Caring for Your Worktops: Our Expert Guide to Cleaning Granite and Quartz

By Tudor Granite, Worktop Specialist | Updated: October 2025 | Reading time: 8 minutes

You've just invested in a beautiful new quartz or granite worktop. Now, how do you keep it looking as stunning as the day it was installed? The good news is that daily care is simple. The golden rule for both materials is: be gentle.

This comprehensive guide is your single source of truth for worktop care. We'll cover everything from daily cleaning to tackling tough stains and handling minor accidents. As Herefordshire's leading fitters, this advice is based on over 20 years of real-world experience.

The Golden Rule: Daily Cleaning for All Stone

For 99% of daily cleaning for both granite and quartz, the process is identical and simple:

• DO: Use a soft microfibre cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap (your regular washing-up liquid is perfect).
• DO: Wipe up spills as they happen. While quartz is stain-proof and sealed granite is stain-resistant, it's a good habit that prevents any potential issues.
• DO: Dry the surface with a separate clean, dry cloth after wiping. This prevents water spots and keeps the surface looking its best.

What NOT to Use: The 5 Cleaners to Avoid at All Costs

Using the wrong chemical is the fastest way to cause permanent damage. Read our specific guide on the 5 cleaners to avoid on your worktop for more detail, but here is the summary. AVOID THESE ON BOTH GRANITE AND QUARTZ:

1. Bleach or cleaners containing bleach: Can cause permanent discoloration.
2. Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads: They will create micro-scratches and dull the surface.
3. Oven cleaners or high-alkaline degreasers: The harsh chemicals can damage the resin in quartz and strip the sealant from granite.
4. Highly acidic cleaners: Limescale removers or neat vinegar can also cause damage.
5. Harsh solvents like nail polish remover or paint thinner.

How to Tackle Tough Stains (Wine, Curry, Limescale)

Don't panic. For stubborn or dried-on messes, there is a safe way to clean them. You can find the full step-by-step process in our guide to safely removing tough stains.

The first step is always the gentlest: apply a thick paste of baking soda and water to the stain, cover it with cling film, and leave it for several hours before wiping it away. For tougher marks, a cloth with isopropyl rubbing alcohol can be effective. Only use specialist cleaners as a last resort, and always test them on an inconspicuous area first.

Granite Specifics: The Simple Sealing Test

This is the one key maintenance difference. Quartz never needs sealing. Granite does. We apply a professional-grade sealant upon installation, but it wears down over time. You need to check it every year or two.

It's easy. Just follow our 5-minute water test to see if your granite needs resealing. If a puddle of water darkens the stone within a few minutes, it's time to reseal. This is a simple DIY job that takes about 30 minutes and keeps your granite protected.

Help! I've Chipped My Worktop! What to do.

Accidents happen. A heavy pan dropped on an edge can cause a small chip. The good news is that most small chips are repairable by a professional. A skilled technician can fill the chip with a colour-matched epoxy resin, which is then cured, sanded, and polished to blend in with the surrounding surface. The visibility of the repair depends on the material, but it will always look far better than the chip. Learn more in our guide to chip repairs.

An Expert's Opinion: The Most Common Mistake We See

"The most common and costly mistake we see is homeowners reaching for a generic 'all-purpose' or 'kitchen' spray cleaner without checking the label. Many of these contain bleach or harsh degreasing agents that can cause irreversible damage to the surface of quartz or strip the vital sealant from granite. Always stick to simple soap and water." — Mark, Head Fitter at Tudor Granite