Winter Stone Care: Protecting Your Countertops

As winter sets in, our homes face unique challenges—especially when it comes to maintaining and protecting natural stone countertops. From granite and marble to soapstone and quartzite, each stone type requires specific care during the colder months to ensure it remains beautiful and durable for years to come.

This guide will cover the essentials of winter stone care, including tips for sealing, cleaning, and protecting your countertops from seasonal wear and tear.

Natural stone countertops are durable, but they are not impervious to damage. Winter introduces factors such as temperature fluctuations, increased use of the kitchen, and potential exposure to substances like salt or acidic foods. These can all pose risks to your stone surfaces if not managed correctly.

Key winter challenges include:

1. Thermal Shock: Extreme temperature changes can weaken stone, especially at edges or seams.
2. Moisture Damage: Spills, melting snow, or high humidity can lead to staining or etching.
3. Increased Usage: Holiday cooking and entertaining often mean heavier use of your kitchen and countertops.

Sealing is one of the most important steps in maintaining your countertops, particularly during winter. A high-quality sealant acts as a protective barrier, minimizing the risk of stains, moisture absorption, and etching.

How to Tell if Your Countertops Need Sealing

Perform a simple water test:

1. Pour a few drops of water on the stone surface.
2. Observe how the water behaves. If it beads up, the seal is intact. If it soaks into the stone, it’s time to reseal.

Tips for Proper Sealing

• Choose the Right Sealant: Not all stones require the same type of sealant. At Chippewa Stone, we recommend specific sealants based on the stone type.
• Timing Matters: Seal your countertops before the holiday season to ensure they are protected during heavy use.

Keeping your countertops clean is essential for maintaining their beauty and durability. However, harsh winter conditions and increased kitchen activity require thoughtful cleaning practices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning

• Do Use pH-Neutral Cleaners: Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage stone surfaces, especially marble and dolomite.
• Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid products like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia that can strip sealants or cause etching.
• Do Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Substances like wine, coffee, or citrus juices can stain or damage stone if left unattended.

Winter Cleaning Routine

1. Use a soft microfiber cloth and a pH-neutral stone cleaner for daily maintenance.
2. After holiday events, perform a deeper clean to remove any residue from food or drink spills.
3. Pay extra attention to seams and edges where dirt and moisture tend to accumulate.

The holidays often bring increased foot traffic in your home, and your countertops will likely see heavy use. Protecting them from scratches, stains, and thermal damage is crucial.

Tips for Preventing Scratches

• Use cutting boards and avoid cutting directly on the stone surface.
• Place trivets or hot pads under pots, pans, and other hot cookware to prevent thermal shock.

Tips for Preventing Stains

• Use coasters under drinks, especially those containing alcohol or citrus.
• Be cautious with holiday foods like cranberry sauce or gravy that may contain staining agents.
• Clean spills immediately with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.

Each stone type has unique characteristics and care requirements. Here’s how to ensure your granite, marble, soapstone, quartz, quartzite, or dolomite countertops remain in top shape during winter:

Granite

• Durability: Granite is highly resistant to scratches and heat, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
• Maintenance: Regular sealing is essential to prevent moisture absorption.
• Care Tip: Avoid heavy impacts on edges, which could lead to chips.

Marble

• Elegance and Sensitivity: Marble offers timeless beauty but is prone to etching and staining.
• Maintenance: Seal frequently and use mild, pH-neutral cleaners.
• Care Tip: Use placemats and coasters to protect against acidic foods and drinks.

Soapstone

• Rustic Appeal: Soapstone is non-porous and resistant to stains, making it a low-maintenance option.
• Maintenance: Apply mineral oil to enhance its natural patina.
• Care Tip: Buff out minor scratches with sandpaper and reapply oil for a uniform finish.

Quartz

• Durable and Non-Porous: Quartz is engineered to resist stains and scratches.
• Maintenance: Clean with non-abrasive cleaners and avoid exposing it to excessive heat.
• Care Tip: While durable, quartz is not heat-proof, so always use trivets for hot items.

Quartzite

• Elegant Strength: Quartzite offers the beauty of marble with greater durability.
• Maintenance: Seal periodically and clean with pH-neutral products.
• Care Tip: Avoid dropping heavy items on edges to prevent chips.

Dolomite

• Versatile Beauty: Dolomite is a less common but beautiful option for countertops.
• Maintenance: Treat it like marble—seal frequently and avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Care Tip: Protect against acidic spills to maintain its finish.

Despite your best efforts, accidents happen. Here’s how to address common winter countertop issues:

Stains

• Blot (don’t rub) the spill to remove excess liquid.
• Use a stone-safe stain remover or create a poultice for tougher stains.

Scratches

• For minor scratches, polish the surface using a fine-grit sandpaper or buffing pad.
• Consult professionals for deep scratches or chips.

Etching

• Use a marble polishing compound to restore the surface.
• Prevent future etching by sealing and avoiding acidic substances.

1. Protect Against Temperature Changes: Avoid placing extremely hot or cold items directly on the stone surface.
2. Seal as Needed: Regular sealing provides long-term protection against stains and moisture.
3. Monitor High-Use Areas: Pay attention to seams, edges, and frequently used spots for signs of wear.
4. Invest in Preventive Measures: Use mats, coasters, and trivets to minimize direct contact with damaging substances.

At Chippewa Stone, we understand the unique qualities of each stone type and are committed to helping you select the perfect option for your home. Our team of experts provides personalized advice and high-quality materials to ensure your countertops remain beautiful and functional, no matter the season.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or need tips for maintaining your current countertops, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our granite, marble, soapstone, quartz, quartzite, and dolomite offerings.

Proper care during winter is essential for keeping your stone countertops looking their best. By sealing, cleaning, and protecting your surfaces, you can ensure their longevity and beauty throughout the colder months. With the right care, your stone countertops will continue to be the centerpiece of your home, offering both functionality and elegance.

Take the time this winter to invest in your countertops’ maintenance—you’ll thank yourself in the seasons to come!