What Should I Use to Clean Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are popular options for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, stain resistance, and attractive appearance. However, like any countertop material, quartz requires proper cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Using the right cleaners and techniques helps preserve the countertop’s beauty and prevent damage over time. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning quartz countertops.

Why Proper Cleaning is Important for Quartz Countertops

Keeping quartz counters clean is essential for a few key reasons:

Prevent Buildup of Dirt and Residue: Quartz is non-porous, so spills and messes won’t soak in, but they can leave behind dirt and residue on the surface over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent buildup.
Avoid Stains: While quartz resists stains better than other natural stone, prolonged exposure to spills, especially from foods and liquids with pigments like coffee, tea, and wine, can result in discoloration. Prompt cleaning prevents stains.
Eliminate Bacteria: Countertops harbor lots of bacteria from food prep and contact. Disinfecting quartz regularly helps kill germs and bacteria.
Maintain Appearance: Cleaning quartz prevents dulling, etching, and loss of shine over time. Quartz will keep looking like new with proper care.
Preserve Value: Keeping quartz pristine with regular cleaning maintains the value of your investment in these high-quality countertops.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Quartz

There are a few key rules of thumb to follow when cleaning quartz:

DO:

Use mild liquid dish soap and warm water for daily cleaning.
Wipe up spills as soon as possible, especially acidic substances.
Regularly disinfect with a quartz-safe cleaner.
Use a pH-neutral granite cleaner for periodic deep cleaning.
Blot liquids and wipe gently with a soft cloth.
Thoroughly rinse soap residue after cleaning.
Re-seal quartz once a year to maintain protection.

DON’T:

Use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch.
Allow spills to sit for long periods and stain.
Use vinegar, lemon juice, or other acids that can etch quartz.
Place hot pots or pans directly on the surface.
Overload with heavy impact that can chip the quartz.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Follow this simple step-by-step process for keeping quartz counters spotless:

1. Remove Surface Clutter

Clear counters of any removable items like appliances, dishes, rags, etc. This allows thorough access to the entire surface.

2. Mix a Mild Cleaning Solution

Combine a few drops of liquid dish soap with warm water in a bucket or spray bottle. Avoid harsh cleaners like those with bleach, alkali, or ammonia.

3. Wipe Down the Entire Surface

Use a soft microfiber cloth, sponge, or paper towel dampened with the cleaning solution. Wipe the entire countertop surface to remove dirt and residues.

4. Focus on Stained Areas

Check for any stains or stuck-on messes. Gently scrub these areas using a soft-bristle cleaning brush or Dobie pad. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Wipe the countertop with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to remove all soap residue. Ensure no suds or cleaning solution remains.

6. Dry Completely

Use a dry microfiber towel or paper towels to wipe the countertop dry. Preventing standing water helps discourage bacteria growth.

7. Seal and Shine (Optional)

Apply a small amount of quartz polish or sealant with a soft cloth. Buff to create an appealing shine. This helps maintain protection.

8. Inspect and Repeat

Visually inspect to ensure the countertop is free of residue and looks pristine. Repeat daily or weekly as needed.

Tips for Preventing Damage When Cleaning Quartz

While quartz stands up well to daily wear and tear, a few precautions help prevent damage:

Lift pots, pans, and appliances rather than sliding across the surface.
Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, etc.
Immediately wipe up spills of staining substances like wine, coffee, and fruit juices.
Don’t cut directly on quartz counters without a cutting board.
Prevent heavy impacts that can chip the surface.
Avoid nail polish remover, bleach products, and alkaline cleaners.
Don’t use abrasive scrub pads or brushes that can scratch.
Clean with soft pressure rather than aggressive scrubbing.
Ensure any cleaners or detergents used are specifically formulated for quartz.
Blot spills rather than vigorously rubbing them around.

Best Cleaners and Tools for Quartz Countertops

Having the right quartz-safe cleaners and tools helps maintain these counters properly:

Cleaners:

Mild dish soap: Effective for wiping away daily grime. Avoid antibacterial types.
pH-neutral stone cleaner: Safe for periodic deep cleaning; brands like Method.
Disinfecting spray: Look for ones made for quartz and stone. Concrobium granite cleaner is a good option.
Glass cleaner: Useful for creating streak-free shine. Windex and Method brand glass cleaners work well.
Hydrogen peroxide cleaner: Helps remove some stains; try Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser.

Tools and Supplies:

Microfiber cloths and sponges: Gentle on surfaces; avoid textured types that can scratch.
Soft-bristle brushes: Help loosen stuck-on grime without damaging quartz.
Paper towels: Lint-free towels quickly soak up spills and drying.
Sealants and polishes: Maintain shine and protection; use quartz-specific options.
pH strips: Help check cleaners are pH neutral and quartz safe.
Cutting boards: Prevent cutting damage to countertop surface.
Coasters: Protect from hot items; also help prevent staining.

Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, stiff brushes, razor blades, stainless steel wool, or other items that could scratch, scour, or shave material off the quartz surface. Check product labels to ensure any cleaner is specifically formulated for quartz.

Cleaning Solutions to Avoid on Quartz

It’s equally important to know which cleaners to avoid using on quartz counters:

Vinegar – Being acidic, vinegar can etch and dull quartz surfaces.
Citrus juices – Like lemon juice, contain acids that damage quartz over time.
Bathroom cleaners – Often have ingredients too harsh for quartz.
Bleach solutions – Can discolor and eat away quartz sealant with prolonged use.
Oven cleaners – Much too alkaline/caustic for quartz counters.
Abrasive powders – Can finely scratch; avoid Comet, Ajax, Bon Ami, etc.
Alkaline cleaners – Soap scum removers and degreasers can damage quartz.
Nail polish remover – Includes acetate that can dull quartz shine.
Mineral spirits – Can stain lighter quartz colors; avoid turpentine and paint thinner.
Alcohol – Hard liquor, beer, wine; avoid for cleansing due to high acidity.

Read product labels closely and do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area before using any new cleaner on quartz counters. When in doubt, stick to mild dish soap and water.

How to Remove Common Stains from Quartz Countertops

Quartz resists stains better than other natural stone, but some spills can leave discolorations if left too long. Here are tips for removing common quartz stains:

Coffee and Tea Stains

First dab stain with a paper towel or cloth. Avoid aggressive rubbing.
Mix warm water and a few drops of mild dish detergent.
Use a soft bristle brush and soapy solution to gently scrub stain.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry area.
For stubborn stains, apply baking soda paste and let sit briefly before rinsing.

Fruit and Berry Stains

Remove excess with a clean cloth; avoid spreading it around.
Spray stain with hydrogen peroxide cleaner. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes.
Wipe away peroxide cleaner and rinse.
For stubborn stains, apply baking soda paste. Let sit briefly before rinsing.

Grease and Oil Stains

First blot away any excess oil or grease residue.
Apply a small amount of pH-neutral degreasing cleaner.
Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes before wiping away.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all cleaner residue.

Wine, Tomato Sauce, and Juice Stains

Blot up as much of the spill as possible immediately.
Mix a paste of baking soda and water. Spread onto stain and let sit for 15 minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft bristle brush and rinse thoroughly.
For tougher stains, try working in hydrogen peroxide before rinsing.

Ink, Marker, or Paint Stains

Dab the stain with a paper towel immediately before it sets.
Try using isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth to lift the stain.
If needed, moisten a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and gently blot stain.
Rinse surface thoroughly after stain removal.

Hard Water Stains

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
Dip microfiber cloth in solution and wring out well.
Wipe hard water stains with the damp microfiber cloth.
Dry thoroughly after cleaning; vinegar can dull quartz if left.

How to Disinfect Quartz Countertops

Disinfecting quartz counters helps eliminate bacteria that can build up from food prep and contact. Here are tips for safe disinfection:

Clear countertops entirely of any food or other items.
Mix a disinfecting solution of water and liquid chlorine bleach at a 10:1 ratio.
Transfer to spray bottle and spray across the entire surface. Avoid other bleach cleaners.
Allow the bleach solution to sit on the quartz for 5-10 minutes. This allows proper disinfection.
Wipe down with clean water and dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide cleaners can also be effective disinfectants for quartz surfaces.

Be sure to only use a 10% bleach solution and limit contact time to prevent any discoloration of the quartz. Thoroughly rinse off all bleach cleaner residue. Supplement daily cleaning with disinfection 1-2 times per week for cleanest results.

How to Deep Clean Quartz Countertops

For a periodic deep cleaning, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner:

Sweep counters clear of any debris or appliances. Remove all surface items.
Read product label fully and spot test cleaner on a small inconspicuous spot first.
Apply a liberal amount of quartz stone cleaner directly to surface.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes without letting area dry out.
Use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub entire surface area.
Wipe away cleaner and grime with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and dry area completely.
Finish by sealing and polishing clean quartz.

This type of deep cleaning can be performed as needed, but around once every 1-2 months helps keep quartz counters looking like new.

How to Seal and Polish Quartz Countertops

While sealing technically isn’t required for quartz since it’s non-porous, it helps enhance stain protection and shine:

To Seal:

Ensure quartz is completely clean before sealing.
Apply a thin layer of quartz sealer evenly across the surface.
Allow to sit for 5 minutes so it can fully penetrate.
Thoroughly wipe off excess sealer with a clean cloth.
Buff dry with a microfiber cloth for best shine.
Repeat sealing every 6-12 months for maintained protection.

To Polish:

Always start by fully cleaning quartz and drying completely.
Apply a dime-sized dollop of quartz polish to surface.
Using a soft cloth, gently rub polish over all areas in circular motions.
Buff quartz until desired shine is achieved. Remove excess polish.
Use quartz polish to restore shine whenever counters appear dull.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Quartz

While quartz is lower maintenance than other natural stone, there are still a few mistakes to avoid:

Using abrasive cleaners or scrub pads that can scratch surfaces.
Letting spills sit too long before wiping them up.
Failing to rinse off all soap residue after cleaning.
Allowing moisture to pool and sit on quartz surfaces.
Using cleaners not specifically formulated for quartz.

Following safe cleaning practices keeps quartz counters looking pristine and prevents costly damage. With the proper care, quartz can stay looking like new for many years. Pay attention to using the mildest cleaners and softest materials possible when maintaining these popular countertops.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Can I use vinegar to clean quartz counters?

No, vinegar is too acidic for quartz and can damage surfaces over time. Stick to mild dish soap and water or cleaners made specifically for quartz.

How can I add shine to dull-looking quartz?

Restore shine by applying a quartz-safe polish and buffing it into the surface using circular motions and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive polishes.

What should I use to sanitize quartz counters?

Mix a 10:1 ratio of water to liquid chlorine bleach and wipe onto the surface. Allow to sit 5 minutes before rinsing. Hydrogen peroxide cleaners also work well.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean quartz?

Avoid using any alcohol products on quartz, including rubbing alcohol, since they can dull and stain the surface.

Is it okay to use Magic Erasers on quartz?

Yes, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are fine for spot cleaning quartz if used gently with minimal scrubbing. Avoid overly frequent use.

How can I remove hazy areas on my quartz counters?

Hazy areas are likely etching or corrosion. Try re-sealing and polishing using a quartz-specific stone polish to remove cloudiness. Prevent this by wiping spills quickly.

What should I use if something sticky is dried on the quartz?

Soften stuck-on messes by letting a damp cloth soaked in warm water sit on top for 2-3 minutes. The moisture should allow residue to scrape off more easily.

Can I use toothpaste or baking soda to scrub my quartz counters?

No, avoid using either since they are too abrasive. Use a soft bristle brush with mild dish soap and warm water instead.

How often should I deep clean quartz counters?

Plan to deep clean quartz counters using a pH-neutral stone cleaner about once every 1-2 months for best results. Do light daily cleaning between deep cleans.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and maintenance with the proper methods and solutions keeps quartz looking flawless and prevents avoidable damage. Allowing spills and stains to sit leads to discoloration and etching. Using overly harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers also ruins quartz’s appearance. Following these best practices will keep quartz counters pristine for years beyond initial installation.

Be sure to blot spills quickly, stick to soft cloths and brushes, use only quartz-safe cleaners, and reseal annually. Avoid citrus, alcohol, abrasives, bleach, vinegar, and leaving moisture behind. With some basic care, quartz counters will maintain their beauty and function in kitchens and baths. Keep this guide handy and refer back to these tips for hassle-free quartz countertop cleaning.