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| Care summary | Granite | Marble |
|---|---|---|
| Daily care | Remove loose debris with a soft cloth. Use warm water with a neutral natural-stone cleaner or a mild dishwashing detergent suitable for the installed stone and treatment. Follow product dilution directions, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Too much soap can leave a film.
| Remove loose debris with a soft cloth. Use warm water with a neutral natural-stone cleaner or a mild dishwashing detergent suitable for the installed stone and treatment. Follow product dilution directions, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Too much soap can leave a film.
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| Sealing | Some natural stones benefit from impregnating sealers, while others may not need them. Ask your supplier about stone variety, porosity, finish, existing treatments and the sealer instructions. There is no universal annual resealing schedule. Sealing improves stain resistance; it does not make stone stain-proof or prevent acid etching.
| Some natural stones benefit from impregnating sealers, while others may not need them. Ask your supplier about stone variety, porosity, finish, existing treatments and the sealer instructions. There is no universal annual resealing schedule. Sealing improves stain resistance; it does not make stone stain-proof or prevent acid etching.
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| Acid sensitivity | Even generally acid-resistant siliceous stones may contain acid-sensitive minerals or treatments. Avoid acidic cleaners and destructive tests on installed surfaces.
| Lemon, vinegar, acidic cleaners and some foods or drinks can etch marble. Staining is absorption; etching is chemical surface damage that changes the finish. Sealing may reduce staining but does not prevent acid etching. Ordinary soap cannot repair etching; persistent damage may need professional refinishing.
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| Heat precautions | Use trivets or heat-resistant mats under hot cookware. A stone surface is not a guarantee against heat damage; protect the installed surface and its treatments.
| Use trivets or heat-resistant mats under hot cookware. A stone surface is not a guarantee against heat damage; protect the installed surface and its treatments.
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| Scratch & impact protection | Keep abrasive dirt and grit off the surface. Use cutting boards and avoid impacts at edges. A surface is not scratch-proof or chip-proof; deep scratches and damaged edges require professional assessment.
| Keep abrasive dirt and grit off the surface. Use cutting boards and avoid impacts at edges. A surface is not scratch-proof or chip-proof; deep scratches and damaged edges require professional assessment.
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| Stain prevention | Blot spills promptly rather than spreading them. Clean with a suitable mild solution, rinse and dry. Use coasters, especially under beverages containing citrus or alcohol. A sealer improves resistance to absorption but does not make stone stain-proof.
| Blot spills promptly rather than spreading them. Clean with a suitable mild solution, rinse and dry. Use coasters, especially under beverages containing citrus or alcohol. A sealer improves resistance to absorption but does not make stone stain-proof.
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| Manufacturer dependence | Follow guidance for the specific stone, finish and treatment. Supplier identification and existing care documentation take priority over broad material labels.
| Follow guidance for the specific stone, finish and treatment. Supplier identification and existing care documentation take priority over broad material labels.
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| Common concerns | Oil may darken stone through absorption. Coffee, tea and wine can leave absorbed stains; acidic spills may also alter susceptible finishes. Water spots can be mineral buildup, while soap can leave residue. Dull areas may be residue, staining, altered finish or acid etching—not a diagnosis from appearance alone. If gentle cleaning does not resolve the mark, seek assessment instead of using stronger chemicals.
| Oil may darken stone through absorption. Coffee, tea and wine can leave absorbed stains; acidic spills may also alter susceptible finishes. Water spots can be mineral buildup, while soap can leave residue. Dull areas may be residue, staining, altered finish or acid etching—not a diagnosis from appearance alone. If gentle cleaning does not resolve the mark, seek assessment instead of using stronger chemicals.
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This guide provides general educational recommendations. Always follow the care instructions for your specific stone or surface manufacturer. Actual performance and care requirements vary by material, finish, manufacturer, and installation conditions.