Practical, straightforward guidance on looking after your stone worktop. A simple routine consistently followed is all it takes — no specialist products, no fuss.
Jump to Care Guides Call 0191 258 1540Stone worktops are built for durability — but daily kitchen life exposes them to heat, spills, acids, sharp utensils and cleaning products. A consistent, gentle routine preserves the original finish, protects against staining and marking, and keeps the surface looking as intended for decades.
The good news is that none of our four materials demand much effort. Quartz and ceramic need almost none. Granite and marble ask a little more care, but the routine is simple and the products are cheap. We provide clear guidance at every installation and are always happy to answer aftercare questions — call us on 0191 258 1540 or visit our North Shields showroom.
Each material has its own requirements. Click through to any material page for a full guide, or download our care sheets below.
Granite is naturally resilient and well suited to busy kitchens. Daily cleaning is straightforward: warm water and a mild detergent with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemical cleaners, which can dull the polish over time.
Hot pans should not be placed directly on the surface — use a trivet to protect the sealant. Granite benefits from periodic sealing (typically every one to three years). A simple water test tells you when the seal needs refreshing — if water soaks in rather than beading, it's time.
Avoid: abrasive scourers, bleach-based cleaners, acidic cleaning products (lemon, vinegar), leaving standing water on unsealed areas.
Quartz is the lowest-maintenance surface we supply. Non-porous by manufacture, it never requires sealing and is highly resistant to stains. Daily cleaning with warm water and a gentle pH-neutral cleaner is all that's needed.
Quartz is resistant to most household liquids, but very hot items placed directly on the surface can potentially cause thermal shock in the resin binders — use a trivet for pans straight off the hob. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for outdoor applications (quartz can yellow over time).
Avoid: strong solvents (acetone, paint stripper), bleach-based products, abrasive powders and sharp impacts at edges.
Marble has a softer surface than granite or quartz and benefits from a little more attention. Use only pH-neutral cleaners or warm water with a mild detergent. Acidic products — lemon-based cleaners, limescale remover, vinegar — will etch the surface even when diluted.
Wipe spills promptly, especially wine, citrus juice, fizzy drinks and coffee. Marble sealed and cared for correctly develops a beautiful natural patina over time — many owners come to value this. Reseal every six to twelve months for kitchen surfaces in regular use.
Avoid: all acidic cleaners, bleach, abrasive pads, leaving wet glasses on the surface without coasters.
Ceramic (sintered stone) is the most maintenance-free surface we supply. Completely non-porous, highly resistant to heat, chemical cleaners, acids and scratching — daily cleaning requires only warm water and a gentle cleaner applied with a soft cloth.
For stubborn marks, a non-abrasive cream cleaner or a carefully applied solvent such as isopropyl alcohol is effective without damaging the surface. Unlike quartz, ceramic is UV-stable and can be cleaned with most household products including diluted bleach if needed.
Avoid: abrasive scourers and steel wool, which can leave micro-scratches on polished surfaces. Sharp impacts at edges should be avoided on thinner 6mm and 8mm formats.
Protect the surface and keep knives sharp — stone will blunt a blade in one stroke.
The faster you act, the less chance of staining — especially on marble and unsealed granite.
Protect the surface and sealant from thermal shock caused by very hot oven dishes.
Bleach, strong acids and abrasive powders damage stone surfaces. Mild cleaners only.
A soft dry cloth after cleaning prevents water marks and streaks on polished surfaces.
Warm water and a mild detergent with a soft cloth is all that's needed for daily granite cleaning. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemical cleaners, which can dull the polish over time. Dry the surface after cleaning for the best finish.
No. Quartz is non-porous by manufacture and never requires sealing. Daily cleaning with warm water and a gentle cleaner is all that's needed. Avoid strong solvents, bleach and abrasive powders.
Act quickly — marble is porous and acidic liquids can etch the surface if left. For most everyday stains, a soft damp cloth with a pH-neutral cleaner is sufficient. For deeper marks, a proprietary stone poultice may be required. Avoid acidic or bleach-based products entirely.
Most granite worktops benefit from resealing every one to three years. A simple water test will tell you — drop a small amount of water on the surface. If it beads, the seal is good. If it soaks in, it's time to reseal. We can advise on suitable sealant products — call us on 0191 258 1540.
Yes — ceramic (sintered stone) is manufactured at temperatures far above anything a kitchen can produce, so direct heat poses no threat to the surface. It's one of the few worktop materials that genuinely doesn't need a trivet, though we still recommend using one as a habit.
More detail on performance, specifications and care for all four of our core worktop materials.
If you have a specific aftercare question — about a stain, a surface that needs resealing, or a product recommendation — just call us or drop in to our North Shields showroom. We'll give you honest, straightforward guidance with no fuss.
Get in Touch Call 0191 258 1540