed up the degradation of sealants. Regular resealing is particularly important in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Other Tips for Maintenance
- Use Coasters & Trivets: Prevent scratches and heat damage by using coasters under glasses and trivets under hot pans.
- Avoid Heavy Weights: Don’t sit or place heavy items on your benchtops, as natural stone can crack under excessive weight.
- Routine Dusting: If your benchtops aren’t used daily, dust them regularly to prevent long-term abrasion.
The Long-Term Benefits of Proper Care
By following these cleaning and maintenance routines, your natural stone benchtops can remain stunning for decades. Protecting your investment not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your home but also enhances its value, with properties boasting natural stone installations often attracting premium pricing in Melbourne’s competitive real estate market.
Why Choose Emporium Stone for Your Benchtop Needs?
Emporium Stone specialises in premium-quality granite and marble benchtops tailored to Melbourne homes. With years of expertise in natural stone installations and maintenance, we’re passionate about helping you transform your kitchen or bathroom into an elegant, durable space.
If you’d like more advice on maintaining or resealing your benchtops, our team is just a click away!
Get in Touch with Emporium Stone Today for expert recommendations and to explore our stunning range of natural stone materials.
