How To Clean Stone Benchtops : Guide

When you build a house, you add every minor to major stuff with some purpose. From the living room interior to the kitchen benchtops. You place everything within because of some need and purpose.

Now as you have added it to fulfill some duty, taking care of it becomes your duty. To maintain the functionality and to make sure that it stays as long as possible, you have to look after it carefully.

• Talking about the kitchen, you don’t have a lot of options to decorate your space, as this portion of your house is full of utilities. So you have to find a way to embellish it within utilities. Stone benchtops are one way of that decoration.

• Now as we are talking about cleaning and maintaining household goods to get the best service out of them, we should learn how to clean stone benchtops. As many ways could help in cleaning as well as could damage your stone benchtop. Hence, having an idea about things to do and things to avoid becomes important.

So here in this blog, we will try to understand how to clean stone benchtops. Along with that, we will also cover some stains that ask for your extra attention and some cleaning materials you should avoid. So let’s begin!!!

How To Clean Stone Benchtops in Australia

Just like any other decorative item, stone benchtops also need to be maintained properly. There are many right and wrong ways of doing that. So let’s discuss five must-be-followed steps.

1. Take Prompt Action:- Substances like beverages, sauces, oils, and blemishes from food need to be wiped off ASAP. The longer they stay, the harder they become to clean.
2. Wipe And Soak:- Before going to any special cleaning liquid or material, your primary step should be warm water and sponge/cloth. Most of the cleaning could be done just by this.
3. Apply Right Cleaner:- There are some specific cleaners and solutions for stones that prevent your stone benchtop from long-term damage. Prefer them instead of any acidic cleaner.
4. Use the Right Equipment:- Along with the right cleaner, the use of the right equipment, like soft clothes and toiletries, is important. Avoid using bristles and harsh scrubs.
5. Buff To Finish:- After finishing the cleaning process, always dry the benchtop surface with a microfiber towel. It helps in buffing the surface and restoring shine.

Stains To Watch Out For

Your cleaning could get way easier if you can protect your stone benchtop from some persistent and trouble-causing food items. These substances damage the stone surface more effectively and need extra attention. So let’s have a look at some of these troublesome foods.

• Tea:- Because of its tannin surface, tea can leave some unsightly stains. It becomes hard to deal with them if you leave them set for long.
• Coffee:-With acidic properties and strong dark color, coffee becomes one of the prominent stains that no one would like to see on their kitchen stone benchtop.
• Wine:- With intense pigment and acidic nature, wine, especially red wine, is known for staining kitchen benchtops. Do prevent your benchtop from lasting damage; instant actions are necessary.
• Citrus Fruits:- Citrus foods can cause etching and make the surface dull because of the acid they carry. Prevent your benchtop from acidic spilling to preserve its natural beauty.
• Oil:- Oil is a thick substance to remove; it needs instant action. Instead of wiping it off, soaking it is more preferable.

Products That May Harm Stone Benchtop Surfaces

Now to get rid of the persistent stains, you would use some products that may leave some negative impact. Instead of protecting your stone benchtop, they would damage it. So let’s have a look at some of the products that you must avoid when cleaning your stone countertop.

• Bleach:-Avoid the use of bleach, as it is highly corrosive and can deploy the surface of a stone benchtop. It could cause discoloration and weakening.
• Scourers Or Abrasive Cleaners:- Scourers and abrasive cleaners can scratch the stone surface because of their rough texture. They ruin the stone’s polish, leaving it more susceptible to stains.
• Ammonia:- Ammonia has the potential to be overly abrasive for stone surfaces, leading to damage and discoloration. Its poor reaction to natural stone gradually erodes its integrity.
• Vinegar:- Vinegar can break down the protective seal on stone benchtops and make the benchtop look dull. Try to go for pH-neutral cleaners.
• Disinfectants:- Sometimes using disinfectants harms your stone benchtop surface. Avoid using disinfectants with strong chemicals.

What is the best cleaner for stone countertops?

The best cleaner for stone countertops is a pH-neutral cleaner designed specifically for natural stone. Here are the top options:

1. Stone-Specific Cleaners: Use commercial cleaners formulated for stone countertops (like granite, marble, or quartzite). These products are safely cleaned without stripping sealants or damaging the surface.
2. Mild Dish Soap and Water: For daily cleaning, a mix of mild dish soap and warm water is effective. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the surface, avoiding anything abrasive.
3. Avoid Acidic or Abrasive Cleaners: Cleaners containing vinegar, bleach, lemon, or ammonia can damage the stone’s surface, especially with marble or limestone. Avoid these to prevent etching or dulling.
4. Microfiber Cloth: After cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to dry and polish the surface, ensuring a streak-free finish.
5. Stone Polish (Optional): For an occasional shine, a stone polish designed for your countertop material can enhance the look and help protect it.

Also read:- How to Choose a White Marble Benchtop

Conclusion

To give your kitchen granite benchtop a long-lasting life and to keep its charm as new as possible, careful maintenance becomes necessary. Here in this blog, we have made the best discussion on how to clean stone benchtops. This article may work as your one-stop guide for you.

So either you are seeking such insightful blogs and/or you are looking for some finest bench tops, browse us today. We, MTP Stone, with a 60-year legacy, import and manufacture premium-quality natural granite and sandstone benchtops and would love to add you to our precious family. Must visit!!!

FAQ’s

Q1. How to Polish Stone Benchtops in Australia?

Ans: For basic cleaning, you can use hot water and a soft clean cloth; that would take off most of what needs to be cleaned. For streak protection, methylated spirits are an ideal choice. A clean polish cloth right after that should do the rest for you.

Q3. How To Clean Stone Benchtops?

Ans: To clean stone benchtops, use a soft cloth with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive sponges and harsh chemicals to prevent damage.

Q2. How to cut stone benchtops in Australia?

Ans: To cut any sort of stone benchtop, masonry saws are mandatory tools. They work smoothly on the hardest surfaces, including granite, quartz, marble, and other hard stones. With a powerful motor, this machine drives a diamond blade to make precise cuts in any sort of stone. 

Q3. Can you paint stone benchtops?

Ans: You can spray out almost all the major benchtop types, including stone, laminate, wood, etc. A perfectly polished paint gives your benchtop a tough, laminate-like finish with a gloss top coat.

Q4. How to remove stains from stone benchtops?

Answer: To remove stains from the stone benchtops, you can use the paste of baking soda and water, or hydrogen peroxide. You must avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners to keep your countertop safe from stripping, sealing, and etching.

Q5. Are Stone Benchtops heat-resistant in a Natural way?

Ans: Stone benchtops are extremely durable. Their tendency to resist high heat without scorching or cracking is remarkable. This makes them perfect for placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface.