Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
- Mild dish soap and warm water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend
- Magic eraser sponge
- Mineral spirits (for oil-based stains)
Remove Everyday Dirt and Grime
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Wipe down the quartz with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
This helps remove dust, fingerprints, food residue, and other daily grime.
Eliminate Dried Spills and Sticky Messes
- Let any dried spills soak for 5-10 minutes with a damp cloth. This helps loosen the stain.
- Gently scrub with a soft sponge and dish soap. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- Rinse and dry the surface thoroughly.
For stubborn sticky spills like juice or syrup, scrape off any residue and then clean with soapy water.
Fade Minor Scratches and Scuffs
- Apply a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend to a damp sponge.
- Gently rub the scratched area using small circular motions.
- Rinse the countertop thoroughly and wipe dry.
This can minimize the appearance of fine scratches and scuffs on the quartz surface.
Remove Grease, Oil, and Food Stains
- Immediately blot the stain with a paper towel. Don’t rub it in.
- Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a cloth.
- Gently rub the stain until it lifts. Avoid scrubbing aggressively.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the area.
For tough oil-based spills, mineral spirits help dissolve the stain without damaging the quartz.
Lift Away Dried Marker Stains
- Let any permanent marker dry completely first.
- Use a magic eraser sponge dampened slightly with water.
- Gently rub the stained area until the mark fades.
- Rinse and dry the countertop well.
The melamine foam in magic erasers helps lift pigment without harsh scrubbing.
Prevent Heat Marks and Burns
- Always use a trivet or hot pad when placing hot pots, pans, or other heat sources on quartz.
- Avoid exposing the surface to direct high heat (like a hot burner).
- If a light mark appears, clean with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Quartz can withstand heat, but prolonged direct exposure may etch the surface. Trivets prevent burns or discoloration.
Tackle Hard Water and Mineral Stains
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
- Apply the solution and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe off the vinegar and rinse thoroughly.
The mild acid in vinegar dissolves mineral deposits left by hard water.
Deep Clean with Baking Soda
- Make a paste of baking soda and water.
- Apply to the quartz surface and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse and dry the countertop thoroughly.
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts dirt and stains without damaging the quartz.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners
Steer clear of products like:
- Bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners
- Abrasive powders, scouring pads, or steel wool
- Solvent-based strippers or thinners
These can etch, dull, or damage a quartz surface. Stick to mild cleaners specifically made for stone.
Know When to Call a Professional
For some tough stains or damage like chips, cracks, or deep scratches, it’s best to call a professional quartz countertop installer for repair. Avoid DIY fixes like filling scratches yourself.
With regular care and cleaning, quartz countertops will stay beautiful for years. Follow these tips to keep your quartz surfaces sparkling and remove any marks that appear over time. Let any difficult stains or damage be handled by a pro to avoid worsening the issues. With some gentle yet effective cleaning methods, you can keep your quartz countertops looking like new.