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Can I use Universal Cleaner on stone, marble, or granite?Updated a day ago

TL;DR: Yes. Many customers use Universal Cleaner on marble, granite, and engineered stone benchtops with good results. Stone finishes vary enormously (polished, honed, sealed, unsealed), so always spot test first and buff dry immediately to avoid water marks on porous surfaces. For unsealed, honed, or soft stone (travertine, limestone), check with your supplier before use.


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Koh Universal Cleaner 20+ uses around the home
Koh Universal Cleaner before and after

Which stone finishes work with Universal Cleaner?

Polished marble, polished granite, and engineered stone (including Caesarstone, Silestone, and Essastone) are the most forgiving with Koh Universal Cleaner because their sealed glossy finishes resist moisture absorption. Honed marble, honed stone, and softer porous stones like travertine and limestone need extra caution because they absorb liquid more readily and can darken or develop water marks. Always spot test in a hidden area regardless of the stone type, and always buff dry immediately after cleaning to preserve the finish. For any unsealed or specialty stone, check the supplier's care guide before using any alkaline cleaner including Koh Universal Cleaner.

✓ Polished marble & granite

Sealed, glossy surfaces that generally respond well. Still worth a spot test, and always buff dry promptly to preserve the sheen. Check your manufacturer care guides as they can vary.

Spot test Buff dry

✓ Engineered stone

Caesarstone, Silestone, Essastone. More resilient than natural stone since they're sealed through resin binders, though manufacturer care guides still vary.

Most resilient Check care guide

✓ Honed marble & stone

Matte, more porous finish. Absorbs liquid more readily than polished stone. Spot test carefully and never leave moisture pooled on the surface. Manufacturer care guides vary.

Don't pool water Buff immediately

⚠ Travertine, limestone & unsealed stone

Softer, more reactive stones that absorb liquid quickly and can show etching. Any unsealed stone carries more risk with any cleaning product. Consult your supplier's care guide before using Universal Cleaner, and check spot test results closely.

Travertine Limestone Unsealed stone Check supplier guide

How do I clean stone safely with Universal Cleaner?

Spot test a hidden area first by spraying a small amount of Koh Universal Cleaner, waiting a few minutes, wiping, and checking for any change in colour, sheen, or texture. Spray Koh Universal Cleaner lightly onto the surface, wipe with light even pressure (don't scrub), and buff dry immediately with a clean microfibre cloth. The key rule for any stone is never leave liquid to pool or sit on the surface. An Ultra Pro Cloth is ideal for the buff-dry step because it gives a streak-free finish with no lint and is highly absorbent. For polished surfaces, a final dry buff helps preserve sheen.

✓ Three-step stone clean

1

Spot test first. Spray a small amount in a hidden area. Wait a few minutes, wipe, and check for any change in colour, sheen, or texture before cleaning the full surface.

2

Spray and wipe. Light, even pressure. Don't over-saturate or scrub hard. Stone responds better to gentle handling than force.

3

Buff dry immediately with a clean microfibre cloth. Never leave liquid to pool or sit on stone. Ultra Pro Cloth is ideal for a streak-free finish.

What should I watch for when cleaning stone?

On polished surfaces, watch for any change in sheen such as matte patches, dullness, or haze. On honed or porous stone, watch for colour darkening (a sign the stone is absorbing liquid) or water marks left after the surface dries. Etching (tiny pits or dull spots) is rare with Koh Universal Cleaner but can happen on acid-sensitive stones if cleaning is too frequent or any cleaner is left to sit too long. Texture roughness or a grainy feel after cleaning is another signal that the stone has reacted. If any of these show up during a spot test or after a clean, stop and contact your stone supplier for a stone-specific cleaner.

⚠ Warning signs to watch for

Sheen change (matte patches on gloss). Colour darkening (liquid being absorbed). Water marks or streaking. Etching (tiny pits or dull spots). Texture roughness. If any of these show up during a spot test, stop and contact your stone supplier for a stone-specific cleaner.

Sheen change Colour darkening Water marks Etching
Koh Ultra Pro Cloth

Ultra Pro Cloth

The buff-dry cloth for stone. Streak-free finish, no lint, ultra-absorbent. Works on all hard surfaces.

Koh Universal Cleaner 2L

Universal Cleaner

Stone-safe with the right technique. Spot test, spray, buff dry. 20+ cleaning jobs in one box.

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Last reviewed: April 2026

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