Do Quartz Countertops Require Maintenance?

Quartz countertops are popular choices for modern kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance requirements. However, some routine care is still required to keep quartz looking its best. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining quartz countertops.

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a non-porous, highly durable surface that resists scratches, stains, and heat much better than natural stone.

While granite requires yearly sealing to prevent stains from being absorbed, quartz does not require sealing due to its non-porous nature. The resins make quartz resistant to bacteria growth as well. This makes quartz an ideal choice for kitchens and baths since it can stand up well to heavy daily use.

Daily Maintenance for Quartz

Keeping quartz clean on a daily basis only requires using a soft, damp cloth to wipe up spills as they occur. Warm water with mild soap can be used to clean quartz if needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, which can dull the surface over time.

Here are some tips for daily maintenance of quartz:

Wipe up spills immediately, especially oils, wines, citrus juices, and other acidic substances that can stain if left for prolonged periods.
Use coasters under glasses to prevent etching from condensation rings.
Rinse dishes immediately after washing to avoid residue buildup.
Avoid using quartz as a cutting surface to prevent scratches and nicks. Use a separate cutting board instead.
Never place hot pots or pans directly on quartz. Always use trivets or hot pads. Rapid temperature changes can cause cracks in the stone.

Following these simple habits each day will help quartz retain its flawless, glossy appearance.

Weekly Cleaning Routine for Quartz

In addition to daily maintenance, quartz should receive a thorough wipe down on a weekly basis:

Clear all items off the countertop. Remove built-up debris and residue.
Apply a non-abrasive quartz cleaner or mild soap and water solution to the surface. Avoid using anything acidic.
Wipe the entire surface with a soft cloth, going with the direction of the stone pattern. Rinse well and pat dry.
Inspect closely for any stuck-on debris or stains. Use a plastic scraper to gently lift any adhered material. Avoid metal scrapers or abrasive pads.
For stubborn spots, apply a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner and let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping. Never leave cleaners sitting for prolonged periods.
Buff with a microfiber cloth once more to restore shine and remove any leftover streaks.

Following this weekly cleaning routine will prevent the buildup of grime that can start to dull quartz’s appearance over time.

Periodic Maintenance for Quartz

In addition to daily and weekly care, quartz should receive deeper cleaning and conditioning every 3-6 months:

Thorough Cleaning

Clear the countertops entirely and dry the surface.
Apply a quartz-specific deep cleaning product. Or make a paste of baking soda and water.
Spread the paste over the surface and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft bristle brush, applying light pressure. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Rinse thoroughly until all residue is gone. Dry completely with a cloth.

Conditioning and Polishing

Use a specially formulated quartz polish to enhance shine and seal the surface. Apply a thin layer with a microfiber cloth.
Allow the polish to dry completely, then buff the surface using circular motions.
Removing built-up grime and conditioning the stone every few months will maintain quartz’s factory-fresh appearance.

Protecting Quartz from Damage

Quartz is very durable, but not completely indestructible. Take steps to safeguard it from damage:

Never place hot items directly on quartz. Use trivets and pads.
Don’t cut food directly on quartz. Always use a cutting board.
Install proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup and prevent discoloration.
Avoid dropping heavy objects on quartz, which can cause chips and cracks.
Keep quartz away from harsh chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, etc.
Repair any cracks or chips immediately to prevent further damage.

With proper care, quartz countertops can remain in excellent condition for many years before needing replacement. Following a routine maintenance regimen is the key.

Cleaning Up Spills and Stains on Quartz

Due to the non-porous nature of quartz, most common spills and stains can be removed with prompt cleaning:

Food Stains

Wipe up oil, grease, wine, coffee, and other food stains right away before they have a chance to set in.
For dried-on residues, apply some baking soda and water into a paste and gently rub it over the stain. Rinse thoroughly.

Liquid Spills

Immediately soak up spills like juices, sodas, condiments, and liquids containing dyes or pigments.
Rinse repeatedly with warm water to prevent staining.

Hard Water Marks

Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water and wipe over mineral deposit stains.
For tough hard water stains, apply a poultice made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for an hour before rinsing.

Dried Candle Wax

Place a plastic bag over the wax and apply a warm iron to melt the wax into the bag. Wipe the surface clean with a soft cloth afterward.

Rust Stains

Make a paste from cream of tartar and lemon juice. Gently rub over rust spots, allowing paste to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Ink Marks

Dab denatured alcohol on ink stains using a cloth. Avoid aggressively rubbing. Rinse surface thoroughly afterward.

With prompt attention, most stains can be removed from quartz without issue. Avoid letting spills sit for long periods.

Preventing Damage from Hot Items on Quartz

One of the biggest threats to quartz countertops is placing extremely hot cookware directly on the surface. The abrupt temperature change can damage the stone. Here are some tips to prevent injury from hot items:

Always use heat-resistant trivets or hot pads underneath pots, pans, casserole dishes, and other hot cookware.
Take extra care with cooking appliances like Instant Pots or electric skillets. These items can reach temperatures over 400°F – hot enough to crack quartz.
Allow cookware to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before setting it on quartz.
Add a heat diffusion pad between hot pans and quartz. These are designed to protect surfaces.
Avoid moving a boiling pot or pan sideways on quartz, which creates rapid heating in a line.
If using a crockpot, keep it centered on a trivet. Don’t let the edges overhang where heat is concentrated.
Install a retractable overhead vent to provide direct ventilation when cooking at high heat.

With proper precautions, quartz can withstand the demands of everyday kitchen use. Just take care when dealing with extreme temperatures from cooking.

Preventing Cracks and Chips in Quartz

Quartz is remarkably resistant to damage, but chips and cracks can still occur if subjected to sudden impacts or dropped heavy objects. Follow these tips to avoid injury:

Use a cutting board for food prep. Never cut directly on quartz. Knives can chip the surface.
Don’t pound meat or tenderize food on the countertop. Use a separate surface.
Avoid dropping heavy pots, pans, cast iron cookware, or appliances onto quartz. Lift and set down items gently.
Take care when setting down quartz dishes and ceramics. Impact from drops can crack the surface.
Handle quartz gently during transport and installation to prevent corner or edge cracks.
Immediately seal any minor cracks or chips with clear epoxy resin to prevent further damage.

With some care taken during kitchen tasks, it is possible to prevent chips and cracks in quartz over its lifespan. Handle the surface with care.

Removing Etching and Scratches from Quartz

Quartz’s hard, nonporous surface makes it highly scratch-resistant. However, etching and light scratches can occur over time. Here are some tips for removal:

Minor Scratches

Buff gently using a quartz polish or a paste of baking soda and water. This removes surface-level scratches.
For deeper marks, use a product designed for quartz scratch repair. Apply to the area and rub gently side-to-side.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing and abrasive pads. This can worsen the scratch instead of repair it.

Etching

Marks from spills creating a rough, dull spot can often be smoothed by applying an etching cream. Rub gently.
For light etches, rub a clay bar over the area, applying moderate pressure. Finish by buffing.
Severe etching may require calling in a professional refinisher, who can carefully polish out the damage.

While quartz resists scratching better than other surfaces, no material is completely immune. Take steps to avoid scratching, and deal with blemishes properly as they occur.

Disinfecting and Sanitizing Quartz Countertops

One great advantage of quartz over natural stone is that it does not harbor bacteria or viruses, thanks to its nonporous composition. However, routine disinfecting is still recommended:

For daily sanitizing, use soapy water, rubbing alcohol, or an ammonia-based cleaner. Avoid bleach.
Once a week, disinfect the surface with an EPA-registered antimicrobial quartz cleaner to kill germs.
If needed, apply more concentrated disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide or vinegar and let sit briefly before rinsing.
Spraying counters with a 10% bleach solution is safe for occasional deep cleaning. Avoid prolonged exposure.
Blot spills and food debris frequently to avoid germ accumulation in standing liquids or grime.

Keep quartz clean and help stop the spread of disease by sanitizing frequently used surfaces like countertops. Quartz won’t absorb contaminants like natural stone can.

Preventing Damage from Sun Exposure

While quartz stands up to heat and ultraviolet light better than many materials, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can eventually cause subtle changes. Take these steps to minimize photodamage:

Use window treatments like blinds or curtains to block intense sunlight shining directly on quartz surfaces.
Avoid laying quartz floor tiles in rooms with large swaths of unobstructed sunlight.
Rotate decorative items like vases periodically so the entire surface ages evenly.
Clean and condition quartz regularly to better withstand UV impact. A well-maintained surface is more resilient.
Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealer specifically made for engineered stone.
Immediately repair any sealant or adhesive failures that allow moisture underneath quartz surfaces.

With proper design and maintenance, quartz’s color and finish can remain stable for many years before replacement is needed. Manage sun exposure for best results.

Quartz Countertop Maintenance FAQs

What cleaners should be avoided on quartz?

Avoid abrasive cleaners, alkaline solutions like oven cleaner, bleach, acidic products with pH lower than 5, and anything containing oils, dyes, or solvents. These can all damage quartz and void warranties. Stick to gentle soap and water or specialized quartz cleaners.

How often does quartz need to be resealed?

Unlike natural stone, quartz does not require yearly sealing. At most, reapply a penetrating quartz sealer every 1-2 years for added protection, especially for heavily used surfaces.

Will vinegar damage my quartz?

Vinegar is fine for cleaning quartz in diluted solutions mixed with water. Avoid prolonged exposure to straight vinegar or allowing spills to sit. Rinse surfaces well after using vinegar. Repeated use could eventually etch quartz.

Can I use Mr. Clean or Soft Scrub on quartz?

No. Both Mr. Clean and Soft Scrub contain abrasives that will dull quartz’s polish. Use them sparingly only for stubborn stains. Opt for gentler products like dish soap and avoid routine use of abrasives.

What temperature can quartz withstand?

Quartz can tolerate brief exposure to temperatures up to 300°F without issue. However, sudden temperature changes from very hot pots and pans can potentially crack the surface. Always use trivets for hot cookware.

Conclusion

Quartz delivers the look of natural stone coupled with extreme durability. While it requires less maintenance than granite or marble, quartz still needs proper cleaning and care for optimal longevity. Follow these quartz countertop maintenance tips to keep your surfaces looking like new for many years before replacement is required. With routine care, quartz withstands the demands of busy kitchens and baths beautifully.