Granite and marble are natural stones whose unique colourings, markings and textures make beautiful, lifetime lasting kitchen worktops and bathroom surfaces. They’re heat resistant, and with a little bit of care don’t stain or scratch easily, making these low maintenance materials perfect for tough environments, like busy family homes or businesses, especially when compared to wood or glass. And when you’re eventually finished with them, they can be recycled as hard core. But even the toughest cookies need some love and care, particularly when subject to the assaults of everyday life – excessive moisture, acidic spills and sharp objects. 

Here are some tips to keeping your granite, marble and quartz worktops looking lovely for longer.

1. Seal of Approval – Granite is relatively non-porous compared to it’s softer sister marble, who is at risk of staining if exposed to potent liquids like red wine. However all stone surfaces need to be sealed to boost their stain resisting properties. Check your supplier has sealed your worktop or bathroom properly before it’s fitted, and then reseal yourself every 1-2 years for marble, and every 5 for granite. We recommend Dry Treat’s Stain Proof Plus which can be bought on their online shop at www.drytreat.com.   
2. Don’t Scour – Scouring pads and sponges may lift layers of sealer leaving your worktop vulnerable to staining. They can also scratch the surface if used on softer stones like marble or limestone. Instead leave sticky stains to soak under soapy water.
3. Too Harsh – Similarly to scouring pads, bleaches and other harsh cleaning chemicals can lift layers of seal from your marble or granite worktop. Instead use a mild dish soap or PH neutral surface cleaner with a dish cloth.
4. Buff It – This one is not a necessity but for an extra shiny, just fitted look, buff your worktop once a week with a stone polish and soft cloth. Pledge have a good multi-surface polish, or Coulon Stone recommend Granite Clean and Sheen which you can buy via the website www.coulonstone.com.