How to Clean Countertops Safely and Effectively
Updated: Mar. 28, 2024
Learn how to clean countertops the right way, so your quartz, granite, marble or butcher block counters stay as good as new
Quartz, granite, marble and butcher block countertops are tough. They have to be—they’re some of the most used surfaces in our homes. That’s why so it’s important to know how to clean countertops and maintain them so they last for years. But maintenance doesn’t have to mean high maintenance, even with ultra-refined stone countertops and hardy butcher blocks. Generally, these surfaces are durable and easy to care for. “You need to maintain them properly, though,” according to Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. That means sticking with gentle, natural cleaners you probably have in your cupboard right now.
Keep in mind that some countertop materials do not play nicely with certain cleaning products. One reason? Not all stone countertops are 100% stone. “Many are made from stone chips in a resin matrix,” says Allen Rathey, a cleaning professional turned educator and director of the Indoor Health Council. Even solid stone slabs need gentle care, so it’s important to avoid harsh cleaners that may damage your countertops. As long as you keep these things in mind, the rest is easy.
Clueless about how to clean countertops? Reader’s Digest asked Rathey and Sokolowski to walk us through their proven methods for cleaning quartz, granite, marble and butcher block countertops. Ahead, you’ll learn how to keep these kitchen essential in tip-top shape—easily.
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About the experts
Reviewed for accuracy by: Ann Russell, TikTok’s “cleaning auntie” and the author of How to Clean Everything. |
How to clean quartz countertops
Quartz is a non-porous, engineered stone that resists stains, mold, mildew and bad-smelling bacteria, but that doesn’t mean you can skip proper care. Letting spills linger will make them harder to remove, so don’t ignore fresh cooking splatters. And because quartz is a composite material, it’s important to avoid scouring powders and acidic cleaners or you risk damaging the resin binder. “Warm water and a natural dish soap are often enough for day-to-day cleaning,” Sokolowski says. (In fact, every countertop on this list should be wiped down once a day, so make sure to add countertops to your daily cleaning schedule.)
Supplies you’ll need
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Bowl or spray bottle
Directions
- Add a pump or two of dish soap to a bowl.*
- Fill the bowl with warm water, and work up a lather.
- Dip the cloth into the soapy water, and wipe the countertop.
- Allow the soap solution to sit for 30 seconds to a minute, if needed, for stuck-on spills.
- Rinse your cloth, and wipe the countertop to remove soap residue.
- Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
*Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle, which is Rathey’s preference. If you choose that option, mix the dish soap and water in the bottle, spray it directly on the countertop and wipe with a cloth. Then follow Steps 4–6, above.
How to remove stains from quartz
Because quartz is nonporous and stain-resistant, you’ll generally just need soap, water and a little elbow grease to remove crusty spills and grime. If not, quartz responds well to gentle homemade cleaners like baking soda. Make a paste with a little water, apply it to the stain and use a soft cloth or non-scouring sponge to lift and remove stuck-on food.
Pro tips for quartz care
- Wipe up spills immediately with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Use trivets or potholders when placing hot pans on your quartz countertop—quartz isn’t as heat-resistant as other countertop materials.
- Avoid acids, including lemon and vinegar, as well as harsh de-greasers and abrasives like oven cleaners and scouring powders.
How to clean granite countertops
Pretty, glossy and stain resistant, this natural stone remains the go-to countertop for home buyers and remodelers. Granite is a snap to clean too. Just like with a quartz countertop, start with dish soap and water, Sokolowski says. The most crucial nugget of information to know about granite countertops? They’re porous, so they absorb liquids. That’s why most granite countertops have a protective sealant, which should be monitored for wear. If properly sealed, granite will withstand even the messiest of messes.
Supplies you’ll need
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Bowl or spray bottle
Directions
- Add a pump or two of dish soap to a bowl.*
- Fill the bowl with warm water, and work up a lather.
- Dip the cloth into the soapy water, and wipe the countertop.
- Press firmly and add more suds for stuck-on food, but don’t allow water to sit.
- Rinse your cloth, and wipe the countertop to remove soap residue.
- Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
*Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle. If you choose that option, mix the dish soap and water in the bottle, spray it directly onto the countertop and wipe with a cloth. Then follow Steps 4–6, above.
How to remove stains from granite
If you missed wiping up a spill right away, don’t panic. It’s important not to use acids or harsh abrasives that can scour away granite’s protective finish. For water-based stains like coffee and juice, Sokolowski says to use soap and water and “blot, blot, blot,” never wipe, to lift the stain. Oil-based stains—cooking oil, grease—require something to soak up the oil first. Sprinkle the stain with baking soda or cornstarch, and leave for a few hours or overnight. Sweep or vacuum the powder, and follow with soap and water.
For really stubborn stains, Sokolowski recommends making a baking-soda paste and spreading it over the stain. Cover and leave overnight, or until dry. Then, scrape the dried paste away with a wooden spoon or plastic utensil, rinse and dry.
Pro tips for granite care
- Wipe up spills immediately with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Seal granite annually for the best stain resistance. (If you take care of your granite, you may not need to do this every year.)
- Protect the sealant. Use cutting boards, avoid ammonia (including Windex) and acidic cleaners, and never scrub granite with abrasive sponges.
How to clean marble countertops
Luxurious marble countertops cost a pretty penny to install, but thankfully, they’re inexpensive to clean—if you do it right. Rathey says of the three types of stone countertops, marble is the most sensitive, especially to acids. It’s also the softest and most porous, so while quartz and granite may survive an accidental wine spill, marble will stain and etch, leaving obvious dull spots where the stone reacts to the acid. Even a splash of lemonade or glob of marinara left too long can blemish this stunning investment. Protect it by following these expert steps for how to clean countertops.
Supplies you’ll need
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Bowl or spray bottle
Directions
- Add a pump or two of dish soap to a bowl.*
- Fill the bowl or bottle with warm water, and work up a lather.
- Dip the cloth into the soapy water, and wipe the countertop.
- Rinse your cloth, and wipe the countertop to remove soap residue.
- Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
*Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle. If you choose that option, mix the dish soap and water in the bottle, spray it directly onto the countertop and wipe with a cloth. Then follow Steps 4–5, above.
How to remove stains from marble
Marble is less forgiving than other countertop surfaces, so it’s imperative to jump on spills. According to Sokolowski, the same methods for stain removal on granite can be used on marble. Start by identifying the type of stain. Water-based stains need soap and water—and remember to blot, not wipe, to lift stains. Oil-based stains? “First, you will need to absorb the oil,” Sokolowski says. Sprinkle with cornstarch or baking soda, and let it soak up the stain for several hours or overnight. Or, apply a paste of baking soda and water, and cover tightly. Once the paste dries, brush or gently scrape it off and rinse.
For major stains or etching, marble may have to be sanded and resurfaced. It’s best to leave this to the pros.
Pro tips for marble care
- Keep staining liquids like fruit juices, coffee, wine and tomato sauce far away from marble countertops.
- Use cutting boards when chopping foods, especially acid-containing ones like lemons or tomatoes.
- Never use vinegar, lemon, commercial acidic cleaners or scouring sponges on marble. Even Clorox wipes may contain citric acid, so check labels.
How to clean butcher block countertops
Butcher blocks are becoming increasingly popular in kitchen design, often used as an additional countertop surface near the stove or atop a kitchen island. They’re inexpensive and multi-use: Cut vegetables or other types of food right on top, or leave them in perfect condition by treating them as regular countertops. If you do use your butcher block countertops sans cutting board, be aware that bacteria can grow in the crevices. Don’t prep meat or poultry on butcher block, and clean and sanitize promptly after other food prep, or just daily use, following the steps below.
Supplies you’ll need
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Small scrub brush
- Microfiber cloth
Directions
- Add a pump or two of dish soap to a bowl.*
- Fill the bowl with warm water, and work up a lather.
- With a clean cloth, wet the surface of the butcher block.
- Scrub knife grooves with the brush to clean.
- Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water, and wipe to rinse.
- Apply straight white vinegar to the butcher block, and allow it to air-dry.
*Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle. If you choose that option, mix the dish soap and water in the bottle, and spray it directly onto the countertop. Then follow Steps 4–6, above.
How to remove stains from butcher block
Even though butcher block is both porous and softer than stone countertops, it can handle more aggressive cleaning methods than quartz, granite and marble. Mild acids and scouring sponges won’t harm it, Rathey says, so if you have a stain, first try scrubbing with soap, water and vinegar. You can also safely use lemon, salt and baking soda to clean butcher block countertops.
Pro tips for butcher block care
- Sanitize regularly if using it as a cutting board.
- To avoid scorching, place hot pans on a trivet or pot holder, not directly on the butcher block.
- To maintain the wood’s integrity, treat butcher block monthly with food-grade mineral oil or special butcher block oil.
- Sand and reseal the polyurethane if knife impacts become a nuisance.
Sources:
- Allen Rathey, director of the Indoor Health Council; email interview, Dec. 28, 2023
- Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean; email interview, Jan. 4, 2024
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on how to clean countertops, Ally Childress tapped her experience as a home and cleaning writer, and then Ann Russell, TikTok’s “cleaning auntie” and the author of How to Clean Everything, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We also relied on reputable primary sources and our writer’s personal experience, verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
