Cleaning

Clean countertop using mild dish soap and soft cloth.

Clean stone surfaces daily with a soft cloth using mild dish soap, and wipe off any spills immediately. Especially after rolling dough on marble, you’ll want to clean up the mess right away. If a stain does soak in, treat it with warm water and a mild dish soap, or a stone soap recommended by your countertop contractor. For more serious stains, you may need to use a poultice–an absorbent compound, such as powdered whiting mixed with hydrogen peroxide–which will pull the stain out. Check with your granite or marble fabricator about cleaning recommendations for specific stains.

It is very important to wipe the countertop down again with clean water and then dry it with a cloth or paper tower. This will prevent the build up of soap residue which forms a film on the surface of the stone. This film can make the countertops look hazy and dull. But don’t worry, there are products out there which don’t leave any residue.

Using a dedicated natural stone cleaner

Another way to clean natural stone countertops is to use a dedicated natural stone cleaner:

Most of the better cleaners have sealing features. These cleaners protect your stone by putting a little bit of sealer on the surface as you clean – every time you do it. So they not only clean, but also help to protect your countertop from stains. These products are generally non-toxic, and friendly to the environment.

To apply, just spray it directly to the surface. If the cleaner has the sealer in it, let the surface stay wet for a minute before wiping it dry. That’s all there is to it! The countertops will keep their original shine and won’t dull.