At YDL Stone, we believe that the best benchtops and splashbacks don’t just look beautiful, they need to perform beautifully too. That’s why our crystalline silica-free （Mineral) surfaces have become a popular choice for Australian homes. They offer all the style and durability of engineered stone, without the health and regulatory concerns that come with crystalline silica. 

While our surfaces are built to last, even the toughest materials deserve a little care. So, whether you are installing a mineral stone benchtop, a porcelain splashback, or a dramatic feature using a natural stone, we’ve put together some simple, everyday cleaning tips to help you keep your stone surface looking its best, every single day.

General Routine Cleaning for YDL Stone Surfaces

Soap & Water

For daily or weekly upkeep of YDL Stone surfaces, warm soapy water with a pH‑neutral detergent and a damp, soft cloth is the safest method. After wiping, rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a soft cloth. 

This applies across different stone surfaces such as: mineral stone benchtops, natural stone, and porcelain surfaces, including porcelain splashback. By using a pH‑neutral cleaner, you can avoid damaging the finish, especially polished or matte ones.

Wash & Wipedown

Avoid leaving soap residue or moisture standing, especially in corners or joints, as these can lead to dulling of the finish, water spots, or in some cases, microbial growth in poorly ventilated conditions. Clean spills promptly, particularly with coloured or acidic liquids such as coffee, wine or citrus juice.

Handling Tougher Stains, Scratches or Residue

Sometimes ordinary cleaning isn’t enough. For tougher stains such as dried sauces, adhesive, paint or more persistent marks, it is better to first soften the residue by setting a soft damp cloth over it, then gently lift it off with a plastic scraper or non‑scratch tool. Afterwards, apply a stone‑safe cleaner, or YDL Stone’s own recommended cleaners such as Stonefoam or YDL Stone Cleaner. 

Protecting Against Abrasions

Prolonged rubbing or abrasive pads like scourer sponges should be avoided as they can scratch or degrade the surface. Avoid directly cutting on the surface too, so if you’re preparing food on your stone benchtop, use a chopping board. 

For natural stone surfaces, especially quartzite, marble or limestone, extra care is required. These stones may be more porous or reactive. Sometimes periodic sealing is necessary to maintain stain resistance. Always choose natural stone cleaners that are pH neutral (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline) to avoid etching or damaging the stone’s surface. 

Take Fuchsite Crystal from our natural stone range for example. It is a quartzite that features a polished finish with a vibrant green base and flowing white veins, accented with shades of grey and brown. While natural stone’s hardness gives it durable resistance to scratching, its polished surface means that spills need to be wiped quickly, especially acidic or strongly pigmented substances to protect the integrity of the surface. Over time, you may need to consider resealing stone surfaces in wet areas like sinks and showers to maintain stain resistance. 

Be aware that a natural stone surface can slightly change over time depending on how it’s used. This is called its patina and is very normal as it is considered part of the stone’s character. However, this can be managed by gentle maintenance.

Heat, Impact and Outdoor Use

YDL’s crystalline silica‑free surfaces are built to handle everyday life, but like all materials used for surfaces, certain precautions help maximise lifespan.

Heat Protection for Items Over 100°C

YDL Stone surfaces are heat resistant for any items warmed to approximately 100 °C. However, sudden temperature changes can still cause damage or discolouration, so it’s best to avoid placing extremely hot items (such as oven trays, or hot pots) directly on any stone surface without protection. 

This is particularly relevant if you use YDL stone surfaces in outdoor applications. For example, a BBQ kitchen benchtop made from our Super White Dolomite will naturally be cooled by the elements, and may require more heat protection than an interior kitchen benchtop 

Weight Capacity Considerations 

Impact and excessive weight must also be avoided. You should never stand on a benchtop or place heavy or point‑loads (concentrated pressure on a specific small area) on unsupported spans or delicate edges. These precautions apply equally to mineral stone, natural stone and porcelain surfaces. 

Long‑Term Care Strategies

To ensure your surfaces continue to look as good as new, establish a habit of regular deeper cleans and inspections. Deeper cleaning may involve following instructions carefully using a stone‑safe cream cleanser or a mild stone‑safe paste, especially on natural stone benchtops. Always test clean products in an inconspicuous area first.

Keep edges, sink surrounds, splashbacks and seams under close observation: chips, grout or sealant failures tend to occur first in those areas. Tracking which cleaning agents have been used over time helps avoid damaging ones creeping into regular use.

Following YDL Stone’s free online resources can help you with information regarding maintenance, care and compliance reports, and warranty protection. YDL’s silica‑free mineral and porcelain products carry a 10‑year limited warranty for interior residential or commercial use. Crafted With Precision, Inspired By Nature 

Caring for YDL’s crystalline silica‑free stone surfaces doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple habits, you can preserve the appearance and performance of your stone surface, whether it’s a mineral stone benchtop or porcelain splashback, for years to come. While natural stone surfaces require a bit more care and diligence, the same core principles (avoid harsh acids or abrasives, dry quickly, and reseal as needed) apply.

If you’d like to explore our wide range of stunning stone surface options, we invite you to take a 3D virtual tour of our showrooms from the comfort of your own home. Prefer to see and feel the surfaces in person? You’re welcome to visit us by booking an appointment through our website, where you can receive free samples and tailored advice from our expert team.

For more inspiration and guidance, be sure to browse our other blog articles such as A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing Natural Stone Benchtops. It’s packed with helpful insights and showcases why YDL Stone’s diverse range of crystalline silica-free stone surfaces continues to lead the market in Australia. Our surfaces combine innovation with timeless design that are thoughtfully crafted and inspired by the beauty of nature.