Caring for stone countertops is not complicated, but a little consistency goes a long way. Rather than wondering whether you are doing enough, use this simple year-round checklist to keep granite, quartz, quartzite, and marble looking their best with minimal effort. Print it, save it, and let it run on autopilot.
Every day
Wipe your countertops with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Clean up spills as they happen — especially acidic ones like wine, citrus, and tomato on natural stone. Use cutting boards for prep and trivets under hot cookware (essential on quartz and marble). These small habits prevent the vast majority of countertop problems.
Every week
Give the surface a slightly more thorough cleaning, paying attention to high-use zones around the sink and stove. Check for any spills or residue that may have been missed. For quartz, make sure no harsh cleaners have crept into your routine. This weekly pass keeps buildup from ever starting. See our care guide.
Every few months
Run the water-drop test on natural stone: place a small puddle of water on the surface, wait about 15 minutes, and see if it beads (seal is good) or soaks in (time to reseal). Test high-use areas separately, since they wear faster. For marble, expect to seal more often than granite or quartzite. Quartz owners can skip this — quartz never needs sealing.
Once or twice a year
Reseal your natural stone if the water-drop test calls for it — typically about once a year for granite and quartzite, more often for marble. The job takes just a few minutes: clean, apply sealer, let it soak, wipe off the excess. See how to seal granite and sealing quartzite.
As needed
Address stains promptly with a poultice on natural stone — the sooner you act, the better the result. Buff light marble etching with a marble polishing product. Replace worn cutting boards and trivets so the habit stays easy. For deeper stains, see removing stains.
Quick reference by material
Quartz: daily soap-and-water, trivets always, never seal. Granite: daily soap-and-water, seal ~yearly, hot pans okay. Quartzite: daily soap-and-water, seal ~yearly, hot pans okay. Marble: gentle pH-neutral cleaning, seal often, trivets and coasters always, wipe acids immediately. Compare them in our materials guide.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I seal my countertops?
Granite and quartzite about once a year, marble more often, and quartz never. Use the water-drop test to confirm.
What is the most important daily habit?
Wiping spills promptly and using trivets and cutting boards. These prevent most damage.
Do I need special cleaners?
No. Mild dish soap and warm water work for almost everything. Avoid abrasives, bleach, vinegar, and ammonia.
Keep your investment looking new
Questions about maintaining your stone? Contact us or call (615) 606-9593.