Table of Contents
- Granite vs Marble Cleaning Products: What’s the Real Difference?
- What’s Inside a Typical Granite Cleaner
- The Science in Plain English
- How to Clean Marble Countertops Safely at Home
- Are You Seeing Patches on Your Marble Kitchen Worktop?
- Why Granite and Marble Need Different Care Routines?
- How to Clean Marble Worktops Safely (Step-by-Step)
- How to Tell if a Cleaner Is Safe for Marble?
- Cleaning Items and Tools That Destroy Marble Worktops
- A Quick Word for Trade Fitters and Installers
- Best Cleaner for Natural Stone Surfaces – What to Look For
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
If you’ve got stone worktops at home, you probably know the difference between granite and marble in look and feel, but not always in care. Many people grab the same spray for both and think, “It’s all stone anyway.” That’s usually the start of trouble. So, let’s settle the question properly: can you use granite cleaner on marble?
Short answer — no, you really shouldn’t. But the key is in understanding the why, and we will be doing exactly that here.
Granite vs Marble Cleaning Products: What’s the Real Difference?
Are both marble and granite composed under the same situations? Let's find out.
Granite forms deep underground from rock that’s hardened over time. It’s tough stuff, takes the heat, shrugs off spills, and copes with most everyday cleaners without any drama.
Marble has been formed from limestone. That makes it softer and easier to mark if you use the wrong cleaner or leave spills too long.
That difference matters when you’re cleaning. Marble reacts badly to acid or strong alkaline products, even mild ones. What’s fine for granite can etch or dull marble in seconds.
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What’s Inside a Typical Granite Cleaner
If you’ve ever used a granite spray, you’ll know it cuts through grease and food marks pretty well. That’s the point — it clears stains and marks without streaks.
Most cleaners use a few mild ingredients that get the job done. Nothing over the top. Just enough to lift the dirt and keep the surface looking tidy.
Some even have a touch of polish added in. That helps the worktop hold its shine after a quick wipe.
For granite, that’s fine — it’s hard, sealed, and resistant.
For marble, that same formula can quietly cause problems. So can you use granite cleaner on marble? If not...why?
The calcium carbonate in marble reacts with even slightly acidic ingredients. Over time you’ll see:
Cloudy patches that don’t buff out
Dull rings where sprays have sat too long
A loss of natural shine, especially around sinks and cooking areas
So yes, granite cleaners “work” in the sense that they clean the dirt — but at the cost of slowly eating away the polish.
Read Next: Sealing Granite Worktops - A Step-By-Step Guide
The Science in Plain English
Here’s what’s really happening.
Marble contains calcium carbonate — the same stuff found in chalk or seashells. If you drop lemon juice or vinegar on chalk, you’ll see it fizz slightly. That’s the acid reacting.
Now imagine doing that to your marble worktop every week with a cleaner that’s just a bit too harsh. The damage isn’t instant, but it builds up.
Granite, meanwhile, is made mostly of silica and feldspar — acid doesn’t bother it nearly as much. That’s why a granite spray can safely cut through grime on one surface and destroy the finish on another sitting right beside it.
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How to Clean Marble Countertops Safely at Home
Marble looks fancy, but it’s not hard to look after once you know the trick. The main thing? Keep it gentle.
Can you use granite cleaner on marble, or does it not have to be specific?
Well…in the case of marble worktops, stick with cleaners that say 'pH neutral' on the label. That just means they’re not too acidic or too strong — somewhere in the middle, really.
You’ve got a couple of easy options.
Pick up a marble-safe cleaner from a UK stone shop or any decent DIY store.
It is also pretty easy to make our own cleaning mix. You will need a bit of warm water, a drop of washing-up liquid, and a soft cloth. Just basic items readily available in all homes. Now use that soft cloth to wipe your marble counter and let it dry.
Always avoid using vinegar, lemon, bleach or anything that smells too sharp. They just destroy your marble’s finish and leave dull spots.
Email us for more marble care and maintenance tips.
Are You Seeing Patches on Your Marble Kitchen Worktop?
If you’re seeing dull or patchy spots, a professional marble restoration polish can bring the shine back. Most UK stone specialists offer this as part of a resealing service. It’s far cheaper than replacing a slab.
A Word About UK Homes and Hard Water
Here in the UK, a lot of homes have hard water, which leaves limescale and streaks. That’s another reason people grab stronger cleaners — they think the residue is dirt.
But marble doesn’t like limescale removers either; they’re nearly all acid-based.
To stay safe, just use distilled water or wipe dry after cleaning. A quick buff with a soft cloth will prevent the chalky marks without any harsh products.
There is thus a quite clear answer to “Can you use granite cleaner on marble?”
Why Granite and Marble Need Different Care Routines?
Even though both are “natural stone”, they age differently.
Surface | Best Quality | What Damages It | Best Cleaning Style |
Granite | Heat & scratch resistant | Harsh abrasives, some sealant build-up | Mild alkaline or neutral stone cleaner |
Marble | Smooth, elegant, cool to touch | Acids, lemon juice, vinegar, most all-purpose cleaners | pH-neutral cleaner or mild soap and water |
If your kitchen is a mix of stones, maybe a granite island, marble splashback, and a bit of quartz around the sink, then give each one its own cleaner. They don’t all like the same stuff. We recommend a simple trick to label your bottles. Or just keep two separate ones so you don’t mix them up.
Also Read: Smelly Kitchen Sink Remedies
How to Clean Marble Worktops Safely (Step-by-Step)
The first step is quite predictable. Wipe away any crumbs or dust you see on your marble countertop with a dry cloth. Nothing fancy — just enough to clear the surface.
Now mix a bit of warm water and a small drop of mild soap. That’s all you need.
Dip your cleaning cloth in that mix. Give it a good wring. Now wipe the countertop.
Once you’ve gone over it, dry the surface straight after. That stops watermarks from forming.
For more care ideas, you can always check with your local stone supplier or installer — they usually know a few good tricks and can guide you on where to buy the best marble worktop cleaner in the UK.
How to Tell if a Cleaner Is Safe for Marble?
Can you use granite cleaner on marble? What is the main reason to avoid it?
Always check the label when you are buying a worktop cleaner. Look for phrases like:
“Safe for all natural stone surfaces”
“pH-neutral”
“Non-acidic formula”
If it says “removes limescale”, “degreaser”, or “for granite and quartz”, treat it as a red flag.
Some brands market “all-stone” cleaners, but most of them lean toward the granite side of the formula. Marble’s too delicate to risk guessing.
Cleaning Items and Tools That Destroy Marble Worktops
Stone care isn’t complicated once you know the basics. It’s just a habit.
Here’s what professionals usually recommend to strictly avoid using on marble countertops:
Vinegar or anything citrus-based (like lemon cleaners)
Bleach or ammonia sprays
Scouring powders or rough scrubbing pads
Everyday “all-purpose” sprays not meant for stone
Oil-based soaps that leave a film
Steel wool, hard brushes, or anything too abrasive
Disinfectant wipes with alcohol or strong chemicals
For those wanting to know Can you use granite cleaner on marble or other types of counters, follow above tips, avoid certain items, and your marble will stay bright for years — even in a busy kitchen.
A Quick Word for Trade Fitters and Installers
If you’re in the trade fitting worktops, it’s worth telling your clients upfront about cleaning differences.
Many customers think their warranty covers “surface dulling”, when in reality, it’s chemical etching from using the wrong product. A simple handover card or short chat saves a lot of callbacks later.
And if you supply aftercare kits, always include two clearly labelled bottles — one granite-safe, one marble-safe. The added professionalism goes a long way.
Best Cleaner for Natural Stone Surfaces – What to Look For
In the UK, you can find all sorts of sprays for kitchen tops, but most of them are stronger than they look. The safest bet is one that says 'pH neutral' somewhere on the label. That usually means it’s gentle enough for marble and the rest of your stone surfaces.
You don’t need to order anything special from abroad. Most local tile or worktop shops keep a few decent options, and even some of the bigger DIY stores have their own versions now. If you like checking what’s in it, have a quick look at the ingredients list — anything with vinegar or bleach is a no-go.
If you’re in the trade or fit worktops for customers, it’s handy to keep a basic cleaner with your own sticker on it. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just clear about what stones it’s safe for. Saves a few phone calls later when people forget which bottle to use.
Your Next Read: How To Clean Kitchen Tiles
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Final Thoughts
So — can you use granite cleaner on marble?
Technically, yes. But should you? Absolutely not.
Granite can handle a bit of rough use — marble can’t. Use the wrong cleaner and it’ll start to dull or mark early. Stick to gentle, marble-safe products, wipe spills quickly, and reseal now and then. That’s all it takes to keep it looking fresh. And if you’re in the UK and want peace of mind, pick up your cleaner from a proper stone care supplier, not just the supermarket aisle. It’s a small step that protects a very big investment.
For more tips on how to clean composite stone worktops, email us at info@work-tops.com or call 0330 113 5868.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What Happens If I Use The Wrong Cleaner On My Kitchen Worktops?
Probably nothing serious — maybe a faint dull spot if the spray sat too long. But regular use will wear the polish down.
Can I Use Baby Wipes On Marble Surfaces?
Only if it is an emergency, use baby wipes for cleaning marble worktops. Most wipes contain alcohol and fragrance that marble does not like. A simple alternative is a damp cloth.
Does Marble Really Need Sealing Every Year?
If it’s in a high-use kitchen, yes. If it’s decorative or rarely used, every two years is fine.
What’s The Best Way To Restore Dull Marble?
Call a local stone restoration expert. They’ll buff and reseal it with proper polishing pads.
Is There One Cleaner For Both Granite And Marble?
Some pH-neutral products claim to work on all stone types. Just check that they specifically say “safe for marble” before using. Or ask your supplier can you use granite cleaner on marble worktops?
