Benchtops
Use a soft cloth with a neutral cleaner, stone soap or a small amount of mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Stone care / A practical reference
Look after the stone you live with.
A quick guide to spills, routine cleaning and everyday protection, drawn from BC Stone's published natural stone care advice.
01 / First response
When something spills.
Follow these steps from our natural stone FAQ. A stain that remains needs advice specific to the surface.
Blot the spill
Blot spills promptly instead of wiping them across the surface.
Rinse and dry
Use plain water and mild soap, rinse several times, then dry carefully with a soft cloth. Repeat if needed.
Ask for help if it remains
If a stain persists or is difficult to treat, contact a stone-care professional, installer or restoration specialist.
02 / Routine cleaning
Start with the surface.
The FAQ gives different cleaning steps for benchtops, floors, wet areas and outdoor stone.
Interior floors
Remove sand, dirt and grit with a clean, dry dust mop. For washing, use clean water and a neutral cleaner, rinse away cleaner residue and allow the floor to dry thoroughly.
Baths and wet areas
Flush with water and use a squeegee after use to help minimise soap scum. The FAQ recommends a non-acidic soap-scum remover for cleaning.
Outdoor areas
Flush pool and patio stone with clear water. Ask a stone-care professional which product suits your stone and sealer before treating algae or moss.
03 / Protection
Small habits matter.
Check cleaning products before use and protect surfaces from heat, scratching and acidic substances.
About sealing
Sealed does not mean stain-proof.
BC Stone advises sealing natural stone with a penetrating sealer. The FAQ explains that sealing can make cleaning and maintenance easier, but it does not make stone completely resistant to stains.
Choose the cleaner carefully
Use a non-acidic neutral cleaner formulated for natural stone and read its instructions. Avoid acidic, alkaline, ammoniated and abrasive cleaners, and bleach, which the FAQ warns may affect the sealer or stone.
Test before wider cleaning
Test a cleaning solution on the stone at least 24 hours before using it more broadly, checking for discolouration or another adverse effect.
Protect benchtops
Use coasters under glasses, mats under hot dishes and placemats under objects that could scratch. Do not place hot items directly on stone.