Care & Maintenance
How to love and look after your stone.
Every stone behaves differently. Our guide covers the best cleaning advice, daily habits and the honest pros and cons for quartz, porcelain, marble and granite worktops.
Quartz
Quartz worktops are engineered from natural quartz crystals bonded with resins and pigments. They are non-porous, extremely hard-wearing and available in a huge range of colours and finishes.
Pros
- ✓Non-porous and highly stain-resistant
- ✓Exceptionally durable and scratch-resistant
- ✓Huge choice of colours and patterns
- ✓Low maintenance — no sealing required
- ✓Uniform finish with consistent veining
Cons
- −Not fully heatproof — hot pans can scorch or crack the resin
- −Can chip on edges if struck hard
- −Direct sunlight can fade some colours over time
- −Joints are usually visible on large runs
- −Heavier and more expensive than laminate
Care tips
Do
- +Wipe daily with warm soapy water and a soft cloth
- +Use a chopping board to protect the surface
- +Use trivets or heat mats under hot pans and trays
- +Clean spills promptly, especially oil, coffee and wine
- +Use a pH-neutral cleaner for a deeper clean
Don't
- −Never place hot pans directly on the surface
- −Avoid bleach, oven cleaner, vinegar and harsh abrasives
- −Do not use the surface as a chopping board
- −Avoid standing on the worktop to reach cabinets
- −Do not drag heavy appliances across the surface
Porcelain
Porcelain worktops are made from ultra-compact sintered ceramic. They are incredibly heat-resistant, UV-stable and available in large slabs with striking marble and stone effects.
Pros
- ✓Extremely heat-resistant — safe for hot pans and trays
- ✓UV-stable, so perfect for kitchens with strong sunlight
- ✓Resistant to scratches, stains, acids and chemicals
- ✓Thin profiles available for sleek, modern designs
- ✓Can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
- −Can be brittle on edges and corners if knocked hard
- −More expensive than some quartz options
- −Requires specialist fabrication and installation
- −Colour and pattern can look less natural than stone
- −Repairs are difficult and often visible
Care tips
Do
- +Clean with warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth
- +Use felt pads under appliances and decorative items
- +Use a cutting board to protect the finish
- +Dry water spots after cleaning to maintain sheen
- +Apply a specialist porcelain cleaner for a polished finish
Don't
- −Avoid heavy impacts on edges and corners
- −Do not use abrasive scouring pads or powders
- −Avoid dragging cast iron or ceramic cookware across the surface
- −Do not stand on the worktop
- −Avoid acidic cleaners and bleach-based products
Marble
Marble is a natural stone prized for its timeless elegance, beautiful veining and cool surface. It is softer and more porous than quartz or porcelain, so it needs a little more care.
Pros
- ✓Unmatched natural beauty and unique veining
- ✓Naturally cool — excellent for baking and pastry work
- ✓Works beautifully with both classic and modern kitchens
- ✓Can develop a lovely patina over time
- ✓Adds long-term value and luxury appeal
Cons
- −Porous and can stain from acidic foods and oils
- −Softer than quartz and can scratch more easily
- −Requires sealing and regular maintenance
- −Can etch from lemon, vinegar, tomatoes and wine
- −Can be more expensive than engineered alternatives
Care tips
Do
- +Seal regularly with a high-quality stone sealer
- +Wipe spills immediately, especially acidic liquids
- +Use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for natural stone
- +Use chopping boards, coasters and trivets
- +Blot spills rather than wiping them across the surface
Don't
- −Do not leave lemon, vinegar, tomato or wine sitting on the surface
- −Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners
- −Never place hot pans directly on marble
- −Do not use abrasive pads or scourers
- −Avoid dragging heavy items across the surface
Granite
Granite is a natural igneous rock known for its strength, depth of colour and unique crystalline pattern. It is heat-resistant and durable, but benefits from regular sealing to keep it looking its best.
Pros
- ✓Extremely hard and durable
- ✓Highly heat-resistant — can handle hot pans in short bursts
- ✓Unique patterns and natural colour variations
- ✓Adds character and long-term value to kitchens
- ✓Can be repaired and re-polished if damaged
Cons
- −Porous and can stain if not sealed properly
- −Requires periodic resealing
- −Joints and seams can be visible on long runs
- −Some colours show water marks or fingerprints more easily
- −Can be costly and heavy to install
Care tips
Do
- +Seal according to your fabricator's guidance — usually once a year
- +Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth
- +Use trivets for hot pans and chopping boards for knives
- +Wipe up spills promptly
- +Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner for a deeper clean
Don't
- −Avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia and abrasive cleaners
- −Do not leave standing water or oil on the surface
- −Do not cut directly on the worktop
- −Avoid heavy impacts on corners and edges
- −Do not place extremely hot pans in the same spot repeatedly
Quick care reminders
Habits that keep every surface beautiful for years.
Daily clean
Warm soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth is enough for most stone surfaces.
Heat protection
Always use trivets or heat mats under hot pans and trays.
Scratch protection
Use a chopping board — never cut directly on the worktop.
Seal natural stone
Marble and granite need periodic sealing to stay stain-resistant.
Wipe spills fast
Acidic liquids like wine, lemon, vinegar and tomato can damage stone quickly.
Use pH-neutral cleaners
Avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia and harsh abrasives on all surfaces.
Need advice on the right stone? Talk to us.
Send us your plans or questions on WhatsApp and we will help you choose a worktop that suits your lifestyle.