Frequently Asked Questions

Granite is a natural stone, which is cut out of the earth. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, but those options are limited to what natural forces can create. Quartz, on the other hand, is a man-made material. It is made of a combination of crushed quartz crystal, pigments, and resin to hold it all together. The difference in where each material comes from also creates differences in how each one behaves—for example, granite is naturally porous and needs to be sealed, while quartz does not. On the flip side, the resins in quartz mean that it’s not heat resistant, while granite is.

To maintain a granite countertop, you should wipe it down with a clean cloth every day, using just water or a mild soap to remove any residues. If your counter requires a more thorough cleaning, make sure to use a cleaner with a neutral pH, and never use harsh chemicals or anything abrasive, as that can damage the surface. In addition, you should get your granite counters re-sealed every three years or so. Caring for quartz countertops is even easier—follow the same rules for cleaning granite countertops, and don’t worry about getting them re-sealed, as the resin content creates a permanent seal.

When cleaning your granite or quartz countertops, stick to mild soaps, or use cleaners that have been especially formulated for use on these materials—if a product has the word “granite” in the name, it’s safe to use on your counters. Any cleaning product you use should be pH-neutral and non-abrasive, so avoid anything that is acidic (such as vinegar) or basic (such as bleach) or that contains grit of any kind.