Can I use Universal Cleaner on stone, marble, or granite?Updated 8 hours ago
TL;DR: Yes. Many customers use Universal Cleaner on marble, granite, and engineered stone benchtops with good results. Because stone finishes vary enormously (polished, honed, sealed, unsealed), 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.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Which stone finishes work with Universal Cleaner?
Polished marble, polished granite, and engineered stone (Caesarstone, Silestone, Essastone) are the most forgiving, because their sealed glossy finish resists moisture absorption. Honed marble, honed stone, and softer porous stones like travertine and limestone need extra caution because they absorb liquid more readily. Always spot test, regardless of the stone type, and always buff dry immediately after cleaning.
✓ Polished marble & granite
Sealed, glossy surfaces that generally respond well. Still worth a spot test, and always buff dry promptly to preserve the sheen.
✓ Engineered stone
Caesarstone, Silestone, Essastone. More resilient than natural stone since they're sealed through resin binders, though care guides still vary by manufacturer.
✓ 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.
⚠ 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.
How do I clean stone safely with Universal Cleaner?
Spot test a hidden area first. Spray Universal Cleaner lightly, 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. Streak-free finish, no lint.
✓ Three-step stone clean
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.
Spray and wipe. Light, even pressure. Don't over-saturate or scrub hard — stone responds better to gentle handling than force.
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; matte patches, dullness, or haze. On honed or porous stone, watch for colour darkening (a sign the stone is absorbing liquid) or water marks. Etching (tiny pits or dull spots) is rare with Universal Cleaner but can happen on acid-sensitive stones if cleaning is too frequent or products are left too long.
⚠ 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.
New at Koh?
Universal Cleaner Starter Kit has everything you need to get started in one box.
The buff-dry cloth for stone. Streak-free finish, no lint, ultra-absorbent. Works on all hard surfaces.
Stone-safe with the right technique. Spot test, spray, buff dry. 20+ cleaning jobs in one box.
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