The Complete Guide to Caring for Granite, Quartz, Quartzite, Soapstone, Limestone, and Wood Countertops

Choosing the right countertop is one of the most exciting parts of building a custom home. Whether you prefer the timeless strength of granite, the clean elegance of quartz, or the warmth of wood, your investment will last for decades—as long as it’s cared for properly.

Read along for your straightforward guide to cleaning, sealing, and maintaining the most popular countertop materials used in today’s homes, including what you should use and what you should avoid at all costs.

Granite

Granite is extremely durable, heat-resistant, and perfect for a busy kitchen. But it does require periodic sealing to maintain its resilience.

How to Clean:

• Daily cleaning with mild dish soap and warm water

• Use pH-neutral stone cleaner for deeper cleaning

How to Seal:

• Seal every 1–2 years (depending on usage and porosity)

• Use a penetrating/impregnating stone sealer specifically for natural stone (brands like StoneTech, Aqua Mix, Granite Gold)

  
  

What NOT to Use:

• Vinegar, lemon, or any acidic cleaners

• Bleach or harsh disinfecting wipes

• Abrasive scrub pads

• Oil-based polishes

Quartz

Quartz is engineered stone—non-porous, low-maintenance, and stain-resistant without the need for sealing.

How to Clean:

• Mild dish soap and water

• Glass cleaner or a gentle

  all-purpose cleaner

• Soft cloth or sponge

  
  

Sealing:

• Do NOT seal quartz. Sealers can create residue or damage the resin binder.

What NOT to Use:

• Abrasive cleaners like Soft Scrub

• High pH or highly acidic cleaners

• Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, or solvents

• Direct high heat (use trivets)

Quartzite

Quartzite is natural stone, harder than granite, but still porous and requires periodic sealing.

How to Clean:

• Mild dish soap + warm water

• pH-neutral stone cleaner for routine care

How to Seal:

• Seal every 1–2 years

• Use a high-quality impregnating stone sealer

  
  

What NOT to Use:

• Vinegar or acidic cleaners

• Harsh chemicals or bleach

• Abrasive pads

• Leaving spills (wine, coffee, oil) sitting too long

Soapstone

Soapstone is naturally nonporous—one of the few stones that never needs sealing.

How to Clean:

• Dish soap + warm water

• Soft sponge only

How to Maintain:

• Optional: Apply food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to deepen the color and even out natural patina

• Reapply weekly at first, then only as needed

What NOT to Use:

• Abrasive cleaners are unnecessary but won’t ruin soapstone; however, they can dull the appearance

• Avoid chemical sealers (soapstone does not absorb them)

Limestone

Limestone is beautiful but more delicate and porous than other natural stones. It is highly versatile, with popular applications including accent walls, and durable, textured flooring in entryways, living rooms, and bathrooms

How to Clean:

• Mild soap and warm water

• pH-neutral stone cleaner only

How to Seal

• :Seal every 6–12 months

• Use a penetrating stone sealer designed for soft/porous stone

What NOT to Use:

• Vinegar or acidic cleaners

• Citrus-based cleaners

• Bleach or ammonia

• Abrasive scrubbers

• Sitting water or spills—wipe up immediately

Wood / Butcher Block Countertops

Wood brings warmth and character to kitchens and bathrooms, but it needs consistent conditioning.

How to Clean:

• Dish soap + warm water

• White vinegar sparingly for disinfecting

• Use a soft cloth

How to Seal / Condition:

Choose one of these methods:

• Food-grade mineral oil (most common)

• Beeswax or conditioner blends

• Waterproof finishes (varnish, polyurethane) for non-prep areas

• Reapply oil monthly or whenever the wood looks dry.

What NOT to Use:

• Bleach

• Harsh chemical cleaners

• Leaving standing water (causes swelling and staining)

• Knife blades directly on the wood (use cutting boards)

General Tips for All Countertops

• Use coasters and trivets, even on durable materials

• Wipe spills quickly—especially oil, wine, coffee, citrus, or acidic foods

• Avoid dragging pots, pans, and appliances to prevent dulling and scratches

• Use cutting boards to protect both the surface and your knives

Need Help Choosing or Maintaining Your Countertops?

If you’re building or remodeling with us, we’ll walk you through the best countertop choices for your lifestyle—and provide personalized care instructions after installation. Proper maintenance keeps your surfaces looking beautiful for decades, and we’re here to help every step of the way.