How to Clean Limestone, Marble, and Granite Without Damaging Them

When it comes to natural stone—limestone, marble, and granite—I’ve seen too many beautiful surfaces ruined by the wrong cleaning methods. People mean well, but a quick spray of a harsh cleaner or an aggressive scrub pad can etch, stain, or dull the stone permanently. Over the years, I’ve learned that preserving natural stone isn’t about scrubbing harder—it’s about cleaning smarter.

Let me walk you through what I’ve learned and what I recommend, so you can keep your stone looking as stunning as the day it was installed.

Limestone: The Gentle Giant

Limestone is beautiful but soft. It’s porous, which means it soaks up liquids and is extra sensitive to acids (think lemon juice, vinegar, or wine). I’ve seen homeowners grab an all-purpose cleaner and end up with dull, blotchy surfaces.

What I recommend:

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for natural stone.

• Always wipe spills immediately—especially anything acidic.

• For regular cleaning, warm water and a microfiber cloth do wonders.

• Avoid anything abrasive—no scouring pads, no powdered cleaners.

The key here is being gentle. If you treat limestone with respect, it rewards you with timeless elegance.

Marble: High-Maintenance but Worth It

Marble is the diva of natural stone. Gorgeous, but demanding. Like limestone, it’s sensitive to acids, but it also scratches more easily. I’ve walked into homes where someone used a bathroom cleaner on marble and ended up with permanent etching—it literally ate into the surface.

What I recommend:

• Clean with mild dish soap diluted in warm water or a stone-safe cleaner.

• Always use a soft cloth or sponge—never anything abrasive.

• Seal your marble regularly (once or twice a year). This helps protect against stains.

• If you spill wine, coffee, or citrus, blot—don’t wipe—so you don’t spread it around.

It takes a little extra care, but in my opinion, marble’s beauty is unmatched.

Granite: Tough but Not Invincible

Granite has a reputation for being indestructible—and while it’s definitely the strongest of the three, it’s not bulletproof. I’ve seen granite etched by strong chemicals and stained when it wasn’t sealed properly.

What I recommend:

• Use a stone-safe cleaner or mild soap and water for daily care.

• Avoid bleach, ammonia, or anything acidic.

• Keep it sealed—usually once a year is enough. A simple water test (drip water on the surface; if it soaks in, it’s time to reseal) works great.

• Don’t assume “tough” means “carefree”—treat it well and it will last forever.

My Takeaway for You

If you remember nothing else, remember this: use pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners and avoid acids and abrasives. That simple rule will save you from 90% of the damage I’ve seen over the years.

Limestone, marble, and granite are investments. They bring beauty and value to your home, but only if you care for them properly. With the right cleaning habits, you’ll not only keep your stone looking great—you’ll extend its life for decades.

Take it from me: a little knowledge and the right products go a long way in protecting what you’ve worked so hard to make beautiful.