At Granite Works, we believe that every beautiful surface deserves lasting protection. Whether you’ve selected granite, quartz, or another natural or engineered stone, proper care begins with understanding the unique composition of your material. Stone types react differently to wear, spills, and cleaning products, which is why we offer this in-depth guide.
From learning how to identify whether your stone is calcareous or siliceous, to knowing which cleaning products are safe to use, this section provides essential maintenance tips, sealing recommendations, and stain removal techniques. You’ll also find expert advice on how to prevent damage from everyday use, covering everything from coasters and mats to safe vacuuming, spill clean-up, and how to treat etch marks, hard water rings, or even fire and smoke damage.
Our goal is to help you preserve the beauty and performance of your stone surfaces for years to come. With the right approach, stone can be one of the most durable and low-maintenance features in your home.
Benefits of Natural Stone:
- Beautiful
- Durable
- Proven Sanitary
- Affordable
- Sustainable
- Genuine
- Unique
- Long Life Cycle
Get to Know Your Stone
Proper care and maintenance of natural stone surfaces begins with understanding the geological makeup of your stone. Knowing its classification and composition will help you determine which cleaning products are safe to use and how to best protect your investment.
Natural stone is typically categorized into three geological types based on how it was formed: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Within each of these categories, stone can be further classified as either calcareous or siliceous—each with its own care requirements.
Calcareous stones are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, a compound also found in shells and pearls. These stones are more sensitive to acidic substances, so it’s important to use only mild, non-acidic cleaners to avoid etching or surface damage.
Siliceous stones are made mostly of silicate minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica. These types of stone are generally more resistant to acids commonly found in household kitchens, but acidic cleaners are still not recommended, as trace minerals within the stone can still react negatively.
Understanding the type of stone you have is the first step toward ensuring long-lasting beauty and performance.
| Sedimentary | Metamorphic | Igneous | |
| Calcareous | Limestone Travertine Onyx | Marble Serpentine | |
| Siliceous | Sandstone | Slate Quartzite Soapstone | Granite |
Stone Colors and Appearance
Natural stone is quarried throughout the world in a variety of colors with varying mineral compositions. If you have stone in your home and do not know the type, you may want to consult with a stone professional. In most cases, the type of natural stone can be identified by visible particles at the surface of the stone. The following tips may be helpful:
- Marble are traditionally prized for their aesthetic appeal. Some are accentuated by pronounced veining trends and bold colors. Often included in the marble family are serpentines and onyxes.
- Granites typically exhibit small flecks or grains of minerals uniformly distributed throughout the stone. Some “exotic granites” will have veining patterns similar to marbles.
- Sandstones vary widely in color due to different minerals and clays found in the stone. Sandstone is typically light gray to yellow or red. Bluestone and brownstone are well known varieties of this quartz-based stone group.
- Limestone and travertines are widely used building stones with colors typically light gray, tan or buff. A distinguishing characteristic of many limestones is the presence of fossils that are frequently visible in the stone surface.
- Slate is dark green, black, gray, dark red or multi-colored. It is most commonly used as a flooring material and for roof tiles and is often distinguished by its distinct cleft texture.
- Soapstone may come in a wide range of colors and generally has a smooth feel to the touch.
- Quartzites are generally harder and denser than granites with patterns that can resemble veining found in many marbles. Quartzite is a nurtally offucring stone that is highly resistant to chemicals and scratches. Quartzite should not be confused with manufactured quartz-based materials.
Due to its high resistance to chemicals and because if its ability to absorb and distribute heat, it is an ideal material for countertops, fireplace and wood stone surrounds.
Each type of stone is unique and will vary in color, texture and marking
Interested in the differences between quartz, granite, and other stone surfaces? Click here to explore the types of stones we have in our inventory and find the best fit for your space.
Stone Finishes
There are several finishes (for example: polished, honed, leathered, antiqued, and others) available for natural stone and new finishes appear in the market regularly to keep pace with consumer demand. The type of finishe will not impact the type of cleaning product used.
Easy Care Tips
To get the longest life and preserve the beauty of your natural stone, follow these simple tips:
- Coasters: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
- Trivets: While many stones can withstand heat, the use of trivets or mats is recommended.
- Dust Mopping: Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit are abrasive and can damage natural stone.
- Mats/rugs: Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that may scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a slip resistant surface.
- Vacuum cleaners: If used, be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface of some stones.
- Spills: Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.
Cleaning
Clean stone surfaces with neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water.
Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Follow manufacturer recommendations.
Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.
Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
Change the rinse water frequently.
In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia an water (about ½ cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of some stone types.
In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas flush with clear water and use mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
Cleaning Products
Many suppliers offer products used for stone cleaning.
Products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids may dull or etch calcareous stones.
Scouring powders or creams often contain abrasives that may scratch certain stones.
Many commercially available ruse removers (laundry rust stain removers, toilet bowl cleaners) contain trace levels of hydrofluoric acid (HF). The acid attacks silicates in addition to other minerals. All stones, including granite and quartzite, will be attached if exposed to HF.
Do not mix ammonia and bleach. This combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
Stain Identification Tips
Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to removing it. Stains can be oil based, organic, metallic, biological, ink based, paint based, acid based. If you don’t know what caused the stain, consider likely staining agents that may have been present. Here are some questions you consider:
Where is the Stain Located?
Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used?
What color is it?
What is the shape or pattern?
What occurs is the area around the stain?
What Type of Stain is It?
The following sections describe the types of stains you may have to deal with and the appropriate household chemicals to use and how to prepare and apply a poultice to remove the stain.
Oil-based
(grease, plumbers’ putty, tar, cooking oil, milk, cosmetics)
An oil-based stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain cn be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleaner with one of the following: household detergent, mineral spirits or acetone.
Organic
(Coffee, tea, wine, fruit, tobacco, paper, food, urine, leaves, bark, bird droppings)
May cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been removed. Outdoors, with the sources removed, sun and rain action will generally bleach out the stains. Indoors, clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia.
Metal
(iron, rust, copper, bronze)
Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in color and follow the shape of the staining object such as nails, bolts, screws, cans, flower pots, metal furniture. Copper and bronze stains appear as green or muddy-brown and results from the action of moisture on nearby or embedded bronze, copper or brass items. Metal stains must be removed with a poultice. Consult a stone professional, or visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/consumers/poultices/ .
Deep seated, rusty stains are extremely difficult to remove and the stone may be permanently stained.
Biological
(algae, mildew, lichens, moss, fungi)
Clean with diluted cleaning solution. Use a ½ cup of any of the following: ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide and a gallon of water. Reminder: do not mix beach and ammonia.
Ink
(magic marker, pen, ink)
On light colored stones, clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark colored stones, clean with lacquer thinner or acetone.
Paint
Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or scraped off carefully with a razor blade. Heavy paint coverage should be removed only with a commercial “heavy liquid” paint stripper available from hardware stores and paint centers. These strippers normally contain caustic soda or lye. Do not use acids or flame tools to strip paint from stone. Paint strippers can etch the surface of the stone; re-polishing may be necessary. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use of these products, and flush the area thoroughly with clean water. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area. Use only wood or plastic scrapers for removing the sludge and curdled paint. Normally, latex and acrylic paints will not cause staining. Oil-based paints, linseed oil, putty, caulks, and sealants may cause oily stains. Refer to the section on oil-based stains.
Water Spots and Rings
(surface accumulation of hard water)
Buff with dry 0000 steel wool.
Fire and Smoke Damage
Older stones and smoke or firestained fireplaces may require a thorough cleaning. When the smoke is removed, there may also be some etching (due to carbonic & other acids in smoke). Commercially available “smoke removers” may save time and effort.
Etch Marks
(caused by acids left on the surface of the stone)
Some materials will etch the finish by not leave a stain others will both etch and stain. Contact your stone dealer or call a professional stone restorer for refinishing or repolishing etched areas.
Efflorescence
(a white powder that may appear on the surface of the stone)
It is caused by the deposition of mineral salts carried by water from below the surface of the stone. When the water evaporates, it leaves the powdery substance. If the installation is new, dust mop or vacuum the powder. You may have to do this several times as the stone dries out. Do not use water to remove the powderl; it will only temporarily disappear. If the problem persists, contact your installer to help identify and remove the cause of the moisture.
Scratches and Nicks
Slight surface scratches may be buffed with dry 0000 steel wool. Deeper scratches and nicks in the surface of the stone should be repaired and repolished by a professional.
Benefits of Quartz
- Low Maintenance
- Durable & Long-Lasting
- Consistent Appearance
- Hygienic Surface
- Wide Range of Colors & Styles
Quartz Countertop Care Guide: Do’s
- Clean regularly with warm water and a mild soap or a quartz-specific surface cleaner.
- Use a cutting board to protect the surface from scratches.
- Always use a trivet or hot pad when placing hot pans, pots, or bakeware on the countertop.
- Place a wood cutting board or heat-safe barrier beneath countertop appliances or items that produce consistent direct heat (such as crockpots or air fryers).
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for stain removal and any specific care instructions for your quartz brand.
Quartz Countertop Care Guide: Don’ts
- Do not place items that produce consistent direct heat—such as crockpots, toaster ovens, or glass candles—directly on the surface.
- Do not assume quartz is stain-proof. While it is more stain-resistant than natural stone, certain substances can still leave marks if not cleaned promptly.
- Do not place extremely hot cookware or bakeware directly on quartz, as it is not heat-resistant and may discolor or crack.
- Do not rely on general cleaning methods. Always refer to your quartz manufacturer’s care guidelines for proper maintenance and stain removal.
Need Help Restoring Your Stone?
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains, etch marks, or surface damage, Granite Works is here to help. Our team offers professional stone maintenance and restoration services to keep your surfaces looking their best.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can protect and preserve your investment.