How to Clean Granite, Marble, and Specialty Surfaces at Home

February 19, 2026

How to Clean Granite, Marble, and Specialty Surfaces at Home

Granite countertops, marble vanities, and stainless steel appliances elevate the look of any home. However, these specialty materials require proper care to maintain their appearance and durability. Using the wrong product can lead to dull finishes, etching, streaking, or even permanent damage.

Understanding when to use a specialty surface cleaner, a pH-balanced granite cleaner, or a professional-grade stainless steel polish is essential for protecting your investment.

At OrderlyClean, we help homeowners maintain high-end surfaces through structured cleaning systems and professional-grade techniques. Learn more about our services at 👉 https://orderlyclean.com/

Below is a practical guide to safely cleaning and preserving granite, marble, and other specialty surfaces at home.

Why Specialty Surfaces Require Special Care

Unlike laminate or sealed wood, natural stone and stainless steel have unique properties:

Granite is durable but porous.
Marble is softer and highly sensitive to acids.
Stainless steel shows fingerprints and streaks easily.
Specialty finishes can react negatively to harsh chemicals.

General-purpose cleaners often contain acidic or abrasive ingredients that can damage these surfaces over time. A targeted specialty surface cleaner is always the safer choice.

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Granite is strong but requires proper maintenance to preserve its sealant.

Best Practice:

Use a pH-neutral granite cleaner.
Wipe daily with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid vinegar, lemon, or ammonia-based cleaners.
Immediately clean spills, especially wine, coffee, or oils.

A dedicated granite cleaner protects the seal while removing residue effectively. Over time, harsh products can weaken the stone’s protective barrier.

How to Clean Marble Surfaces

Marble is more delicate than granite and prone to etching.

Cleaning Tips:

Use a gentle specialty surface cleaner designed for natural stone.
Never use acidic solutions (including vinegar or citrus-based cleaners).
Blot spills instead of wiping to prevent spreading.
Dry the surface after cleaning to avoid water spots.

Regular maintenance preserves marble’s polished finish and prevents dull patches.

How to Maintain Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel enhances modern kitchens but easily shows smudges and fingerprints.

Proper Care Includes:

Wiping in the direction of the grain.
Using a microfiber cloth.
Applying a small amount of stainless steel polish for shine.
Avoiding abrasive sponges.

A quality stainless steel polish restores luster while protecting the surface from future smudging.

Specialty Surfaces Beyond Stone

Other materials that benefit from specialty surface cleaner products include:

Quartz countertops
Glass cooktops
High-gloss cabinetry
Sealed wood surfaces

Each material has different care requirements. Always check manufacturer recommendations before selecting a cleaner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned cleaning can cause damage. Avoid:

Using all-purpose cleaners on natural stone
Scrubbing with abrasive pads
Leaving water pooled on surfaces
Mixing cleaning chemicals

Strategic product selection prevents unnecessary surface wear.

The Professional Approach to Surface Care

At OrderlyClean, we emphasize prevention and preservation. Instead of reacting to damage, we implement maintenance systems that protect specialty materials long term.

Our structured cleaning approach ensures: