How To Clean Quartz Countertops?

Because of its rich, natural color schemes, its durability, and its low maintenance, quartz has quickly become one of the most sought-after finishes for kitchen countertops.

In modern home decor, engineered quartz or quartzite countertops for kitchens and bathrooms can often rival the elegance and sophistication of even the most beautifully designed wooden or stone countertops.

There’s just something about its smooth, shimmering surface that gives quartz an edge that you won’t find with wood or composite countertops. Not to mention, quartz barely requires any maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Once it’s been installed, the sumptuous quartz surface generally only requires a simple wipe-down to maintain its surface and keep it clean.

However, knowing which products to use, and which ones to avoid using, are just as important in order to ensure that you don’t end up damaging your countertop’s surface.

So with that in mind, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to clean quartz countertops.

Best Way to Clean Quartz Countertops

Keep in mind that two of the best way to clean quartz countertops is to always clean fresh spills with mild detergent, wipe clean with a soft, microfiber cloth.

Although quartz is capable of resisting permanent stains from wine, soda, fruits, and vegetables, it’s still important to wipe up any spills before they have a chance to dry and stick to the surface.

For Stubborn Stains and Messes

And for those stubborn stains, use a glass or surface cleaner and a soft, non-abrasive sponge. Just be sure to avoid using any sort of abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, which can potentially scratch the surface and damage the sealed surface of your countertop.

Sponges that are made from cleaning non-stick frying pans are excellent, non-abrasive scrubbers you can use on your quartz countertop. It’s also a good idea to keep a plastic putty knife on hand in case you need to scrape off any other messes that have dried to the surface.

But when you find yourself with a particularly sticky mess on your countertop, you might need to add a few tools to your stain-busting arsenal.

Removing Cooking Grease

Who doesn’t love a good home-cooked meal? But unfortunately, cooking those gourmet at-home meals often leads to the countertops taking a beating.

So to help you clean up your sticky, post-dinner mess, try using a degreaser to help loosen and remove stubborn grease from your quartz surface. Just make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cleaning Permanent Marker

Permanent markers often lead to, well… permanent stains. But that doesn’t have to be the case on your quartz countertops.

Quartz is not a porous material, therefore, it should be relatively easy to scrub and buff away any marks left behind by a permanent marker.

Try dabbing a tissue or cloth in nail polish remover and then buff the marking away. Some sources toothpaste or hair spray as solvents, but we find that nail polish remover is your best bet.
The acetone should help break down the ink, and the cloth will allow you to gently wipe away any remaining residue.

For a Deeper Cleaning

Although wiping up and cleaning spills as they happen should satisfy your counter’s daily maintenance needs, but according to experts, it’s still a good idea to give it a deep cleaning every couple of weeks.

For this, make sure to use a non-abrasive surface or glass cleaner to spray the countertop liberally. Let this sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then wipe clean using a soft, microfiber cloth or sponge.

What to Avoid

As much as quartz doesn’t require very much maintenance, there are still a few things you need to avoid doing or else risk damaging your countertops.

Don’t Use Common Cleaning Products

Although tempting, it might be best to avoid using any type of common kitchen cleaning products on your quartz countertops.

These products often contain chemicals that could loosen the bond between the polymers and resins used to engineer the slab.

With that in mind, it’s best to use a stone-safe cleaner made specifically for use on quartz. Glass cleaners should also be safe to use, but you just can’t go wrong when you use the right product for the job.

Avoid Exposure to Extreme Heat

It’s not uncommon to think that it would be safe to put a hot dish directly on a heat-resistant material. But think again…

Quartz countertops are made by using a resin, which is essentially a plastic, prone to breaking down and melting at temperatures above 300F degrees.

So either prolonged exposure or a sudden change in temperature could possibly cause the quartz to split and crack. To avoid this, always make sure to use a hot pad or trivet to protect your quartz surface.

Don’t Use Scouring Pads

Steel-wool pads are excellent for scrubbing stainless steel pots and pans, but not so much your quartz countertop.

Even though quartz is a very hard and durable material, you can still scratch its surface by using harsh, abrasive scouring pads to clean it.

Instead, try using a soft, nylon brush or a plastic putty knife to help you remove stains that have stuck to the surface.

Always Use a Cutting Board

Quartz is hard, yes, but it’s not hard enough to resist being scratched and gouged by a sharp knife.

So with that in mind, make sure to always use a cutting board when preparing food on your quartz countertops.

Protecting Quartz Countertops for Life

With proper care and maintenance, there’s no reason your quartz or quartzite countertops shouldn’t last for many years to come. Just make sure to avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials to clean them.

Also, if you’re quartz countertops came with a manufacturer’s warranty, make sure to keep it and store it somewhere safe. Quartz is very durable, but it is an amalgam, which can sometimes, crack, split, and break under certain rare circumstances.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to read quartz countertop care instructions from the stone manufacture brand you choose, which should list some of the specific ways to care for your countertops. Following these instructions is the best way to ensure a long lifespan for your investment.