Expert Guidance
Care & Maintenance Guide
Every countertop material has its own rules — what to clean it with, whether it needs sealing, and what to keep away from it. Pick your material below for a dedicated, in-depth guide.
Written from 30+ years fabricating and installing these exact materials for NH homeowners
Reviewed by the Precision Granite Works team — Epsom, NH fabricators and installers since 1990.·Last updated: July 2026
Granite
Durable, forgiving, needs sealing every 1–2 years
Excellent heat and scratch resistance. The main upkeep is a regular sealing schedule to keep it stain-proof.
Quartz
Never needs sealing — but keep it away from direct heat
The closest thing to zero-maintenance countertops. Just remember trivets — the resin binder can scorch under hot cookware.
Marble
Elegant, but the most attentive care of any material
Beautiful and classic, but sensitive to acidic spills. Learn the real difference between an etch mark and a stain.
Quartzite
Granite-like care with even more hardness
One of the hardest natural stones available. Needs a similar sealing routine to granite to stay stain-resistant.
Soapstone
Non-porous — oil or wax is cosmetic, not sealing
No sealing, ever. Mineral oil or beeswax just evens out the stone's natural darkening — it's a look, not a protective step.
"I had so many questions about which stone to pick. The team walked me through every option patiently — no pressure, just honest information. We chose quartzite and I couldn't be happier with how it looks."
Universal Stone Care Habits
One product to avoid across every material: vinegar. It isn't a safe routine cleaner for granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, or soapstone — see each guide above for the products that actually work.
Have a care question not covered here, or need professional resealing? Our team is always happy to advise.