But while the aesthetic is definitely worth it, marble can be a bit high-maintenance since it’s a delicate material. Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the natural stone.

How to clean marble benchtops? There are several ways:

• Dishwashing liquid and warm water
• Baking soda
• Cornflour
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Commercial stone cleaners

It’s also important to polish and seal a marble benchtop to protect the material. After all, the marble is the statement piece of your kitchen – you want it to look its absolute best.

What to Know About Marble Surfaces

Marble is a natural stone material, much like quartz (“engineered stone”) or soapstone. It’s a popular choice of material for kitchen benchtops and backsplashes.

Many households also use it on other surfaces – say, some classy marble floors or bathroom vanities.

However, marble is more porous than other natural stones. This makes it susceptible to stains and etching (light scratches and other physical changes to stone).

Because of this, you’ll need to clean a marble benchtop often and have it sealed regularly.

How Often to Clean Marble Benchtops

Clean up spills immediately. The longer you let a substance sit on a marble surface, the harder it will be to remove.

Wipe high-use areas daily with soapy water. 

Then dust once a week with a microfibre cloth.

How to Clean Marble Benchtops

Cleaning stone benchtops is always a bit tricky, but marble is more delicate than most other types of natural stone. Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first!

If you’re hiring a professional home cleaner, check with them about the best cleaning method for your marble benchtops.

Before you clean a marble benchtop

If you’ve spilled something, blot it right away. Don’t wipe – you’ll just push the substance over the surface.

Take a soft cloth or some paper towels and blot the spill. Remove any solids as well.

Cleaning marble benchtops with dishwashing liquid

For everyday cleaning, a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water works perfectly. Choose a pH-neutral soap – ideally with anti-grease properties.

Simply mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid into warm water. Dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and wipe down the marble surface.

Dry the benchtop immediately to prevent water spots.

NOTE: The head of a dust mop could also work in a pinch if you don’t have any cloths!

Cleaning marble benchtops with baking soda

This method is great for cleaning stains on marble from coffee, wine, other drinks, and even sauces.

You can opt to sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. It will absorb the liquid, then you can just wipe off the residue afterwards.

Alternatively, you can try the poultice method. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a little hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste.

Dampen the stained area with a little water, then spread a thick layer of the paste on the surface. Seal it with some cling wrap or a similar material.

Let the solution sit for a day or two, until it thoroughly dries. Once you notice the poultice has dried up, take off the plastic and wipe the residue off with a damp cloth.

Dry the surface immediately. For more stubborn stains, you can repeat the process.

NOTE: You can also use this method to remove paint from marble. If you can’t scrape off all the paint, apply the poultice to remove the remaining residue.

Cleaning marble benchtops with cornflour

This is a great solution for grease stains! Soap and water won’t be very effective here, so you can turn to cornstarch instead.

Simply sprinkle the cornflour on the grease or oil stains, then let it sit for 20 minutes. The cornflour will absorb the grease.

Use a damp cloth to wipe the residue away, then a fresh cloth to dry the surface.

Cleaning marble benchtops with hydrogen peroxide

For light-coloured marble, you can use hydrogen peroxide when removing stains. It works best for organic stains, such as those from food.

Apply 12% hydrogen peroxide (optional: add a few drops of ammonia) directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. 

Rinse away with clean water, then dry the benchtop immediately.

Cleaning marble benchtops with stone cleaner

There are some commercial cleaning sprays and other products that are formulated specifically for natural stone.

When cleaning your marble, follow the package instructions precisely. Make sure you dry the surface afterwards.

How to Polish a Marble Benchtop

Part of proper maintenance for marble is polishing! Make sure you’re using products specifically made for marble – so no acrylic or polyurethane.

DIY marble polishes come in either chalk or liquid form. Both provide a stain-resistant finish, but chalk takes longer to dry.

Start from the centre of your benchtop and work your way outwards. Follow with a diamond polishing pad or soft cloth to buff the marble in circular motions.

When buffing, work in the opposite way – from the outside going in. 

Leave the benchtop for several hours so the polish dries completely. Then go over the surface one more time with a dry cloth to remove any residue.

Protecting and Maintaining a Marble Benchtop

Maintenance and protection are just as important as regular cleaning! 

This will prevent damage to your marble benchtop, which will be harder to fix than a simple stain.

1. Blot spills, don’t wipe

When cleaning up spilled food or drinks, always dab and blot the stain. Wiping or rubbing will push the stain further into the marble.

If there are cracks or seams in your benchtop, food debris or liquids could lead to bacteria and mould growth.

For larger spills, you can layer cloths or paper towels to absorb the substance.

2. Regularly seal marble surfaces

Marble is very porous, so it’s essential to protect your benchtop with professional sealant. 

Sealing marble will not make it waterproof, but it will create a protective barrier that will minimise staining and etching.

3. Don’t use abrasive cleaners

Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool since these could leave scratches and scuff marks on the marble. Remember, this type of natural stone is delicate!

Don’t use abrasive cleaning products as well – anything rougher than baking soda could also scuff the surface.

If there are water spots or light scratches, you can buff them with dry #0000 (superfine) steel wool. Anything worse will need professional work.

4. Don’t use too acidic or alkaline cleaning materials

Acid is generally not recommended for cleaning natural stone, as it can cause discolouration or even damage the material. It’s the same with alkaline substances like bleach.

You can consult the company that installed your benchtop whether you can safely use white vinegar or lemon juice on the marble. 

In general, it’s better to stick to more neutral cleaners.

Hydrogen peroxide is typically safe for light-coloured marble as it is a very weak acid, with a pH of just 6.2.

5. Wipe marble countertops regularly

Frequent wiping goes a long way to preventing dirt and stains from building up on marble! 

You can use a dry cloth to wipe the surface after you’ve finished prepping or cooking.

6. Avoid putting hot items on stone surfaces

While cooking, avoid putting hot dishes or pans directly on the marble. It may be naturally heat-resistant, but you’ll still risk cracking or scorching the surface.

Instead, lay down coasters, trivets, or other similar heat protectors before setting down your dishes and pans.

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What is a Caesarstone Benchtop?

Caesarstone is an engineered stone made from up to 90% quartz. It is a popular choice for kitchen benchtops because of its durability and resistance to staining and scratching. While Caesarstone benchtops are ‌more expensive than laminate or timber options, they offer a premium look and feel that can improve the value of your home.

What Cleaner Should You Use on Caesarstone Benchtops?

Keeping your Caesarstone countertops clean is important for both hygiene and appearance. The good news is they’re best cleaned with just a few simple household products.

For basic cleaning, all you need is some warm soapy water. Make sure to use a mild detergent, stone benchtop cleaner or dish soap. 

You can make a paste out of baking soda and water for deeper cleaning. You can also disinfect your benchtop by wiping it down with a solution of vinegar and water.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to rinse off your benchtop with clean water when you’re finished.

How to Clean a Caesarstone Benchtop

Unlike granite or marble, Caesarstone is virtually non-porous, meaning it won’t absorb spills or harbour bacteria. However, like all quartz surfaces, they can lose their shine over time. Here are a few tips on how to keep your Caesarstone benchtop clean and looking its best.

To clean your Caesarstone benchtop, you’ll need:

• A soft cloth
• Water
• White vinegar
• Mild dishwashing liquid or Soft Scrub Liquid Gel
• A non-abrasive scrubber (optional)
• Caesarstone cleaner (optional)

Step 1: Dust It Off

Start by giving your stone benchtop a quick once-over with a soft cloth to remove any surface dust. If there’s any stubborn dirt or grime, you can use a slightly dampened cloth to wipe it away. Be sure to use something gentle enough, as this could damage the surface of your benchtop.

Step 2: Give It a Wash

Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid with water and use a soft cloth to wipe down the entire surface. If you’re cleaning a dark-coloured Caesarstone, you may want to use a colour-safe cleaner to prevent discolouration. Use circular motions and avoid holding the cloth in one spot for too long to avoid damaging the finish. Rinse the area with clean water when you’re finished, and dry it with a soft cloth.

Step 3: Scrub Away Any Stains (optional)

If you have tough stains that aren’t coming off with dish soap and water, you can try using a non-abrasive scrubber dipped in warm soapy water. Gently scrub the stained area in small circles until the stain lifts. If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a commercial cleaner specially formulated for Caesarstone surfaces. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaning product carefully to avoid damaging your benchtop.

Caesarstone Routine Cleaning Tips

• Wipe up spills immediately. Caesarstone surfaces are highly resistant to staining, but it’s still important to wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
• Use non-abrasive cleaners. Most of the time, a damp cloth will do. But if you’re dealing with stains, use non-abrasive cleaning products and avoid harsh chemicals.
• Use a soft cloth. When cleaning or polishing Caesarstone surfaces, use a soft, lint-free cloth. This will help avoid scratches.
• Avoid placing hot pots, pans and plates on a Caesarstone benchtop. While the stone is heat-resistant, it isn’t impervious to damage. Using a trivet or placemat protects the surface from direct contact with heat.
• Polish regularly. To keep your stone benchtop surface looking its best, polish it regularly with a quartz stone polish.

Remove Stubborn Stains from Caesarstone

Stains are one of the most common problems when it comes to quartz stone benchtops. But there are a few simple tips and tricks you can follow to help keep your Caesarstone benchtop looking as good as new.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove stains from Caesarstone is to use a white vinegar and water solution.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. 
• Leave it for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. 
• For tougher stains, try using a baking soda paste and water. 
• Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a soft cloth.

Another effective method for removing stains from Caesarstone is using a household bleach solution.

• Mix equal parts household bleach and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the stain. 
• Leave it on for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. 
• You may need to repeat this process a few times for tougher stains.

You can always call the professionals if you have stains that won’t budge. A reputable cleaning service will have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove even the most stubborn stains from your Caesarstone benchtop.

How to Polish a Caesarstone Surface

Once you’ve removed any stains, polish your quartz stone benchtop to restore its shine. You can use a commercial granite polish or make your own by mixing equal parts olive oil and lemon juice.

1. Make sure all Caesarstone quartz surfaces are clean. Any crumbs or dirt will just end up becoming scratches in the polishing process.
2. Choose a high-quality polish designed for quartz stone or granite surfaces.
3. Apply the polish with a soft cloth in a circular motion.
4. Buff the compound on the Caesarstone surface until you’ve achieved the desired level of shine.
5. Wipe away any excess compound with a clean cloth and enjoy your newly polished quartz stone benchtop.

Treat Your Benchtop Like Royalty

With just a few simple household ingredients, you can easily keep your Caesarstone benchtop looking new! Just remember to avoid using anything too abrasive, as this could damage the surface. A little bit of elbow grease goes a long way when it comes to keeping your kitchen looking its best.

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Because stone benchtops are porous, they need to be cleaned and sealed regularly to prevent staining.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to clean stone benchtops using everyday household items.

Types of Stone Benchtops

First, you need to figure out what type of stone your benchtop is made of. This will determine what cleaners and sealers you can use without damaging the surface.

The three most common types of stone used for kitchen benchtops are marble, granite, and quartz.

Granite

Granite benchtops are a popular choice for kitchens because they’re durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

One downside of granite is that it can be expensive, but it’s definitely worth the investment. 

You can use mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner for granite benchtops.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the surface.

You should also seal your granite benchtop every six months.

Marble

Marble is another excellent choice for kitchen benchtops. It’s known for its sophistication and timeless elegance.

Marble is also heat-resistant and easy to clean, but it’s important to note that it can be susceptible to staining.

To clean marble benchtops, use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid damaging the surface.

You should also seal your marble benchtop every six months to prevent staining.

Quartz

Quartz is an artificial material that consists of natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments.

It’s available in various colours and patterns, making it a great option if you’re looking for something unique.

Quartz is also non-porous, which means it won’t absorb spills or stains. Plus, it’s extremely durable and low maintenance. 

As with granite, avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard when cleaning quartz benchtops.

You don’t need to seal quartz because it is non-porous; however, you should still clean it regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.

You may have also heard of Caesarstone before – this is a luxe engineered stone made from up to 90% quartz. Check out our Caesarstone cleaning guide if this is the benchtop material you have in your home.

The Best Ways to Clean Stone Benchtops

To clean stone benchtops, you’ll need the following items: 

• Warm water
• Mild dishwashing soap
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Paper towel roll
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional)

How To Clean Stone Benchtops

1. Start by mixing warm water and mild dishwashing soap in a bowl.
2. Dip your sponge or cloth into the soapy water, then use it to wipe down the benchtop surfaces. Pay special attention to areas that are stained or greasy.
3. Rinse the soap suds off with clean water.
4. If there are any remaining stains, mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the stain, then scrub with a sponge or soft brush.
5. Rinse away the mixture with clean water.
6. If any stubborn stains are left, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge or soft brush. Rinse away with clean water when finished.
7. Dry the benchtop with a clean cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

How to Clean Stained Stone Benchtops

Identify the type of stain you’re dealing with. Is it a water stain? A coffee stain? Something else entirely? Once you’ve identified the type of stain, you can select the appropriate cleaning solution.

• For water stains, a simple mixture of dish soap and warm water should do the trick. Just be sure to rinse the soap off well when you’re finished so that your countertop doesn’t end up with a soapy residue.
• Coffee stains can be more difficult to remove. A 50-50 mixture of water and white vinegar is usually effective, but you may need a stronger solution for tough stains. You can also try using baking soda on coffee stains; make sure to rinse it off well afterwards so that your countertop doesn’t end up with a chalky residue.
• Like your favourite shirt, your stone benchtop can suffer from oil stains. But it’s not hard to get those unsightly stains out. Blot up any excess oil with a paper towel. Then, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Next, use a damp cloth to scrub the baking soda into the stain in a circular motion. Rinse the area with warm water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

How to Clean Engineered Stone Benchtops

1. Clean up spills as soon as they happen

Engineered stone is porous, which can absorb spills and stains if they’re not cleaned up immediately.

So, if you spill something on your benchtop, be sure to wipe it up with a damp cloth right away.

2. Use mild soap and water for everyday cleaning

For day-to-day cleaning, all you need is some mild soap and water.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of your engineered stone benchtop.

Instead, mix a tablespoon or two of mild dish soap with some warm water in a spray bottle, and use this solution to wipe down your kitchen benchtop after each use.

3. Avoid putting hot pots and pans directly on the surface

Though engineered stone is heat resistant, it’s still a good idea to avoid putting hot pots and pans directly on the surface.

Over time, this can cause discolouration or other damage.

So, if you’ve just taken something out of the oven or off the stove, be sure to use a trivet or pot holder before setting it down on your kitchen benchtop.

4. Polish regularly with a quality sealer

To keep your stone benchtop looking shiny and new, it’s important to polish it regularly with a quality sealer.

Once every few months, apply a thin layer of sealer with a soft cloth and then buff it dry with another soft cloth.

This will help to protect the surface of your benchtop from stains and scratches.

How to Clean White Stone Benchtops

1. Start with the basics. Use warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid to rinse away any spills or marks. For tough stains, you can use a little vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge — never anything abrasive like steel wool pads, which will scratch the surface.
3. Dry the benchtop straight away with a clean paper towel or microfibre cloth.
4. To disinfect, use a mixture of one part water to one part hydrogen peroxide, or buy a stone benchtop cleaner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards so there’s no residual bleach left on the surface.
5. For an extra shine, you can buff the surface with a polishing cloth designed for stone benchtops.

How to Clean Black Stone Benchtops

1. Start by dusting the benchtop with a soft cloth or feather duster. This will remove any build-up of dirt or dust.
2. If there are any stubborn marks, you can use a mild soap and warm water to wipe them away gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing pads, as these can damage the surface of the stone.
3. Once you have removed all the marks, rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
4. To keep your black stone benchtop looking its best, you should seal it every few months. This will help to protect it from stains and make it easier to keep clean.

Caring for Your Stone Benchtop

• Use a non-abrasive cleaner. You want to avoid using anything that will scratch or damage the surface. Instead, opt for gentle dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can discolour the stone.
• Wipe up spills immediately. This will help prevent stains from setting in and becoming difficult to remove from your kitchen benchtop. If you get a stain, try using baking soda and water paste. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
• Don’t use harsh scrubbers. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers such as brillo pads or steel wool pads when cleaning your white stone benchtop. These can scratch the surface of the stone and leave behind unsightly marks. Instead, use a soft cloth or sponge when cleansing the area.
• Don’t put hot pans on your stone benchtop. Use a trivet or mat to protect the surface from heat damage.
• Use the right sealant. Apply a thin layer of sealant using a lint-free cloth. Be sure to cover the entire stone surface, including any seams or edges. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before using the benchtop. For best results, reapply the sealant every six months.

Never Take Quartz for Granite

A sparkling clean benchtop is the key to a well-kept kitchen. But let’s face it, sometimes our home cleaning efforts just don’t cut it.

If your stone benchtop could use a little love, it might be time to call a professional house cleaner.

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