Cleaning Supplies to Have on Hand
- Mild dish soap
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Microfiber towels
- Glass cleaner (for polishing)
- Stone cleaner (optional)
Daily Cleaning
For daily cleaning, simple soap and water is usually sufficient for cleaning quartz surfaces.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap like Dawn with warm water in a bowl or spray bottle. Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals.
- Use a soft cloth, sponge or microfiber towel to wipe down the entire surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
- For dried spills or sticky messes, let the soapy water sit for a minute before wiping to loosen the grime.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
About once a week, do a more thorough cleaning:
- Mix a stone cleaner (like Method Daily Granite & Stone Cleaner) with water according to directions. This helps remove soap scum and hard water stains.
- Use a soft bristle brush and apply the cleaner over the entire surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub lightly over the quartz to remove any grime buildup. Avoid excessive pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with soft towels.
Polishing and Sealing
- Every 3-6 months, use a glass cleaner like Windex to gently polish and restore shine to your quartz. Spray a small amount over the surface and wipe clean with microfiber towels.
- Re-sealing quartz countertops is generally not necessary, but can help improve stain resistance. Use a stone sealer specifically designed for quartz.
What to Avoid
- Vinegar, ammonia, bleach and other harsh chemicals – these can damage and discolor the stone surface.
- Abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads – they can scratch the quartz.
- Letting spills sit – wipe up messes quickly to prevent staining.
- Putting hot pans directly on the surface – always use trivets.
Tips for Difficult Spots
For difficult dried or sticky spills:
- Try letting a damp cloth soaked in hot water sit on the spot for a few minutes to loosen the mess, then wipe clean.
- Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off any food or gum.
- For dried grease, rub a bit of baking soda over the spot and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Getting quartz counters wet occasionally is fine, but you should wipe up excess water and avoid letting it pool or sit for long periods, as moisture can damage the adhesive or cause warping over time. With regular cleaning and prompt mess removal, your quartz countertops should stay beautiful for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean quartz counters?
No, you should never use bleach, oven cleaner, abrasive scrubbers or acidic cleaners like vinegar on quartz surfaces. They can damage, pit or etch the stone. Stick to mild dish soap and stone cleaners designed for quartz.
How can I add shine back to dull quartz?
If your quartz has lost its luster, use a glass cleaner like Windex to gently polish the surface. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and rub over the entire counter in circular motions. This will help restore its shine. Avoid wax polishes which can cause buildup.
What if my quartz counter gets stained?
For light stains, try making a paste with baking soda and water and letting it sit on the stain for several hours before scrubbing. For deeper stains, you may need a poultice made with hydrogen peroxide and talc powder. Contact a stone restoration professional for severe stains.
Can I set hot pots and pans on quartz?
It’s best to avoid placing extremely hot cookware directly on quartz. Always set hot pans on trivets or pads. The intense heat can potentially damage the solid surface over time. However, quartz is quite heat resistant overall.
How often should I seal my quartz counters?
Quartz countertops are non-porous, so sealing is not necessary for stain protection. However, reapplying sealer every 3-5 years can help improve resistance to DAMAGE. Be sure to use a sealer made specifically for quartz.
Conclusion
Caring for quartz countertops does require some occasional maintenance, but the durable and beautiful material can withstand years of regular use with proper cleaning. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care recommendations. Keep dish soap, microfiber cloths and stone cleaners on hand and wipe up spills promptly to keep your quartz counters looking like new. With a bit of effort, they can stay in great condition.