Stone benchtops add a luxurious feel to any kitchen space and are becoming increasingly popular in new and renovated homes.
But depending on the material, they can be prone to soaking up the odd stain.
So, what are the best ways to keep those surfaces fresh and clear of any marks? We asked professional organiser Robyn Amott, from Bless This Mess, for top tips on keeping stone benchtops in great condition.
Get to know whether your benchtop is porous or non-porous before you get out the stain remover. Picture: Caesarstone
5 ways to avoid stains on your stone benchtops
They look beautiful in almost any kitchen area, but stone benchtops can be magnets for stains if you don’t treat them right.
To avoid stains on your stone, follow these tips:
- Wipe down regularly with a damp cloth and warm soapy water;
- Soak up spills immediately with a paper towel;
- Don’t use your washing up dishcloth to wipe down your bench as you’ll transfer oils that could stain;
- Put a spill mat under any metal container to prevent rust spots;
- Use a heat mat if you need to put down a saucepan or a hot bowl. Hot items could cause the bench to crack.
See more: How to choose cabinet handles
Avoid getting stains on your beloved stone top benches by keeping them wiped down. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
According to Robyn, “the first thing to be aware of is whether your bench is made from a porous or non-porous material.”
Caesarstone benches are non-porous but there are many on the market, such as marble, that will be more prone to soaking up a stain than others.
The best way to keep the surface clean is to it wipe down often with warm soapy water – kitchen detergent is fine – to remove residue that could stain.
To leave a streak-free surface, use a clean dry cloth to dry it off; and for extra shine use a small amount of methylated spirits on a cloth.
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Which foods stain stone benchtops?
Although colourful food is often the healthiest, there are a few items you should relegate to the sink during food preparation.
Here are the foods to keep away from stone surfaces:
- Beetroot
- Turmeric
- Oils
- Red wine
- Pasta sauce
- Tandoori or curry sauce
- Berries
- Fruit and vegetable juices
Prepare colourful food, like beetroot, in a separate bowl to avoid staining the bench. Picture: Getty
What to do if you see a stain on your stone benchtops?
The first step is not to panic when you see a stain on your stone benchtop – most things can be removed if you act quickly. Here are our tips for attacking stains on stone benchtops:
- Depending on what the stain is you may be able to use a plastic spatula to get most of the residue off and then attack with soapy water or a specialised cleaner;
- Robyn recommends avoiding harsh abrasives like steel wool and scourers, as these may damage the surface;
- On non-porous benches, such as Caesarstone, use a small amount of white cream paste on a very wet cloth, then wipe down liberally and let it sit to soak in;
- If you see a stain and can’t remove it easily, speak to your bench manufacturer to get the best result;
- Before you reach for heavy-duty cleaners like bleach or nail polish remover, be sure to call the manufacturer for advice to avoid doing damage.
Keeping your stone benchtop free of stains is easy when you know-how. Picture: Getty
Originally published as How to clean and care for your stone benchtops by Erinna Giblin.
