Stone countertops are durable and add natural beauty and character to any home. Consumers have many stone choices along with styling and sealing choices. While they require minimal maintenance, stone countertops are pricey to install. Below are some of the most popular stone options for kitchen countertops.
Granite.
Granite does not require a lot of maintenance, but it is a good idea to wash the counters regularly with a soapy cloth to prevent stains. Blotting spills with paper towels eliminates the possibility that you will spread a stain while swiping it with a cloth. Acidic cleaners like lemon juice, ammonia, and window cleaners may damage granite. Instead, you can make your own cleaner with three parts of dish detergent and one part rubbing alcohol.
Granite countertops need to be sealed several times a year. Test yours to see if the previous seal has worn away. Place a few drops of water on the countertop and check for beading. If the water beads up, the counter does not need to be resealed. If it does not bead up, then seal the counter with a granite stone sealer. Follow the product directions. If you are sealing kitchen countertops, be sure that the sealing compound is non-toxic. Apply sealer to clean countertops and allow it to rest for a half hour or so. Sealing the countertop will not eliminate the chance of staining but it will help the granite be more resistant to staining.
Quartz.
Quartz is actually a manufactured product made of quartz stone and a synthetic polymer and does not require sealing. They are very easy to care for and do not require polishing. Clean with a warm, wet dishcloth. Clean up spills and sticky foods as soon as the spill occurs to avoid stains. Glass and surface cleaners will not damage quartz surfaces. However, avoid bleach and harsh, acidic cleaners on quartz as well as granite surfaces. In addition, hot pans set directly on the quartz countertops can cause damage.
Marble.
Marble is a porous surface even though it is very durable. Only mild dish soap and warm water should be used to clean marble. Test your marble countertop every couple of months to see if the marble needs to be resealed. Test marble in the same manner you test granite. If needed, apply the sealer over clean countertops and let it sit on the countertop for about 30 minutes.
Soapstone.
Soapstone is another choice for stone countertops. This stone is very durable and hard to scratch or etch. Soapstone is a non-porous surface that is hard to stain and is tolerant of hot pans. However, soapstone can be damaged by dropping heavy objects on it and is more likely to dent than scratch or chip. Soapstone does not need to be sealed, but like a butcher block counter, it does need to be oiled regularly. Oil the counter by spreading some mineral oil on the surface. Use a towel to rub the oil into the stone. Leave for 30 minutes and then remove excess oil. Not oiling the surface will result in dark spots showing on the surface of the stone over time. Again, harsh or acidic cleaners are not recommended.
Consumers have many different choices for countertops beyond stone. Stone countertops do not require much more care than synthetic countertops. For more information on stone countertops, visit All About Stone Countertops on the This Old House website.
Reviewed and updated 3/2025, mg.
