Countertop Hazards: What Causes Etching & Staining on Stone Surfaces?

The holidays are one of the busiest times of year for stone damage. Between cooking, parties, decorations, and extra foot traffic, marble, travertine, and limestone surfaces take a hit. Here are the most common culprits — and how to prevent them.

1. Holiday Drinks: Wine, Champagne & Cocktails

Acidic beverages quickly etch marble and limestone, leaving dull rings or “ghost spots.”

High-risk drinks: wine, champagne, citrus cocktails, flavored sparkling water

Prevention: use coasters, wipe spills immediately, and consider MORE® AntiEtch® or other protection strategy – contact us for ideas.

2. Holiday Foods & Buffets

Cranberry, tomato dishes, vinegar dressings, berries, coffee, and cooking oils all stain or etch.

Prevention: use cutting boards, runners under serving trays, and clean with pH-neutral stone-safe products.

3. Seasonal Décor

Candle dyes, dripping wax, evergreen resin, glitter, and leaking snow globes often leave stains or residue.

Prevention: place décor on mats and use candle plates.

4. Rain, Red Clay & Heavy Foot Traffic

Atlanta’s winter mix brings moisture and grit that dull floors and stain grout.

Prevention: use entry mats, remove wet shoes, clean with stone-safe floor cleaners.

 

5. Baking Spills & Sticky Ingredients

Caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, and turmeric can discolor porous stone.

Prevention: use silicone mats and clean immediately (no abrasives).

6. Using Wrong Cleaners

Vinegar, bleach, bathroom cleaners, Magic Erasers, and degreasers often cause instant etching.

Tip: keep stone-safe cleaner visible.

Holiday Stone Protection

N-Motion offers MORE® AntiEtch™, sealing, deep cleaning, and polishing to restore and protect stone before and after holiday gatherings.

N-Motion Stone & Tile Restoration — Atlanta, GA
 (678) 662-0110