One of the most common questions we get after installation is: "how do I look after this?" The good news is that stone benchtops are not high-maintenance — but they do need the right products and a bit of common sense. Here's what we tell every client.
Daily Cleaning
Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or just warm water and a microfibre cloth. Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, bleach or abrasive spray cleaners. These products break down the sealer over time and can etch the surface of marble. Wipe up spills — especially red wine, coffee, oil and tomato sauce — as soon as you can. The longer a liquid sits on the stone, the more likely it is to stain, even on a sealed surface.
Sealing
All natural stone benchtops should be sealed at installation. We do this as part of our installation process. After that, marble typically needs re-sealing every 1 to 2 years in a busy kitchen. Granite is denser and might only need re-sealing every 3 to 5 years. How do you know it's time? Sprinkle a few drops of water on the benchtop. If the water beads, the sealer is still working. If it soaks in and darkens the stone, it's time to re-seal.
What to Avoid
- Don't cut directly on the benchtop. Use a cutting board. Even granite will dull your knife blades over time, and marble will scratch visibly.
- Don't put hot pots directly on the surface. Use a trivet or heat mat. Thermal shock can crack stone, especially near sink cutouts.
- Don't use abrasive scrubbers or cream cleansers. They will dull the finish.
- Don't leave wet items — dish mats, sponges, flower vases — sitting on the stone for days. This can cause water marks.
Honest Advice
Basic care: wipe with water and a soft cloth, clean up spills promptly, re-seal every 2-3 years. Damage typically comes from acidic cleaners or neglecting re-sealing.