What is the Best Quartz Countertop Cleaner? The Ultimate Guide

Quartz countertops are growing in popularity for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from engineered stone, quartz counters are an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance option. However, even though quartz is stain-resistant, it still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Using the right quartz countertop cleaner is key to maintaining the beauty and shine of your investment. This guide will explore the best quartz countertop cleaning products, methods, and tips.

What is Quartz?

Before diving into cleaners, let’s review what exactly quartz countertops are made of.

Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. The quartz makes up over 90% of the material, making countertops very hard and durable. Polymer resins act as a binder to hold the material together. Pigments add color and pattern.

Compared to natural stone counters like granite and marble, quartz offers consistent coloring and patterning since it is engineered, not carved from a raw stone slab. Quartz also resists stains, etching, and heat better than marble or granite. However, no surface is 100% impervious to damage. With proper care, quartz counters can stay looking pristine for decades.

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

Durability – Quartz is extremely hard and scratch-resistant. Heat, knives, and daily wear-and-tear will not damage it easily.
Low maintenance – Quartz resists stains, etching, and buildup. Simple cleaning keeps it looking like new.
Consistent appearance – Engineered manufacturing creates uniform coloring and patterns. No flaws or variances.
Hygienic – Quartz does not absorb moisture. Bacteria and viruses cannot penetrate the surface.
Heat-resistant – Quartz can withstand brief exposure to hot pans. Sudden temperature changes do not damage the material.
Non-porous – Liquids do not penetrate quartz, making it very stain-resistant. Spills can be wiped away without leaving a trace.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Cleaning quartz regularly prevents buildup of dirt, grime, and deposits that can dull the surface. Here are the best practices for keeping quartz sparkling:

Daily Cleaning

Wipe up spills immediately to prevent possible staining. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove water, oil, juice, or other liquids.
For food prep messes, use a gentle soap and warm water. Dish soap or a stone cleaner work well to clean away grease and food residues. Rinse thoroughly.
Disinfect the surface with a sanitizing stone wipe to kill bacteria. Look for EPA-registered disinfecting products safe for stone.
Use a soft microfiber cloth only. Avoid abrasive pads or paper towels that could scratch.
Dry the surface after cleaning. Allowing liquids to pool can lead to water spots over time.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Clean the entire counter with a quartz cleaner or stone soap and warm water. Apply with a soft cloth or sponge.
Use a nonabrasive scrub pad to loosen stuck-on messes. Apply moderate pressure only.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a fresh microfiber towel. Inspect closely for any remaining dirt or residues.
Consider occasional resealing, especially if water is leaving ring marks. Use an approved sealer specifically formulated for quartz.

Do NOT Use

No bleach, alkaline, or acidic cleaners. Even “natural” citrus cleaners can etch quartz. Stick to stone-safe formulas.
No abrasive scrubbers. Avoid stiff brushes, scouring pads, or abrasive powder cleaners that could scratch.
No harsh chemicals like paint removers or oven cleaners that can discolor and damage the finish.
No vacuum cleaner attachments like beater bars. Use only soft microfiber attachments.

Best Quartz Countertop Cleaning Products

Look for cleaners specifically designed for engineered stone. Avoid generic cleaners that may be too alkaline or acidic. Here are some of the top-rated quartz cleaning products:

Granite Gold Daily Cleaner

A favorite stone cleaner safe for all quartz. Penetrates to remove soils without leaving residue or streaks. Contains active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and plant-derived solvents. VOC-compliant and biodegradable formula.

Black Diamond Stoneworks Quartz Cleaner

Designed specifically for routine quartz cleaning. Cleans away dirt, grease, food, and grime. Contains no acid, alkali, bleach, ammonia, or dyes. Leaves a streak-free shine.

Hope’s Perfect Countertop Cleaner and Polish

Plant-based formula gently cleans quartz without damaging the finish. Restores shine and prevents buildup. Safe for indoor air quality. Used with microfiber cloth for best results.

TriNova Natural Quartz Cleaner and Sealer

Cleans, shines, and seals quartz in one easy step. Made in the USA. Streak-free formula leaves a bright finish. Contains no ammonia, bleach, or VOCs.

Method Daily Granite & Stone Spray

Non-toxic cleaner from natural derived ingredients. Cuts through grease, dirt, and grime. No harsh synthetic chemicals. Safe for sealed quartz surfaces. Fresh scent.

ARM & HAMMER Stone & Quartz Cleaner Spray

Cuts through food, oils, and soils on quartz. Deodorizes as it cleans. No bleach or harsh acids. From the trusted brand name. Economical 32 oz spray bottle.

Supernatural Cleaner

Natural enzymatic cleaner lifts dirt and stains without harsh chemicals. Works on quartz, marble, granite, and other stones. Provides anti-microbial surface protection. Concentrated formula.

How to Clean Specific Messes on Quartz

Accidents happen. Certain spills on quartz will require prompt, careful cleaning to avoid permanent damage. Here is how to tackle common quartz mishaps:

Wine, Coffee, and Juice Stains

Blot the liquid immediately before it has a chance to soak in and stain.
Spray the area with stone cleaner or mild dish soap solution.
Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to penetrate the residue.
Scrub gently with a soft cloth or brush in circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly and repeat cleaning if any hint of the stain remains.

Grease and Oil Residues

Remove excess oil/grease with paper towel. Avoid abrasive rubbing.
Apply a degreasing stone cleaner or mix of dish soap with warm water.
Allow a few minutes of dwell time before scrubbing. This helps lift the grease.
Use a gentle circular scrubbing motion. Increase pressure gradually if needed.
Rinse well and reapply cleaner if any oily spots persist. Thorough rinsing prevents residue buildup.

Hard Water Marks and Rings

Hard water calcium/mineral deposits leave unsightly spots and rings. These can become etched into the surface over time.
Use a cleaner formulated for removing hard water stains. Vinegar or lemon juice also work.
Scrub gently with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid abrasive pads.
For light deposits, a buffing pad can shine the area after cleaning.
Prevent hard water stains by always drying water right away. Consider having countertops resealed periodically.

Dried Food Deposits and Gunk

Letting food dry on makes it much harder to remove. Prompt cleaning prevents crusty gunk.
For dried-on messes, generously spray the area with stone cleaner, vinegar, or dish soap solution.
Soak for 5-10 minutes allowing it to penetrate. Avoid letting the area dry out. Re-wet if needed.
Gently scrub with a soft brush or Dobie cleaning pad.
Take your time working the mess free using circular scrubbing motions. Don’t rush it to avoid marring.
For stubborn stuck-on gunk, cover liberally with cleaner and let sit overnight. The long dwell time helps lift the residue.

Etch Marks and Scratches

Even quartz can get permanently etched and scratched. Take care to avoid gouging or exposing to acidic chemicals.
Very minor marks can be gently sanded and polished out. Use fine grit wet-dry sandpaper and a quartz polishing compound.
Improper sanding can damage the surface! Consider hiring a professional for resurfacing and re-polishing.
For light surface scratches, buffing with a quartz polish and microfiber pad can minimize visibility. But deep etches never fully disappear.

Mold and Mildew Growth

Being nonporous, quartz resists mold and mildew growth. But excess moisture can still allow some fungi.
Mix a very mild bleach and water solution – about 1:20 bleach to water ratio. Never use full-strength bleach!
Spray or wipe on the diluted bleach mixture. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
Scrub the area gently with soft brush before rinsing. Thoroughly rinse and dry.
Repeat if needed, allowing proper dwell time for the bleach solution to work effectively.

Ink, Paint, and Dye Stains

Ink, paint, dye, and permanent marker create some of the toughest stains. Avoid exposing quartz to these materials.
For wet spills, immediately blot as much as possible before attempting any other cleaning.
Use acetone or denatured alcohol on a soft cloth to gently dab the stain. Take care not to spread it wider!
Other solvents like nail polish remover can also work. Spot test first.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing which can drive the stain deeper. Patience and gentleness are key!

Quartz Countertop Sealing

Sealing quartz is not mandatory but can provide added protection, especially for busy kitchens prone to spills and stains. Here are some tips on quartz sealing:

Only use a sealer specifically designed for quartz – granite and marble sealers may not be compatible and can damage the surface.
Resealing is needed every 1-2 years depending on usage. High traffic areas may need more frequent refreshing.
Deep cleaning the counters first provides the best sealer adhesion. Remove any waxes, coatings, dirt, or oils.
Apply the sealer evenly using overlapping circular motions. Follow product directions closely. Wipe off any excess.
Allow the sealer to cure fully before using the counters, usually 24-48 hours. Avoid water exposure during this time.
Properly sealing quartz gives an added layer of protection against stains and etching. But sealers wear off over time.

How Often Should Quartz Countertops Be Cleaned?

Daily – Quick wipe-downs to remove spills, food debris, and dust prevent buildup.
Weekly – More thorough cleaning of entire surface removes grime and maintains shine.
As Needed – Address spills immediately. Don’t allow stains time to set.
Deep Cleaning – Seasonally deep clean counters to keep them looking their best.
Resealing – Every 1-2 years reapply an approved sealer for added protection.

Quartz Countertop Cleaning Tips

Microfiber cloths are super gentle and effective for quartz cleaning.
Warm water helps dissolve and lift grease and soils. Avoid overly hot water.
Pre-treat drying food spills by generously wetting with water or cleaner. Let sit before scrubbing.
For swollen wood cabinets or laminates underneath, take care to not over-wet the countertop edges.
Inspect closely under lighting to check for residue or leftover dirt after cleaning. Repeat if needed.
Blot up spills immediately before they have a chance to soak in and stain. Fast response prevents damage!
Rubbing too aggressively in one area can create shiny spots. Clean with even, circular strokes.
For polished quartz, a quartz-safe polish can help fill in light scratches and restore luster between deep cleanings.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Quartz

Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that etch into quartz. Here is how to remove them:

Mix vinegar and water, about 1:1 ratio. Also works with lemon juice instead of vinegar.
Apply the acidic solution generously to the hard water stained area. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
Use a soft cloth to gently scrub stained area in circular motions. Take care to not scratch the surface.
Once deposits are lifted, rinse very thoroughly with clean water. Dry completely.
Repeat as needed for stubborn stains. Rinsing prevents vinegar residue buildup.
Prevent hard water stains by always drying spills immediately. Have countertops resealed periodically.

How to Remove Etch Marks from Quartz Countertop

Etch marks damage the polish leaving unsightly spots. Be careful with acidic foods and cleaners. To remove light etching:

Clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse and dry completely.
Apply a quartz etching polish or powder and water to form a paste. Rub gently using small circular motions concentrating on the etched spots.
Take care to avoid spreading the etch marks. Keep the paste in the problem area.
Once etching is minimized, rinse and dry thoroughly. Repeat if needed.
Avoid creating additional fine scratches. Use a very soft cloth only.
For deep etching or large areas, professional refinishing may be required. Etch marks can permanently damage polish.

Does Quartz Need to be Sealed?

Sealing quartz is optional since quartz is non-porous and highly resistant to staining. However, sealing provides added protection by creating a barrier against moisture and spills. It can make cleaning easier as well. The main reasons to consider sealing quartz include:

Slow staining – Sealant prevents spills from penetrating surface and makes stains easier to remove
Hide fine scratches – Sealer temporarily fills in minor marks for a smoother appearance
Simplify cleaning – Countertops resist smudges, prints and cooking grease if sealed
Refresh shine – Bring back luster as sealant wears off over time
High use areas – More frequent sealer renewal where heavy usage, foods and spills occur
Problem stains – Sealing problem areas prone to coffee, wine, oil spills
Routine maintenance – Every 1-2 years resealing refreshes protection
Newly installed – Best time to seal is right after new quartz installation

Quartz Countertop Cleaner Recipe

Make your own gentle quartz cleaner at home:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp mild dish soap
2 cups warm water
5-10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
Spray bottle

Directions

Add vinegar or lemon juice to spray bottle.
Add warm water.
Add a drop or two of dish soap and shake gently to combine.
Options: add several drops essential oil for scent like lavender, lemon, or orange.
Label bottle and shake before each use.
Spray onto quartz surfaces and wipe clean with soft cloth. Rinse.

Tips:

Shake well before spraying. The vinegar and soap can separate over time.
Warm water adds cleaning power for grease-dissolving ability
Adjust vinegar or lemon juice to suit cleaning needs
Avoid using essential oils with granite or marble. Citrus oils in particular can damage those stones. Quartz is less prone to damage.
Wipe up cleaning mixtures to avoid streaks and residues on the counters

The Bottom Line

Regular cleaning and prompt stain removal keeps quartz counters in fantastic shape for years. Using the proper quartz-safe cleaners and gentle techniques maintains the durability, shine, and beauty of quartz. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could scratch or dull the finish. With the right products and methods, quartz countertops stay looking amazing.