Keeping Your Countertops Sparkling: A Guide to Cleaning Quartz, Marble, and Granite in South Jersey
Here at Filling Marble & Tile, we know how much you love your beautiful countertops. Whether you’ve chosen the sleek modern look of quartz, the timeless elegance of marble, or the durable charm of granite, proper cleaning is key to keeping them looking their best for years to come. Serving Atlantic and Cape May counties, we’re here to provide expert advice on countertop care.
General Cleaning Tips for Quartz, Marble, and Granite
Clean up spills immediately: Don’t let spills sit, especially acidic substances like wine, citrus juices, or vinegar. The quicker you act, the less likely a stain will set.
Use a soft cloth: Microfiber cloths are ideal, as they are gentle and won’t scratch the surface.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, or abrasives can damage your countertops.
Don’t cut directly on the surface: Always use a cutting board to prevent scratches.
Use trivets under hot items: Protect your countertops from thermal shock, which can cause cracks.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a non-porous material, making it relatively easy to clean.
Daily Cleaning: Use a glass cleaner or a non-abrasive household cleaner. Wipe up spills with dish soap and a soft cloth.
Removing Stains: For dried spills or heavier stains, use a glass or surface cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. A plastic putty knife can carefully scrape away dried messes. For greasy messes, Krud Kutter or Easy-Off can be helpful. Even permanent marker can be removed with Goo Gone on a damp cloth.
What to Avoid: Harsh cleansers that can scratch, and extreme heat. Avoid installing quartz in outdoor kitchens.
How to Clean Marble Countertops
Marble is a porous stone, so it requires a bit more care.
Daily Cleaning: Mix a little mild, non-abrasive, non-acidic dish soap (like gentle dish soap) with warm water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally, scrub gently, and wipe with a clean, soft, wet cloth. Repeat until there’s no soap residue, then dry by buffing with a soft, clean cloth.
Removing Stains: Deal with stains immediately. For food stains or rust, create a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply liberally, and allow to dry before wiping away. For mildew, use a solution of three parts household bleach, one part water, and a squirt of dish soap. Saturate the stain, repeat until gone, then wipe with water and dry. For light-colored marble only, a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide can help to eliminate stains.
What to Avoid: Acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, lime), abrasive cleaners, and harsh scrubbing.
Preventative Measures: Use a marble sealer at least once a month. Place coasters under all glasses.
How to Clean Granite Countertops
Granite is a durable stone, but it still needs proper care.
Daily Cleaning: Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Apply after food preparation with a soft, non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Allow to air dry.
Removing Stains: For water stains, mix baking soda with a bit of hydrogen peroxide. For oil-based stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water. For tougher stains, combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste, spread over the stain, cover with plastic wrap, tape the edges, and let it set overnight or even for two days. Then rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.
What to Avoid: Household acids (vinegar, lemon, lime, citrus), ammonia, cleaners with ammonia (like Windex), bleach, steel wool, and scrubber sponges.
Marble: Mild soap and water, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide (for light marble), specialty stone cleaners with a neutral pH.
Granite: Granite Gold Daily Cleaner, Rock Doctor Granite and Quartz Cleaner, Zep Granite and Stone Countertop Polish, Cleaner and Protectant.
Local Expertise in South Jersey
Filling Marble & Tile is your trusted source for countertop care in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Stop by our showroom to see our wide selection of quartz, marble, and granite, and talk to our experts about the best ways to care for your investment. We’re here to help you keep your countertops beautiful for years to come! Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about our products and services.
