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No, minor quartz stains are usually not permanent. Addressing spills on your countertop quickly can prevent the stain from worsening. Any remaining stains can generally be removed with a quartz-safe cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water applied with a soft microfiber cloth. Severe stains may need professional treatment—and, in severe cases, countertop repair or replacement.

Granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months, depending on the color and usage. Lighter granite needs to be resealed more frequently than darker colors. If you use acidic cleaners or prepare food on the surface regularly, you must reseal the surface more frequently. Without proper sealing, granite is vulnerable to staining. You can tell if your countertop needs to be resealed by placing a wet paper towel on the counter for 10 minutes. If the water beads up, it is still sufficiently sealed; if it sinks in, it’s time to apply sealant.

In most cases, chipped or cracked granite can be salvaged, but it depends on the size and scope of the damage. For example, a pro can smooth out small chips on the edge with polish pads or an angle grinder, but a crack that runs through the stone's surface has little-to-no chance of being fixed easily.

If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.