Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces in UK homes. Made from engineered stone, quartz is non-porous, stain resistant, and easy to maintain. However, quartz still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking pristine. Follow this guide to learn the easiest and most effective ways to clean quartz countertops in the UK.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Cleaning quartz countertops doesn’t require many supplies. For routine daily or weekly cleaning, all you need is:
- Microfiber cloths
- Mild liquid dish soap or stone cleaner
- Water
Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the surface.
For periodic deep cleaning, you may also need:
- Glass cleaner or vinegar
- Non-abrasive scrubbing sponge
- Paper towels
Make sure to avoid bleach, alkaline, or acidic cleaners, as they can etch or discolor the quartz.
Daily Cleaning of Quartz Countertops
To keep quartz looking its best, make daily cleaning a habit. Simple wiping with a damp microfiber cloth is often sufficient.
Steps:
- Rinse the countertop with clean water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Avoid using more soap than necessary.
- Spray the diluted soap mixture directly onto the countertop.
- Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth, using small circular motions.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a cloth.
The quartz should now look clean, without any visible grime or residue. Spot clean any remaining stuck-on messes.
Weekly Cleaning of Quartz Countertops
In addition to daily cleaning, a weekly deep clean helps keep quartz counters fresh.
Steps:
- Remove everything from the countertop.
- Fill a spray bottle with a stone cleaner or mild dish soap diluted in warm water.
- Spray the solution over the entire surface. Avoid saturating the quartz.
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes so the cleaner can work.
- Scrub the quartz in small circles using a soft microfiber cloth. Apply light pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Blot dry with a cloth or paper towels.
Repeat on stubborn spots until the countertop is immaculate.
How to Clean Quartz Countertop Stains and Spills
Quartz resists stains quite well. But spills happen, so it’s good to know how to handle them.
For food and drink spills:
- Wipe up immediately before the substance has a chance to set.
- Spray with soapy water and scrub with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse and dry.
For dried or sticky spills:
- Soak the area with warm water for 2-3 minutes to soften the mess.
- Gently scrape away residue with a plastic scraper or the edge of a credit card.
- Spray diluted dish soap and scrub.
- Rinse and blot dry.
For stubborn stains like wine, coffee, or grease:
- Make a paste of baking soda and water. Spread onto the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub using a soft cloth or sponge in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Repeat if needed.
Avoid abrasive scrubbing, which can damage the quartz. Most stains will come clean with gentle yet persistent cleaning.
How to Remove Hard Water Marks from Quartz
Hard water deposits can leave unsightly spots and stains on quartz. Remove them with these steps:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution directly onto the hard water marks.
- Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to dissolve the mineral deposits.
- Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
- Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry completely with a towel.
For stubborn deposits, repeat the process as needed. The vinegar solution helps break down the minerals so they can be wiped away easily.
How to Sanitize Quartz Countertops
Sanitizing quartz counters kills germs and bacteria to help keep your kitchen hygienic.
To sanitize:
- Mix 1 tablespoon bleach into 1 quart of water. This makes a disinfecting bleach solution.
- Transfer to a spray bottle and spray over the entire counter surface. Avoid getting it on food surfaces.
- Allow it to sit briefly before wiping with a clean cloth. No need to rinse.
- Let air dry. The bleach will naturally dissipate.
Sanitize counters at least once a week or whenever preparing raw meat to help prevent the spread of illness and disease. Just take care to rinse food surfaces after sanitizing.
Tips for Keeping Quartz Countertops Looking Like New
Follow these tips to maintain the beauty of your quartz counters:
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Use coasters for hot items to prevent burns.
- Cut foods on a designated cutting board, not directly on the quartz.
- Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals like paint removers or oven cleaners.
- Place mats under appliances to prevent scratches.
- Re-seal quartz once a year with a stone sealer to boost stain protection.
- Inspect seals around the edges to ensure water isn’t seeping under.
With regular cleaning and care, quartz countertops will retain their sleek, elegant look for many years. Avoid abrasives and use mild cleaners to keep them gleaming.
Common Questions about Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Can you use vinegar to clean quartz?
Yes, vinegar is safe for cleaning quartz counters. Mix equal parts vinegar and water for an effective cleaning solution. The acidic vinegar helps remove stains, soap scum, and mineral deposits. Rinse well after cleaning. Avoid prolonged exposure to concentrated vinegar.
What should you not use to clean quartz?
Avoid the following products on quartz:
- Abrasive cleansers with grit
- Scouring pads or powders
- Alkaline cleaners like bleach or ammonia
- Acidic cleaners like toilet bowl or drain cleaners
- Solvents like paint thinner
- Citrus or vinegar cleaners in concentrated form
These can etch or dull the surface over time.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Most quartz manufacturers claim their product does not need sealing thanks to its non-porous nature. However, annual sealing provides an added layer of protection. Use a sealant made specifically for quartz rather than a generic stone sealer. Resealing once a year helps prevent stains.
Can you use Magic Eraser on quartz?
Magic Eraser cleaning pads contain a mild abrasive. With gentle pressure, they can be used to remove some dirt and stains from quartz. But avoid excessive scrubbing, as it may dull the finish. Rinse well after using a Magic Eraser. For best results, use soft microfiber cloths instead.
How do you get dried food off quartz?
If food dries and hardens on quartz, soak the area with warm water for 2-3 minutes to soften the mess. Then gently scrape away residue with a plastic card or spatula. Apply some diluted dish soap and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge in small circles. The dried food should slide right off. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Conclusion
With the right cleaning techniques, quartz countertops can stay looking fresh and clean for years. Stick to mild dish soap or stone cleaners. Daily wiping and weekly deep cleaning removes surface dirt and buildup. Promptly wipe spills to avoid stains. Avoid abrasives that could scratch or dull the finish. With regular care, your beautiful quartz counters will maintain their sleek appearance.