Product Care

This countertop care guide covers daily cleaning, stain removal, sealing, and what to avoid on quartz, granite, marble, and quartzite surfaces. Every recommendation below applies to countertops fabricated and installed by Alpine Countertops across Metro Vancouver.

Quick rules that apply to every stone surface:

  • Wipe spills as soon as they happen — acidic liquids (wine, citrus, coffee, tomato) do the most damage when left to sit.
  • Use a cutting board. No stone surface is truly scratch-proof.
  • Use trivets for hot pots. Thermal shock can crack even the hardest stone.
  • Avoid abrasive scouring pads and strong bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaners on any stone.

Need a specific deep-dive? Our blog has detailed guides on cleaning and caring for quartz, plus marble vs. quartz in bathroom vanities.

Quartz Surface Care & Maintenance

Taking Care of Your Quartz Surface

Quartz surfaces blend modern sophistication and timeless luxury with unbeatable strength and durability. The ever-lasting finish requires only simple and routine care to maintain its good looks. To clean Quartz surface, we recommend using warm water and a mild detergent or quality spray and wipe type cleaner in order to enjoy enduring beauty and unmatched performance for years to come.

Minimal Maintenance

Virtually maintenance-free, Quartz’s hard, non-porous surfaces require no sealing to renew the lustre and are simple to clean. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is enough to keep your Quartz countertop looking like new. If necessary, use a non-abrasive soft soap along with a non-scratch or delicate scrub pad. Afterwards, thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove residue.

Stubborn Stains or Dried Spills

If needed, apply a non-abrasive household cleaners (a non-abrasive cleaner will not dull the surface shine) and rinse to remove residue. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, nail polish or even dried paint, first scrape away excess material with a plastic putty knife and then use a damp cloth to remove any marks or residual dirt.

Heat Tolerance

Quartz Surface is more heat resistant than other stone surfaces including most granite, marble and limestone; and is not affected by temperatures lower than 150°C (300°F). However, like all stone material, Quartz surface can be damaged by sudden and rapid temperature changes. Therefore, we suggest that hot pots and pans never be directly placed on the surface. We also recommend a hot pad or trivet be placed on the surface under cooking units such as electric frying pans, crock pots, or roaster ovens.

Scratch Resistant

Quartz surface is a highly scratch resistant surface; however avoid abuse of the surface by refraining from using sharp objects such as sharp knives or screw drivers directly onto the surface.

Cleaning Agents to Avoid

It’s important to be aware that like any other surface, Quartz surface can be permanently damaged if exposed to strong chemicals and solvents that can damage its physical properties. Never clean your Quartz surface with products that contain Trichlorethane or Methylene chloride, such as paint removers or strippers. Avoid the use of highly aggressive cleaning agents such as oven/grill cleaners and dishwasher polishing agents that have high alkaline/pH levels (pH 8.5 or higher). Products containing oils or powders may leave a residue and should be rinsed off thoroughly. Should your surface accidentally be exposed to any of these damaging products, rinse immediately with clean water to neutralize the effect.

Natural Stone Maintenance & Granite Care Tips

The most important things that you can do to care for granite countertops, or any natural stone surface are:
  1. Remove any dust, grit, and sand from the stone’s surface.
  2. Clean up accidental spills as soon as possible.
  3. Use coasters or placemats on your natural stone surfaces.
  4. This is especially true for calcareous natural stones such as marble, onyx, and travertine.
  5. Rinse and dry your natural stone surface after washing.
  6. Use neutral household detergent to do daily cleanings.

The DON’TS of Natural Stone Care

  • DON’T use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on your stone.
  • DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
  • DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
  • DON’T mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
  • DON’T ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

The cleaning products you use should only be strong enough to do the required task and no more. AND, always call and seek for suggestions from your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat yourself.

Sealing Granite & Natural Stones

Before sealing or selecting natural stone and granite sealers, consider these things:

  • Need to seal it or not? Place several drops of water on the surface of the stone and see how long it takes for the water to completely disappear. If the water absorbs into the stone under one minute, it is very porous; up to 3-4 minutes, still consider it porous. You may want to consider sealing this type of surface. If the water beads on the surface or if it is slowly absorbed into the stone, it can be considered as having a lower porosity. A polished surface finish will be less absorbent than a honed finish.
  • What kind of sealer should I use? A kitchen countertop that is used daily will need a sealer that is oil repellent. A bathroom on the other hand, will be just fine with a water repellent sealer.
    There are many kinds of stone sealers for different stone and surfaces. Visit your local hardware store to obtain a sealing product that’s right for your type of surface.
Stain Removal

Clean the spill immediately with a paper towel in an inward circular movement. Don’t wipe or mop the area as it will spread the spill. Flush the area with water and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. A new stain may be removed by using a neutral household cleaner. Permanent stains will require the advice of a stone professional.

Marble & Quartzite Care

Marble and quartzite are natural stones that etch and stain more easily than quartz or granite. Treat them with extra care:

Daily cleaning

  • Wipe with warm water and a soft microfiber cloth. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner for a deeper clean.
  • Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners on marble — vinegar, lemon juice, bathroom cleaners, and bleach will etch (dull) the polished surface.
  • Always blot spills, never wipe — wiping spreads the liquid over a wider area.

Etching vs. staining

On marble, these are two different problems:

  • Etching is a chemical burn from acid — the stone loses its polish. Light etches can be buffed out with a marble polishing powder; deep etches need professional refinishing.
  • Staining is a liquid soaking into the stone. Quartzite and sealed marble resist stains; unsealed or older marble absorbs them. Use a stone poultice for removal.

Sealing marble and quartzite

Both should be sealed every 6–12 months depending on use. A simple test: drop a few beads of water on the stone. If they bead up, the sealer is still working. If they absorb in under a minute, it’s time to re-seal.

Related guides

Professional care or repair?

Deep etches, chips, cracked seams, and re-polishing are best handled by professional fabricators. Alpine Countertops offers repair and refinishing service across Metro Vancouver for countertops we install and, in most cases, for countertops installed by others.
Request a repair consultation — call 604-630-5700 or email info@alpinecountertops.com.