Cleaning Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone countertops — marble, granite, quartzite, soapstone, and travertine — are premium features in many Ontario homes, particularly in the Oakville, North York, Yorkville, and Rosedale markets. They require different care than engineered quartz or laminate, and the wrong product can cause permanent damage.
What Damages Natural Stone
- Acidic cleaners: Vinegar, lemon juice, and any citrus-based cleaner etches marble and limestone — creates dull spots that require professional polishing to repair
- Bleach and ammonia: Damages sealant and can discolour some stone types
- Abrasive cleaners: Scratches polished stone surfaces
- Standing water: Can stain porous stone if left to penetrate — wipe spills immediately
What to Use
- Daily cleaning: A pH-neutral stone cleaner (readily available at Canadian Tire, Home Depot Ontario) or simple warm water with a small amount of dish soap on a microfibre cloth
- Stain removal: A poultice paste (baking soda with hydrogen peroxide for organic stains; acetone-based for oil stains) applied and left overnight can draw stains from porous stone
Sealing
Most natural stone countertops in Ontario should be sealed annually to protect against staining. The water test: drop a small amount of water on the surface — if it absorbs rather than beads, the stone needs resealing. Professional stone restoration services operate throughout the GTA for countertops requiring polishing or deep stain removal.