Granite
Granite countertops provide one of the most beautiful and durable surfaces available. It is highly resistant to scratches, stains and heat when properly sealed. Granite does not harbor bacteria and resealing only needs to be done when water stops beading on the counter surface. Permanent damage can occur from neglect, incorrect cleaning methods and using chemicals that are not formulated for stone care.

Granite “Do’s”

• Use a neutral stone cleaner on a regular basis to remove everyday spills and oils
• Blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone
• While granite is highly scratch resistant, we recommend you use a cutting board
• Use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware
• Use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices
• Seal your countertops every 6-12 months based on use

Granite “Don’ts”

• Don’t use your sink sponge to clean your counters. They hold oils and will stain (darken) your counters
• Don’t use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, bathroom cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, or other general purpose cleaners
• Be aware that some common toiletries (i.e. perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer
• Don’t stand on your countertops
• Don’t leave water, liquids, or wet cloths sitting on your countertop for long periods of time
• Don’t use Magic Erasers on your stone or leave them sitting on top of the stone for any period of time

Quartz
Due to high density and non-porous qualities, normal cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent is all you need to keep your Quartz surface looking great. We recommend a thorough cleaning of your surface on a weekly basis.

• Use mild soap and warm water for routine daily cleaning. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
• For dried residue, a flat object such as a plastic putty knife can be used to gently scrape off the foreign material.
• If needed, apply common, non-abrasive, household cleaners to avoid dulling the surface shine. Apply directly on a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the surface, rinsing thoroughly after cleaning.
• Although Quartz is extremely scratch resistant, it is not scratch proof. You should never cut or chop directly on your countertop. Always use a cutting board.
• Always use a hot pad or trivet when setting down hot objects, such as hot pans or plates. Direct contact with extremely high heat can cause damage.
• Take care to avoid spilling harsh chemicals such as drain cleaners, paint strippers, oven cleaners, bleaches, etc on your Quartz countertop.

Marble
Marble is softer than granite and precautions need to be taken to protect items from falling onto your marble. Marble is typically used in bathrooms, fireplaces and flooring. While marble is a beautiful natural stone, it is not recommended for kitchen countertops. It will inevitably scratch, chip, break and etch easier than granite.

Staining vs Etching
Many people mistake etches and water marks for stains. It is important to know the difference between the two in order to properly repair them. Stain removal procedure will not repair etches.

• A stain is always darker than the surrounding stone.
• An etch is always lighter than the surrounding stone. You may only notice these spots from certain viewing angles depending on how the light hits the surface.
• Marble is composed of calcite and reacts chemically with acidic substances. As soon as any acidic substances come into contact with your stone, they start eating away the surface of your stone. The acidic/caustic reaction "etches" or corrodes the surface, degrading and ruining the polish, causing the appearance of the lighter-colored dull spots.

How to Avoid Etch Marks and Stains

• Wipe up spills immediately, including water!
• Don’t use your sink sponge to clean your counters. They hold oils and will stain (darken) your counters
• Use coasters under glasses
• Use place mats under plates and dishes
• Protect the surface during food prep
• Use trivets under hot dishes and pans
• Only use cleaners made specifically for marble
• Seal your marble every 6 months, or when water stops beading on the surface

Examples of acidic substances that may etch your stone

• Cleaning Products
• Cola Products
• Ketchup
• Lemons and other fruit
• Orange Juice and other juices
• Vinegar
• Wine
• Coffee
• Alcoholic Drinks

Soapstone
Soapstone has three properties that set it apart from other natural stones and make it a great countertop material:

1. Soapstone does not stain. Soapstone is dense and nonporous; it does darken when liquid pools on its surface, but it lightens back up when the liquid evaporates or is cleaned off. 
2. Soapstone can stand up to acidic materials. The fact that soapstone is chemically inert means it's not harmed by lemon juice or cleaners that must be avoided with other natural stone surfaces. 
3. Soapstone is heat resistant. The density of soapstone makes it an amazing conductor of heat, which enables it to withstand very high heat with no damage. You can put hot pans right on the surface without worry about scorching or staining.

Durability
Soapstone is soft and susceptible to scratches and nicks. It’s durable like granite and marble, but it’s more forgiving under stress; soapstone has a tendency to dent rather than chip or crack.

Color Enhancing
Soapstone fresh from the quarry is light gray in color. That rich charcoal color soapstone is known for comes when the stone is exposed to water, grease and oils. These liquids cause the stone to oxidize, which darkens the stone’s color and really brings out its natural beauty. To enrich the color of the stone, we recommend that you treat it with mineral oil from time to time. This treatment will keep oxidation uniform across the entire surface. A periodic application of mineral oil is the only maintenance it needs.