Calcium carbonate is found in softer natural stones such as marble and travertine. Vinegar, which many homeowners use as an all-purpose cleaner based on advice passed down through generations, is acetic acid with a pH level of about 3. That makes it roughly 10,000 times more acidic than water, which has a neutral pH of 7. The etching process happens immediately, said Dodds, comparing it to a science experiment.

"Think about what happens when you pour baking soda and vinegar together," she said. "That's how fast it happens at the microscopic level."

Understanding the Scales

Understanding two measurement scales is essential for proper stone care, according to Dodds. The Mohs hardness scale measures scratch resistance on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being talc and 10 being diamond. Marble, despite being a high-end stone, rates only a 3, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratches.

The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic and can etch stone, while anything above 7 is alkaline and can leave residue that attracts soil. "Alkaline burns, acid eats," said Dodds.

For daily maintenance, Dodds recommends using a simple solution of a teaspoon of dish soap, such as Dawn, mixed with distilled water. Using distilled water helps prevent water spots that can occur with hard water.

"There's no vinegar, there's no ammonia, there's no specialty product," she said. "It's just dish soap."

Homeowners can test whether their sealed countertops need resealing by placing a single drop of water on the surface. If the water beads up, the sealant is still effective. If it seeps into the stone, it is time to reseal.

Why Fabricators Should Care

Fabricators and designers should educate their clients about proper stone care before installation, not after problems arise, said Dodds. "The best time to set a boundary is before you start," she said. "Saying something after sounds a lot like an excuse, when really it's meant to come from a place of education."

She also noted that damage can occur during the construction phase itself. Construction debris, including gypsum from drywall, can be harder than some stone surfaces. Wiping debris across a countertop rather than vacuuming it off can cause micro-scratching.

"By the time the homeowner actually moves in, we've experienced sort of three steps of damage already," said Dodds.

She recommends using HEPA filtration systems to remove dry debris from countertops before any wet cleaning occurs during post-construction cleanup.

The bottom line for fabricators is straightforward, said Dodds. "If you care about your clients, you should care,” she said. “This is an expensive piece of product. Let's take care of it, just like we would take care of anything else."