If you’ve recently installed a natural stone countertop or floor in your beautiful Montgomery County home, this guide is for you! Alternatively, maybe our team recently restored your countertops or floors (or even another team—that’s okay too). No matter your situation, we are the most experienced stone restoration team in the DMV area (located in Bethesda, MD), and we’ve put together a few tips to help keep your countertops in great shape.

Tip No. 1: Clean and Dust Regularly

Don’t neglect your countertops or let them get dirty! Regularly clean the surface with a pH-neutral cleaner that’s gentle on countertops to avoid damaging the finish. Additionally, use a soft microfiber cloth that won’t scuff the surface while you clean.Most importantly, dry and clean any spills on your countertop immediately. Believe it or not, even seemingly harmless liquids, like grape juice, can damage your countertops’ finish!

Make sure you regularly dust the countertop as well. Dirt can be abrasive and may cause small scratches if it gets trapped under plates or objects. Start with a soft dusting tool and follow up by wiping the surface with a damp cloth.

Tip No. 2: Professionally Deep Clean, Polish, and Seal the Surface Annually

It’s highly recommended to have any natural stone surface deep cleaned, polished, and sealed annually to restore and prevent extensive damage to the finish. While some stone surfaces may require more frequent maintenance depending on factors like exposure to wear and tear, there’s a simple way to test if your surface needs resealing.

Pour a small amount of water on your stone surface. If the water beads into small droplets, the seal is still effective. If the stone absorbs the water, it’s time to call your stone repair professional (or us, if you’re near Bethesda) and get it resealed. We suggest testing a few areas since the seal may wear out unevenly.

Tip No. 3: Implement Protective Measures and Controls

While it may seem obvious, always use coasters and cutting boards. Knives can quickly damage the surface of your countertops. Also, the moisture from condensation on drinks is a hidden enemy. It only takes a moment to use a coaster, so make sure your family members do the same.

Humidity can also affect the durability of your natural stone surface. Control the humidity in bathrooms and kitchens by running fans and monitoring the temperature when possible to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

Tip No. 4: Address Chips and Cracks Promptly

From our years of experience, we know that small chips and cracks can quickly become larger problems. It’s crucial to address any chips or cracks as soon as you notice them. Ignoring these issues could lead to more significant damage and costlier repairs down the road.By following these tips, you can keep your natural stone surfaces in beautiful condition for years to come. If you’re near our Bethesda headquarters, we’re always here to help.

Contact us today via email at david@capitolstonecare.com or by phone at +1 (301) 512-5777.