Keep everyday cleaning simple
The Natural Stone Institute recommends neutral cleaners, stone soap or mild washing-up liquid for natural stone. Follow product directions, rinse the surface and dry it with a soft cloth. Excess soap can leave a film.
Keep the name of your stone and its finish to hand when choosing a cleaner. A bottle labelled for general kitchen use is not automatically the right choice for every stone or applied treatment.
Respond to spills without improvising
Blot a spill rather than spreading it across the surface. For a persistent mark, identify what caused it before choosing a treatment. The Natural Stone Institute distinguishes stains from other forms of surface damage; they may require different approaches.
Photograph the mark in normal light, note what was spilled and record any products already used. Send that information to the supplier or a stone-care professional. Avoid repeatedly trying different cleaners when the cause is unclear.
Does every granite worktop need sealing?
No. The Natural Stone Institute says many stones do not need sealing. An appropriate impregnating sealer can improve stain resistance, but it does not make stone stain-proof.
Ask whether your particular slab was treated, which product was used and what the manufacturer recommends for future care. Set any maintenance schedule from that information rather than an automatic annual rule.
Make protection part of the routine
Use mats or trivets beneath hot items and a chopping board for food preparation. These habits are recommended in natural-stone care guidance.
Store the board and heat protection where you actually use them. A convenient place next to the cooking area makes the routine easier to follow than accessories kept at the back of a cupboard.
When to ask for help
If you notice a chip, a change in a joint or a persistent dull area, take clear photographs before attempting a repair. Include a wider image that shows its position on the worktop and a closer image of the affected area.
A repair needs to suit the stone, finish and cause of the problem. Avoid buying a kit solely because a similar-looking repair worked on a different material.
Your care handover checklist
- The stone name, supplier and finish.
- The recommended cleaner and written care guidance.
- Details of any treatment already applied.
- Specific advice on sealing, if it is needed.
- The right contact for marks, chips or joint concerns.