Stone vs. Summer Stains: Protect Your Countertops

Summer is the season of cookouts, fresh fruit, barbecued ribs, pitchers of sangria, and for homeowners, the occasional stain on your beautiful stone surfaces. Whether you’re hosting poolside parties or prepping meals for backyard guests, your countertops are working overtime. But are they protected?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about how your stone surfaces hold up against common summer stains and how to keep them looking like new all season long.

Your kitchen and outdoor stone surfaces may not complain, but they endure a lot during the warmer months. Between sticky fingers, spilled drinks, and high temperatures, it’s easy for surfaces to suffer if they’re not properly cared for. Here are just a few common culprits:

• Citrus fruits like lemons and limes
• Red wine and sangria
• Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce
• Grilled and greasy foods
• Berries and popsicles
• Chlorine from pool water
• Sunscreen and tanning oils

All of these can spell trouble for certain stone surfaces, especially those that are porous or light in color.

1. Marble

Elegant and timeless, marble is unfortunately one of the more porous stones. It’s prone to staining and etching, especially from acidic foods like lemon juice and wine. If you’re slicing limes for mojitos or serving tomato-based appetizers, be careful.

Best Practices: Seal regularly and use coasters, trays, or cutting boards. Wipe up spills immediately, especially anything acidic.

2. Granite

Granite is more durable than marble and less porous, but it isn’t invincible. Oils and deeply pigmented foods like berries or mustard can still leave marks on unsealed or worn granite.

Best Practices: Keep granite sealed and clean with stone-safe products. Prompt cleanup and a regular maintenance routine go a long way.

3. Quartz

Quartz is engineered to be more stain-resistant than natural stones. It’s non-porous, so common summer stains usually sit on the surface and can be wiped away with ease.

Caution: While resistant to most stains, quartz can discolor with prolonged exposure to sunlight and isn’t ideal for outdoor use.

4. Soapstone

Naturally dense and non-porous, soapstone is incredibly resistant to staining. It’s a great choice for high-traffic kitchen areas and requires minimal maintenance.

Note: It may darken over time or with mineral oil application, but that’s part of its charm rather than a stain issue.

5. Dolomite

This increasingly popular stone falls somewhere between marble and granite in durability. It’s more resistant than marble, but still vulnerable to acid-based stains and etching.

Best Practices: Treat it with care, keep it sealed, and avoid prolonged contact with citrus or red wine.

Indoor Kitchens

Even though most of your summer meals start indoors, that doesn’t make your countertops safe from damage. Frequent food prep, guest gatherings, and heavier traffic can take a toll.

• Quick tips: Use cutting boards, avoid placing hot grill pans directly on stone, and clean as you go.
• Don’t forget the drinks: Pitchers of sangria and wine glasses filled to the brim can cause deep stains if left on marble or light granite for too long.
  

Outdoor Kitchens and Bar Areas

Not all stone is meant for outdoor use. Materials like quartz, for example, may fade or warp with UV exposure. On the other hand, granite, soapstone, and some dark marbles (if sealed well) can stand up to the elements.

• Best practices: Choose UV-stable, sealed stone. Keep surfaces shaded if possible and use outdoor-rated sealants.
• Bonus tip: Store staining foods and drinks in coolers or trays to avoid accidental spills on the countertop.

Let’s take a look at some of the worst offenders and how to prevent or treat their stains on stone.

1. Berries & Popsicles

The bright colors in berries and fruit popsicles can leave a sugary trail of pigment on your stone. Marble is especially vulnerable.

• Prevention: Use trays or napkins under desserts.
• Cleanup: Use a soft cloth, warm water, and a stone-safe cleaner. For stubborn stains, a poultice made with baking soda and water may help.

2. Red Wine & Sangria

One of the most notorious staining agents, especially when mixed with fruit juice.

• Prevention: Coasters and placemats are your best friends.
• Cleanup: Blot (don’t rub!) immediately, then clean with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners as they’ll only make it worse.

3. Grease & BBQ Sauce

Grill nights are great until the BBQ sauce splashes or grease drips across your pristine stone bar.

• Prevention: Have guests use plates with a lip and place saucy dishes on trivets or wood boards.
• Cleanup: Blot and wipe with a degreasing stone-safe cleaner. For oil-based stains, a poultice may be needed.

4. Citrus & Acidic Foods

Lemon wedges, tomato bruschetta, and vinaigrette dressings can etch your stone and leave dull spots, particularly on marble and dolomite.

• Prevention: Slice citrus on a cutting board and serve acidic dishes in containers.
• Cleanup: Clean immediately with a damp cloth, and re-seal stone if necessary.

1. Seal It Right

One of the best ways to guard your stone against summer stains is by keeping it sealed. Different stones need different sealing schedules: some annually, others more often depending on use.

• Not sure if your surface needs to be sealed? Drip a small amount of water on it. If it beads up, you’re good. If it absorbs quickly, it’s time to reseal.

2. Use Protective Accessories

Invest in attractive but functional items like:

• Cutting boards
• Coasters
• Trivets
• Table runners
• Bar mats

These small additions can prevent big problems later.

3. Choose the Right Cleaner

Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners that can break down your stone’s sealant or cause etching. Stick to pH-balanced, stone-specific products.

• For DIY cleaning, use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth.

4. Have a Summer-Specific Routine

Adjust your stone care for the season:

• Wipe surfaces more frequently, especially in high-traffic areas
• Rinse off sunscreen or chlorine before preparing food at an outdoor bar
• Keep paper towels and cleaning spray close for fast reaction time

If a stain won’t budge, or if your surface starts to show signs of etching, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional. At Chippewa Stone, we’re happy to help with maintenance, resealing, or repairs to keep your stone looking its best for years to come.

At the end of the day, natural stone is a beautiful and durable choice for kitchens and entertaining spaces. But even the strongest materials need a little seasonal care to stay in top shape. With the right precautions and a few smart habits, your stone surfaces can handle the heat, spills, and splashes of summer with ease.

• Reseal your surfaces if needed
• Use coasters, cutting boards, and trivets
• Wipe up spills immediately
• Keep acidic foods off marble and dolomite
• Stick to stone-safe cleaning products
• Know your stone’s strengths and weaknesses
• Contact Chippewa Stone with any questions!

Chippewa Stone is here to help you protect and maintain your stone surfaces all season long. Whether you’re upgrading to a stain-resistant material or just need advice on summer care, our team is ready to support you.

Reach out today or stop by our showroom to find the perfect stone for your summer lifestyle!