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Stone care guide

A quick reference for cleaning, sealing, and protecting common natural and engineered stones.

Marble

Reseal every 6–12 months

Visual: soft veining, cool tones, polished sheen.

Daily

Wipe with a soft cloth and warm water, or pH-neutral stone cleaner.

Weekly

Clean with a dedicated marble-safe cleaner; dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid water marks.

Deep clean

Apply a stone-safe poultice for stains; re-polish dull areas with marble polishing powder.

Common risks

  • Etches from acidic foods (lemon, vinegar, wine)
  • Stains from oils and dyes
  • Scratches from abrasive scrubbing

Avoid

VinegarLemon juiceBleachAmmoniaAbrasive padsGeneric bathroom cleaners

Pro tip: Call a stone restoration pro for deep etches, large stains, or to refinish a polished surface.

Granite

Reseal every 1–3 years

Visual: speckled crystalline pattern, high gloss, varied mineral colors.

Daily

Warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or a pH-neutral stone cleaner.

Weekly

Use a granite-safe cleaner and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.

Deep clean

Use a poultice for set-in oil stains; reseal afterward.

Common risks

  • Oil stains in unsealed areas
  • Chipping at edges from impact
  • Discoloration from harsh chemicals

Avoid

VinegarBleachAmmoniaAbrasive scouring powders

Pro tip: Contact a pro for chips, deep cracks, or full re-polishing.

Quartzite

Reseal every 1–2 years

Visual: glassy crystalline veining, cool to the touch, very hard surface.

Daily

pH-neutral stone cleaner or warm water with mild soap.

Weekly

Stone-specific cleaner and dry buff.

Deep clean

Poultice for stains; verify true quartzite vs marble before using polishing powders.

Common risks

  • Etching is rare but possible if mislabeled marble
  • Stains in unsealed slabs

Avoid

Acidic cleanersBleachAbrasive pads

Pro tip: Pro help recommended for chips, cracks, or doubt about whether the stone is true quartzite.

Limestone

Reseal every 6–12 months

Visual: uniform matte tone, fossil inclusions, soft warm color.

Daily

Dust mop or soft cloth with water only.

Weekly

pH-neutral stone cleaner; never acidic.

Deep clean

Professional honing to remove etches and scratches.

Common risks

  • Very prone to etching and staining
  • Soft — scratches easily

Avoid

All acidsVinegarCitrusBleachStiff brushes

Pro tip: Etches, deep scratches, and large stains usually need professional restoration.

Travertine

Reseal every 1–2 years

Visual: porous surface with natural pits, warm beige/tan tones, banded texture.

Daily

Dust mop or soft cloth, pH-neutral cleaner if needed.

Weekly

Stone-safe cleaner; rinse and dry.

Deep clean

Refill open pits with color-matched grout/filler if needed.

Common risks

  • Pits can collect grime
  • Etches from acids
  • Stains in open pores

Avoid

VinegarLemonBleachAcidic tile cleaners

Pro tip: Pro for re-honing, filling large pits, or restoring a polished finish.

Slate

Reseal every 1–3 years

Visual: layered cleft texture, dark gray/charcoal/green tones, matte finish.

Daily

Sweep or dust mop; mild stone cleaner with water.

Weekly

pH-neutral cleaner; dry buff.

Deep clean

Apply a slate enhancer/sealer to restore color.

Common risks

  • Surface flaking on softer slates
  • Efflorescence outdoors
  • Color fade in sunlight

Avoid

Acidic cleanersOil-based soapsWax buildup

Pro tip: Call a pro for cracked tiles or significant flaking.

Soapstone

No sealing required

Visual: smooth soft feel, muted gray-green tones, subtle veining.

Daily

Soap and water; nothing fancy needed.

Weekly

Wipe down with mineral oil to even out the patina (optional).

Deep clean

Sand light scratches with fine sandpaper, then re-oil.

Common risks

  • Scratches and dents easily
  • Develops natural patina over time

Avoid

Highly abrasive scrubbing if you want to keep an even tone

Pro tip: Pro for cracks or chips; minor scratches are DIY-friendly.

Sandstone

Reseal every 1–2 years

Visual: grainy texture, warm earth tones, visible sand particles.

Daily

Soft brush or dust mop.

Weekly

pH-neutral stone cleaner; rinse thoroughly.

Deep clean

Soft-bristle brush with stone-safe cleaner; reseal after deep cleans.

Common risks

  • Very porous — stains easily
  • Can crumble or spall outdoors
  • Susceptible to moss/algae outside

Avoid

Pressure washing at high PSIAcidsWire brushes

Pro tip: Pro for crumbling edges, deep cracks, or large outdoor restorations.

Onyx

Reseal every 6–12 months

Visual: translucent banding, dramatic veining, high gloss.

Daily

Soft cloth with water only.

Weekly

Stone-safe pH-neutral cleaner; dry immediately.

Deep clean

Professional polishing recommended.

Common risks

  • Very soft and brittle
  • Etches and scratches easily
  • Expensive to repair

Avoid

Any acidic cleanerAbrasivesHeavy impacts

Pro tip: Almost all onyx repairs should be done by a stone restoration pro.

Engineered Quartz

No sealing required

Visual: uniform pattern, no natural veining variation, non-porous.

Daily

Mild soap and warm water; soft cloth.

Weekly

Quartz-safe surface cleaner.

Deep clean

Use a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend (sparingly) for stubborn marks.

Common risks

  • Heat damage from hot pots
  • Discoloration from UV outdoors
  • Damage from harsh solvents

Avoid

High heatBleachSolvents (paint thinner, acetone)Abrasive scrub pads

Pro tip: Pro for chips, cracks, or burn marks — these usually require slab repair.