Care & maintenance
Keep your stone looking its best
A well-chosen surface should last a lifetime. Here is how to clean, seal and protect the natural stone and quartz you select from KLZ Stone Supply.
Caring for
Natural Stone
Granite, marble, quartzite, travertine and onyx are porous by nature. A little routine care keeps them looking their best for a lifetime.
- Everyday cleaning
- Use a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner made for natural stone, or plain dish soap with warm water. Skip generic household sprays, which are often too harsh for a polished surface.
- Marble & sensitive stones
- Avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia-based products, or anything acidic or abrasive: they etch and dull the surface. Stick to mild soap or a dedicated stone-safe cleaner.
- Sealing
- Because quartzite, granite and marble are porous, they benefit from periodic sealing. A quality stone sealer keeps everyday spills from soaking in; reseal when water stops beading on the surface.
- Stains, scratches & damage
- Leave stains, scratches or surface issues to a professional stone specialist rather than attempting aggressive DIY repairs.
Caring for
Quartz (Engineered)
Engineered quartz is non-porous and low-maintenance: it never needs sealing, but a few habits keep it flawless.
- Everyday cleaning
- Use a pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner or mild dish soap with water. Always wipe with a soft cloth to prevent scratching.
- No sealing required
- Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz is non-porous and does not need sealing.
- Heat & scratch protection
- Use trivets for hot cookware and cutting boards for knife work. Quartz is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof, so a little care goes a long way.
- Stain removal
- Clean affected areas promptly with the recommended cleaner; consult a professional for severe or set-in stains.
Good to know
Common questions
How often should I seal natural stone countertops?
Natural stone such as granite, marble and quartzite is porous and should be sealed periodically, commonly once or twice a year depending on the stone and how heavily it is used. A simple test: if water no longer beads on the surface, it is time to reseal.
What cleaner is safe for marble and quartzite?
Use a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner with no harsh chemicals, or plain dish soap with warm water. Avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia and any acidic or abrasive product, which will etch marble and other sensitive natural stones.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Engineered quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing. Clean it with a pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner or mild dish soap, and use trivets and cutting boards for heat and knife protection.
Does Dallas hard water leave marks on stone countertops?
It can. North Texas has hard water, and its minerals can leave a cloudy film or spots on stone, most often around faucets and where water is left to stand. Wipe up standing water, clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner, and keep natural stone sealed so the minerals cannot soak in. Remove any existing film with a stone-safe cleaner rather than an acidic descaler, which will etch marble and other acid-sensitive stone.
What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?
They sound alike but are different materials. Quartzite is a natural stone quarried from the ground; engineered quartz is manufactured from crushed stone bound with resin. Quartzite is very hard and heat-resistant but porous, so it needs periodic sealing. Quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing, but tolerates heat less well and is best kept away from hot pans.
Is quartzite or marble better for a kitchen?
For a working kitchen, quartzite is usually the more durable choice. It offers the flowing, marble-like veining many people want, but is considerably harder and more resistant to scratching and etching. Marble is softer and etches from acids such as lemon, wine and vinegar, which is why it is more often chosen for vanities, fireplaces and lower-traffic surfaces than for busy kitchens.
What is the difference between granite and quartz?
Granite is a natural stone, quarried and cut into slabs; quartz is engineered from crushed stone and resin. Granite handles heat better and each slab is one of a kind, but it is porous and needs periodic sealing. Quartz is non-porous, needs no sealing and offers a more uniform, repeatable look, but is more sensitive to heat. Both are hard and well suited to kitchens.
Are porcelain slabs good for countertops?
Yes. Sintered porcelain slabs are non-porous, UV-stable and highly resistant to heat, scratching and staining, and they come in large formats, which suits countertops, outdoor kitchens and facades alike. Because they are non-porous, they never need sealing.
Questions about your surface?
Tell us which stone you chose and our team can talk you through the right routine to keep it looking the way it did on the rack. Ask us in the showroom or reach out any time.