Although granite is quite resistant to scratches, to properly maintain this type of countertop material, it’s advisable to follow a few simple procedures.

  1. Spills have a tendency to soak into the surface, so to avoid deep staining wipe up spills immediately.
  2. For stone surfaces a neutral cleaner, such as stone soap or mild dishwasher liquid and warm water, is safe to use.
  3. When cleaning with a soap solution, use a soft, clean cloth and then rinse the surface thoroughly. Finish off by drying with a soft, clean cloth.
  4. If you do happen to stain the surface, removal depends on the type of stain. First, try removing it with this paste: mix together a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwasher liquid, and water. Place the paste over the stain, cover in plastic wrap, and leave overnight. In the morning, use a wooden utensil to scrape away the paste and give it a rinse. This should work except for stains made from grease, oil, or milk. In these cases, instead of dishwasher liquid use hydrogen peroxide in the paste, or ammonia.
  5. For organic stains resulting from coffee, tea, or fruit, a mixture of 12% hydrogen peroxide combined with a few drops of ammonia should work wonders.
  • Ink, marker and wine stains on darker stone require a lacquer thinner or acetone for removal. Hydrogen peroxide works well on light-colored granite.
  • Another method to remove wine, ink, or any other non-oil stain is to mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste. Apply for 30 minutes, remove, and rinse.
  • For oil-based or fat-based stains, create a paste of molding plaster and water. Apply an even layer over the stain for 3 hours, after time has expired remove and rinse surface.
  • Granite countertops require resealing every two to three years, but ask your installer for suggestions as to when this needs to be done.
  • Of course, on surfaces that will be used for food preparation, use a non-toxic sealer.
  • New disinfectant cleaners on the market now come in formulas designed for granite countertops; purchase this type of product if you prefer disinfectant cleaners to other cleaning options.
  • For any problem that you can’t handle on your own or are not familiar with, call a professional to handle the cleaning job.
  • Use coasters, especially for alcoholic and citrus beverages, as the acid in these drinks can dull the stone’s surface.
  • Always test these cleaning methods on small discreet area for color fastness or granite damage.
  • There are also new products for removing stains in hardware stores, like Home Depot and Lowes. However, always follow the instructions provided on the products label.

Because natural stone is porous, it is recommended that a sealant be applied to the surface of the stone to help protect its natural properties. Most granite companies use surface sealants that they claim protect against staining by creating a barrier that sits on top of the stone, resisting substances from penetrating into the pores. This is cost-effective for fabricators, but not ideal for homeowners for three main reasons. Surface sealants wear off and require constant re-sealing (at least twice a year). Surface sealants can give the stone a cloudy appearance. Sunlight and the fact that the stone is unable to breathe through the pores can cause the sealant and/or the stone to change colors over time.

See our Dry Treat Stain Protection Guarantee:  The Dry Treat Program is one of the industry’s best warranties, which includes a 15 year fully transferable residential warranty. Covers over 100 granite options or select marble options, as well as labor and materials. Guarantees stain protection from coffee, red wine, ketchup, mustard, and cooking oil. As if it couldn’t get any better, this program has an 8 year commercial and industry warranty. Also, a 1 year outdoor warranty on selected granite options. This warranty includes a substantial discount on the purchase of all professional grade stone care products from DuPont. Ask your sales representative on how to obtain this exclusive 15-year warranty.

Maintaining Cambria is easy.

To keep your stone looking beautiful, wash the surface with a cotton cloth and warm water. A mild soap may be used if desired. Strong alkaline, acid, free radicals, and oxidizers will harm Cambria.  PLEASE DO NOT expose your surface to these cleaners regardless of their pH. These chemicals are corrosive and/or erosive to Cambria, and they do have the ability to attack any structure or surface. Please be mindful of the potential damages these products can have on your surface

Cambria is NOT fracture proof nor is it heat proof in any form.

Cambria should not be exposed to any of the following products: bleach, oven cleaners, Comet®, Soft Scrub®, SOS®, products with pumice, batteries, paint removers, furniture strippers, tarnish or silver cleaners, or the like. Abrasive and harsh scrub pads should not be used on Cambria. Sealers, penetrants and topical treatments should not be applied under any circumstances. These products will cause the gloss to appear dull or inconsistent and will wear off. For further information on the potential harms to Cambria please call 1-866-Cambria.

  1. Cambria is a quartz product, and the variation in the quartz pattern, color, shade, shape, and size are innate and distinctive characteristics of this product. These unique characteristics do not affect the overall performance of the product it any way.
  2. Cambria is the most durable of natural stone products.  Although it is more resistant to surface damage it is not chip-proof. Chips in the stone can be caused by objects hitting the surface edges particularly at sinks or dishwashers. Minor knife slips will not harm Cambria; however, no stone is scratch proof. Markings will be more noticeable on monotone Cambria designs rather than multi-colored surfaces.
  3. Seams will be visible as Cambria is not a seamless product.  The Cambria pattern and shade may change where seams appear on material.
  4. Rapid change of temperature, especially near the edges, will damage natural stone surfaces.  Cambria is not able to withstand the direct transfer of heat from cooking products such as pots, pans, crockpots, etc. A trivet or hot pad are always recommended to prevent Cambria from heating.
  5. Cambria is to be used for structural support. 1cm Cambria thickness is used for surface finishes such as fireplaces, walls, and showers, while 2cm and 3cm thicknesses are used for countertops.
  6. Cambria surfaces that have a semi-polished finish (1cm) will not shine and will soil and soiling will cause the appearance of stains.
  7. Please prepare walls and cabinets before Cambria installation to ensure the best finished product.  Be sure all areas are structurally sound, level, straight, etc. lack of which may cause poor installation, seam fit, and inconsistent overhang and placement of the countertops.
  8. MARVA will supply slabs based on the model/template information, and we are not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.

Maintaining Neolith is easy.

Neolith countertops are easy to clean. Wash the surface with a cotton cloth and warm water. A mild soap may be used if desired.  Food particles cannot penetrate the stone guaranteeing good hygiene. Stains from lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, wine and coffee can be removed easily, and even strong cleaning agents do not affect Neolith countertops. Neolith is heat resistant, and pots and pans do not damage or discolor the surface.

Special consideration with the ceramic knives:

A Neolith surface can be scratched with ceramic knives so please use careful consideration when utilizing this cutlery.


Everyday cleaning

  1. A microfiber cloth may be utilized to remove dust from the stone, and Neolith surfaces can be cleaned daily if necessary.
  2. Rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth or similar. Wash Neolith countertops with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using cleaners with hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives.
  3. Please dry surfaces immediately if liquids are spilled. Stains are easily removed when you clean and dry them promptly.
  4. Application of waxes, impregnating agents, and oily soaps, are not advisable nor are they necessary. Please read ingredients of detergents as some contain polishing additives and waxes that will leave an oily film on the surface of Neolith after several washes.
  5. The edges of a Neolith surface are the most sensitive to damage.  Please do not hit surfaces with blunt or heavy objects that could cause the surface to chip or break.

TIP:

Apply treatment to spots and stains and examine closely.  If the spot is lighter or reduced the treatment is working and continue to apply until the stain is completely removed.

Suggested detergents to clean general stains

Some stains may not be removed by general cleaning and specific procedures will need to be used.  Clean the surface as soon as possible as the amount of time a substance stays on the surface is very important.

Below are some agents are utilized for specific stains:

Types of Stains
Types of detergents
Grease Alkaline / Solvent
Oil Solvent
Ink Oxidant / Solvent
Rust Acid
Lime Acid
Cement Acid
Wine Alkaline / Acid
Coffee Alkaline / Solvent
Rubber Solvent
Plaster Acid
Epoxy glues Solvent
Candle wax Solvent
Iodine Oxidant
Blood Oxidant
Ice cream Alkaline
Resins Solvent
Fruit juice Oxidant
Permanent marker Solvent
Aluminum scratches Acid

Acid: Acidic cleaning products: descalers, cement removers… Alkaline: Basic cleaning products: ammonia, degreasers… Solvent: Universal solvent, thinner, turpentine, acetone, alcohol… Oxidant: Diluted hydrogen peroxide or bleach…

Please follow manufacturer recommendations for dosage and time during cleaning process of the Neolith surfaces.

Maintaining Granite is easy.

Granite, like most other porous natural stones, needs to be sealed on a regular basis.  Due to their porosity, many naturals stones are susceptible to staining and sealing them on a regular basis greatly reduces the chances of stains.

Cleaning granite can be done simply with mild soap and water.  Common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable.  Bleach and heavy duty cleaners are not recommended and can damage the granite while using them to for cleaning.

Maintaining Marble is easy.

Marble, like most other porous natural stones, needs to be sealed on a regular basis.  Due to their porosity, many naturals stones are susceptible to staining and sealing them on a regular basis greatly reduces the chances of stains.

Cleaning marble can be done simply with mild soap and water.  Common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable.  Bleach and heavy duty cleaners are not recommended and can damage the marble while using them to for cleaning.

Maintaining Travertine is easy.

Travertine, like most other porous natural stones, needs to be sealed on a regular basis.  Due to their porosity, many naturals stones are susceptible to staining and sealing them on a regular basis greatly reduces the chances of stains.

Cleaning travertine can be done simply with mild soap and water.  Common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable.  Bleach and heavy duty cleaners are not recommended and can damage the travertine while using them to for cleaning.

Maintaining Onyx is easy.

Onyx, like most other porous natural stones, needs to be sealed on a regular basis.  Due to their porosity, many naturals stones are susceptible to staining and sealing them on a regular basis greatly reduces the chances of stains.

Cleaning onyx can be done simply with mild soap and water.  Common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable.  Bleach and heavy duty cleaners are not recommended and can damage the onyx while using them to for cleaning.

Maintaining Soapstone is easy.

Soapstone is non-porous and does not need to be sealed. Mineral oil can be used to treat soapstone.  The oil does not seal or protect the stone, but speeds up the natural darkening process. You can re-treat your countertops every time the soapstone lightens.  It will take several coats of mineral oil for the soapstone to reach its final color.  After six to eight months of treating the countertops with oil the stone will stay permanently dark.

Cleaning soapstone can be done simply with mild soap and water.  Common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable.  Chemicals and acids will not harm soapstone; however, these harsher solvents may remove the mineral oil treatment creating more maintenance.

Maintaining Limestone is easy.

Limestone, like most other porous natural stones, needs to be sealed on a regular basis.  Due to their porosity, many naturals stones are susceptible to staining and sealing them on a regular basis greatly reduces the chances of stains.

Cleaning limestone can be done simply with mild soap and water.  Common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable.  Bleach and heavy duty cleaners are not recommended and can damage the limestone while using them to for cleaning.

Maintaining Precioustone is easy.

Precioustone like most porous natural stones needs to be sealed on a regular basis. Due to their porosity many naturals stones are susceptible to staining and sealing them on a regular basis greatly reduces the chances of stains.

Cleaning precioustone can be done with soap and water. Also common name brand cleaners that state natural stone as one of their applications are also acceptable. Bleach and heavy duty cleaners are not recommended and can damage the precioustone while using them for cleaning.