Natural stone and porcelain slabs are some of the most elegant and durable materials you can choose for your home or commercial project. Whether you’ve installed marble benchtops, quartzite splashbacks, granite countertops, porcelain feature walls, or travertine bathroom tiles, maintaining your surface properly will protect your investment and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Here’s how to care for marble, granite, quartzite, dolomite, travertine, onyx, and porcelain the right way — using easy-to-follow, expert-backed tips. Stone maintenance tips that matter.
Understand Your Stone
Different stones have different care requirements. For example:
- Marble is soft and porous, meaning it can stain and etch if not sealed and maintained.
- Quartzite is harder and more durable but still benefits from sealing and gentle care.
- Granite is extremely tough, but using the wrong cleaners can still dull the surface over time.
- Dolomite is a great middle ground between marble and granite — beautiful, but still requires care.
- Travertine and onyx are softer and more delicate and are better for decorative use.
- Porcelain, while not a natural stone, is non-porous and highly resistant to stains, making it ideal for busy areas.
Knowing what you’ve got helps you care for it the right way.
Seal Your Stone Surfaces
If you’re working with natural stone, sealing is not optional — it’s essential. Sealing protects against stains, moisture damage, and discolouration.
As a general rule:
- Marble, dolomite, quartzite, travertine, and onyx should be sealed every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage.
- Granite usually requires less frequent sealing, but it’s still recommended.
- Porcelain slabs do not require sealing due to their non-porous surface.
Ask your supplier or stonemason what type of sealer was used, and follow their reapplication timeline.
Use the Right Cleaners
Avoid harsh chemicals. Many supermarket cleaners contain acids or bleach that can etch or damage natural stone surfaces — especially marble, travertine, and onyx.
Instead, clean with:
- Warm water
- A pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for natural stone
- A soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
Never use vinegar, citrus, or abrasive pads. These can cause permanent dulling or surface damage over time.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Even sealed stone can stain if spills are left too long. Be especially cautious with wine, oil, coffee, acidic foods (like tomato or lemon), and harsh cleaning products.
Quick action is the best protection — keep a clean microfibre cloth handy to wipe up spills as they happen.
Protect Your Surfaces from Damage
A few simple habits can prevent long-term wear:
- Use coasters under glasses and bottles.
- Place trivets or heat mats under hot pots and pans.
- Always use a chopping board — don’t cut directly on the stone.
- Avoid dragging objects across the surface to prevent scratches.
- In bathrooms, place a tray under toiletry products to prevent staining or dulling.
Even the hardest stone can wear down or scratch without these basic precautions.
Avoid Common Mistakes
The most common errors in stone maintenance include:
- Using acidic or bleach-based cleaners
- Forgetting to reseal surfaces regularly
- Letting water or oils sit for long periods
- Using metal or abrasive pads to scrub
- Assuming porcelain and stone have the same care needs
If you’re ever unsure, ask your supplier. At A Grade Stone, we’re always happy to give product-specific advice.
Final Thoughts
Natural stone and porcelain are more than just beautiful — they’re long-lasting, high-value materials when properly maintained. Whether you’re working with Taj Mahal Quartzite, Viola Marble, Turco Argento, or large-format porcelain slabs, just a little regular care goes a long way.
Need help choosing or maintaining the right slab? We’re here to help.
Visit A Grade Stone in Melbourne
Come and see our full range of premium natural stone and porcelain slabs at our warehouse in Dandenong South.
23–27 Rodeo Drive, Dandenong South, VIC 3175
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.