Care & maintenance
Keeping your countertops looking right for years to come.
Granite and quartz both hold up well with basic care. Here is what we tell every customer before we leave the job: how to clean day to day, what each material needs, and what actually causes damage.
Daily cleaning
- For everyday cleaning, use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe the surface clean, then dry with a soft towel to help prevent streaks or water spots.
- Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, including bleach, oven cleaner, drain cleaner, paint remover, heavy-duty degreasers, scouring powders, steel wool, and abrasive pads. These products can damage the finish, dull the surface, or affect sealers.
Granite countertops
- Granite is a natural stone. Because it is formed by nature, each slab is unique and may contain natural color variation, veining, pits, fissures, mineral deposits, or texture differences. These are normal characteristics of natural stone, not defects.
- Granite is porous and should be sealed as needed. Sealing helps protect the stone from staining, but it does not make the countertop stain-proof.
- A simple water test can help determine whether resealing is needed. Place a few drops of water on the countertop and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If the water darkens the stone or absorbs quickly, it may be time to reseal.
- Clean spills as soon as possible, especially oil, wine, coffee, juice, tomato sauce, and other dark or acidic liquids.
Quartz countertops
- Quartz is an engineered surface made from natural quartz and resins. It is nonporous and does not require sealing.
- Quartz is durable and easy to maintain, but it is not indestructible. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, abrasive cleaners, and high-pH or low-pH cleaners. These can damage or discolor the surface.
- Do not place hot pots, pans, crockpots, electric skillets, air fryers, griddles, or other heat-producing appliances directly on quartz. Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, and heat damage is typically permanent.
Preventing damage
- Always use cutting boards. Cutting directly on granite or quartz can dull knives and may scratch or damage the surface.
- Always use trivets or hot pads under hot pans, crockpots, air fryers, griddles, electric skillets, and other heat-producing appliances.
- Do not stand, sit, or climb on countertops. Countertops are not designed to support body weight, especially near overhangs, seams, sinks, cooktops, corners, or unsupported areas.
- Avoid dropping heavy objects on the surface, especially near edges, corners, sinks, and cooktops.
- Use coasters under glasses, and use trays or protective pads under soaps, oils, lotions, candles, makeup, and cleaning products.
Stains, spills, and stubborn spots
- Wipe spills quickly. For dried spills, gently loosen the material with warm water and mild soap. A plastic scraper may be used carefully if needed.
- For stubborn spots, use a cleaner specifically labeled safe for your countertop material. Do not use acidic cleaners such as vinegar, lemon juice, or bathroom cleaners.
Seams, caulk, and sinks
- Countertop seams are a normal part of many installations. Seam visibility can vary depending on the material, color, pattern, lighting, and layout.
- Caulk around walls, backsplashes, and sinks may need maintenance over time. Caulk is a maintenance item and may shrink, separate, or discolor with normal use.
- Undermount sinks should not be used to support heavy weight. Do not stand in the sink or place excessive weight in oversized sinks.
Want more on how a specific material behaves? Check the material guides for granite, quartz, quartzite, and marble, or see our full FAQ for questions about pricing, templating, and install.
Rocky Tops Granite & Marble · Cayce, SC
Questions about your own countertops?
If something looks off or you are not sure how to handle a spot, give us a call. We would rather walk you through it than have you guess.