The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating, and hosting loved ones in our homes. Your kitchen often becomes the focal point of holiday activities, from preparing festive meals to sharing laughs with family and friends. If you have stone countertops—whether granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, or any other natural stone—you’ll want to protect these valuable surfaces from potential damage during the festivities.
Holiday gatherings can put extra stress on your countertops with the constant flow of food, drinks, and the bustle of guests. With a bit of planning and a few strategic precautions, you can keep your countertops looking pristine through the season. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips to protect your stone countertops from spills, scratches, and stains while hosting, so they stay beautiful for years to come.
1. Start with a Good Seal
Why Sealing is Essential
Stone countertops, especially natural stones like granite, marble, and quartzite, are porous, meaning they can absorb liquids if left unsealed. Sealing creates a barrier that helps prevent spills and stains from penetrating the stone. Soapstone, although non-porous, can benefit from regular oiling to enhance its color and create a similar protective effect.
How Often to Seal
At installation, our team will apply a 15-year sealant and provide care recommendations specific to your stone. To check if your seal is intact, place a few drops of water on the surface—if it beads up, the seal is good; if it absorbs, resealing may be needed. Generally, granite requires sealing once a year, while marble and quartzite may need more frequent upkeep.
Holiday Tip
If your countertops haven’t been sealed recently, consider doing it before the holiday season begins. Ensure the sealant has had time to cure before you start hosting. Proper sealing will help protect against accidental spills, especially from highly pigmented foods and beverages that are common during the holidays.
2. Keep Trivets and Hot Pads Handy
Why Heat Protection Matters
Heat can damage stone countertops, causing discoloration or cracking, particularly in softer stones like marble. Always use trivets, hot pads, or heat-resistant mats for hot pots, pans, and dishes. This protects the stone from thermal shock and helps prevent surface damage.
Holiday Tip
Place trivets and hot pads in strategic locations around the kitchen and dining area so they’re easily accessible to guests. You can even create a designated “hot zone” on the counter with a few trivets, making it clear where hot items should go. This simple step can save your countertops from accidental heat damage.
3. Use Coasters for Drinks
Preventing Water Rings and Stains
Cold drinks can leave water rings, while acidic beverages like wine, citrus juices, and coffee can cause stains or etch marks on more sensitive stones like marble. Providing coasters for guests is a simple way to protect your countertops from moisture and acid-related damage.
Holiday Tip
Make coasters readily available wherever drinks are served, whether in the kitchen, dining area, or living room. Place a stack of coasters near the drink station so guests can easily grab one when they set down their glasses. Consider using festive, holiday-themed coasters to add a decorative touch!
4. Clean Up Spills Quickly
The Importance of Prompt Cleanup
Spills are inevitable during holiday gatherings, but quick cleanup is crucial to prevent stains from setting in. Acidic substances (like wine, tomato sauce, and vinegar) can cause etching on some stones, particularly marble, which has a lower pH resistance.
Holiday Tip
Keep a soft, clean cloth or sponge nearby to tackle spills as they happen. For stains that may have already set, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed specifically for stone surfaces. If the spill is stubborn, avoid using abrasive cleaners; instead, gently blot the area and consult a professional if needed.
5. Utilize Cutting Boards to Prevent Scratches
Cutting on Stone is a No-Go
While granite and quartzite are durable, they’re not immune to scratches, and softer stones like marble and soapstone are more prone to visible marks. Cutting directly on stone countertops can dull your knives and scratch the surface.
Holiday Tip
Set up a dedicated prep station with cutting boards to encourage everyone to chop and slice in designated areas. Large, sturdy cutting boards can handle holiday meal prep tasks and provide plenty of space for multiple ingredients. This will not only protect your counters but also make cleanup easier.
6. Oiling Soapstone Before Your Event
Enhancing Soapstone’s Appearance
If you have soapstone countertops, a natural stone known for its dark, rich appearance, applying mineral oil can bring out its beautiful color. Soapstone is non-porous, but regular oiling helps maintain its look and adds an extra layer of protection.
Holiday Tip
Apply a layer of mineral oil to your soapstone countertops a few days before your holiday event. This will allow the oil to set in, giving your countertops a deep, polished look that will impress your guests.
7. Keep a Stone-Friendly Cleaner Accessible
Be Prepared for Quick Cleanups
Accidents happen, so having a stone-safe cleaner on hand ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected spills or messes. Look for a cleaner specifically formulated for your countertop’s stone type, as it will provide gentle yet effective cleaning.
Holiday Tip
Place the cleaner and a soft cloth in an accessible cabinet or drawer near your countertop. This way, you or your guests can easily grab it in case of an accident, minimizing the risk of stains or etching.
8. Plan for a Post-Holiday Deep Clean
Refresh Your Stone Surfaces After the Festivities
After the holiday season, your countertops may need some extra care. Start the new year by thoroughly cleaning your stone surfaces to remove any stains, surface wear, or etching from holiday gatherings.
Holiday Tip
In early January, give your countertops a deep clean with pH-neutral stone cleaners, and consider applying a fresh layer of sealer if needed. This extra attention will help maintain their beauty and durability after the holiday wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
Hosting during the holidays doesn’t have to mean putting your stone countertops at risk. With a few thoughtful precautions, you can protect these beautiful surfaces from spills, scratches, and stains, allowing you to enjoy the season without worry. Your stone countertops are an investment, and with proper care, they’ll continue to enhance the beauty and functionality of your kitchen for years to come.
At Chippewa Stone, we understand the importance of preserving the natural elegance of your countertops. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a grand holiday feast, following these tips will help you keep your stone countertops in pristine condition. If you have any questions about countertop care or need recommendations for stone-safe products, feel free to reach out to us—we’re here to help.
Happy holidays, and may your gatherings be filled with joy, warmth, and beautifully maintained stone countertops!
