Countertop Care and Maintenance
Congratulations on your new countertop! Understanding how to properly care for your new countertops will help you protect your stone investment for years to come. To keep any surface looking good, you want to make sure you are taking the proper precautions and preventing any potential damage. Beyond buying proper cleaning products, below are tips you can implement to clean your countertops based on the material you have in your home.
Daily Cleaning Tips
Here are some universal daily cleaning tips for your new countertops:
- Clean surfaces with a soft cloth using a mild liquid soap and warm water to remove most residues.
- For stubborn stains, use a soft nonabrasive bristled brush and scrub lightly.
- Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover. Rinse and towel dry the surface to prevent spotting.
- To prevent staining, any spills, dirt, grease or oils should be wiped up quickly to reduce the chance of a stain forming.

Daily Cleaning of Natural Stone
Countertops made from natural stone include granite, marble and quartzite. Each of these stones are mined from the Earth and are natural products. Cutting Edge Countertops recommends customers avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives containing vinegar, lemon juice or citrus which can etch and dull the finish.
Products such as MORETM Surface Care has a great selection of stone-safe options such as the Stone & Quartz Cleaner + Protector. This cleaner can be purchased in any of the Cutting Edge Countertops Showrooms, or look for other products that are safe to use on Natural Stone.
Soapstone also is a natural stone. It is non-absorbent and resistant to etching from acids, and scratches can be sanded or oiled away. We recommend for day to day use, you simply use mild dish soap and never use any harsh cleaners on it.
Overtime, soapstone will darken from the oxidation process it goes through after being quarried. Applying mineral oil to your tops will help it oxidize and will enhance the darkening process. Whether you oil your top or not is up to you. Since the stone is naturally non-porous, it is not required, nor does it keep the counter protected. It is purely aesthetic.
Daily Cleaning of Quartz
Quartz is a man-made, maintenance-free surface. Quartz countertops are non-porous and do not need to be sealed or resealed. For daily cleaning, use a glass cleaner or any non-abrasive household cleaner. Using a soft cloth is recommended.
Products such as MORE Surface Care offers stone-safe options such as the Stone & Quartz Cleaner + Protector. This cleaner can be purchased in any of the Cutting Edge Countertops Showrooms.


Daily Cleaning of Compact Surface
Compact Surface is maintenance-free, resistant to heat and stains. To disinfect compact surface countertops ammonia-based cleaners are acceptable. There also are a variety of compact surface cleaning sprays available at most home supply centers.
Daily Cleaning of Mineral Surfaces
Mineral Surfaces are a man-made, maintenance-free surface. These countertop surfaces do not need to be sealed or resealed. Mineral Surfaces will retain its gloss and smooth surface due to its non-porous properties.
For daily cleaning, use a neutral pH cleaner with a soft cloth to keep your countertop beautiful, spot free and shiny. Products such as MORE™ Surface Care offers a great selection of stone-safe options such as the Stone & Quartz Cleaner + Protector. This cleaner can be purchased in any of the Cutting Edge Countertops showrooms.
Cleaners containing bleach, acetone or contain abrasive particles should be avoided. These include but are not limited to products such as: oven cleaners, Comet®, Soft Scrub® with Bleach Cleanser, SOS®, products with pumice, batteries, paint removers, furniture strippers, tarnish or silver cleaners and the like.

Daily Protection Tips
While the benefits of countertop materials vary based on material type, we recommend you keep the following protection tips in mind with daily use:
- Do not place hot items out of the oven or stove directly on the stone surface. Additionally, heat generating appliances, such as slow cookers, can cause some stones to become discolored or crack. Always protect your top by placing a trivet or hot pad that allows for airflow under the hot item.
- Avoid chopping or slicing directly on the stone countertop to prevent scratches and dulling your knives. Always use a cutting board.
- Use placemats and coasters to protect your surface from discoloration and staining.
- Do not stand or sit on stone countertops. Small fissures in stone may cause cracks when excessive weight is applied.
General Maintenance of Granite, Marble and Quartzite
Sealing Recommendation
If you purchased Cutting Edge Countertops’ hassle-free Stain Protection Warranty for natural stone countertops (for granite, marble and quartzite), you choose to safeguard your investment with a long-lasting sealant to protect against stains caused by common food and beverages. In the unfortunate appearance of a stain, please contact a Cutting Edge Countertops location near you to schedule a visit by a professional technician who will come remove it.
However, if you didn’t add this extra layer of protection at the time of purchase, it is recommended to re-seal natural stone countertops (granite, marble and quartzite) every 1 to 2 years to help protect against accidental staining. Cutting Edge Countertops offers MORE Surface Care products including MORE Premium Stone Sealer that can be purchased in any of our Showrooms.

General Maintenance of Soapstone
To enrich the color or to remove scratches, soapstone is often rubbed with mineral oil to bring out the natural beauty. To remove scratches or restore the color, apply mineral oil to the surface with a dry cloth. After 10 minutes, wipe the surface with a dry towel to remove any excess oil. Many people will do this once a month, while others wait for two to three months. You will know when it is time to oil your surface when water spills leave behind a noticeable mark.
If you have any additional questions about cleaning your natural stone, quartz or compact surface countertop contact your local Cutting Edge Countertops or call ahead to schedule an appointment to visit one of our showrooms located in Perrysburg, Noblesville, Delaware, S. Indianapolis, and Wixom.