The Ultimate Guide to Quartz Countertop Cleaning

Quartz countertops contain natural quartz crystals blended with polymer resins to create an attractive, non-porous surface resistant to stains and damage. However, daily cooking, cleaning, and use means protects quartz countertops still accumulate minor stains, soap scum, and grime requiring removal to stay looking its best. Consistent cleaning protects both the aesthetic and longevity of your quartz countertops.

This kitchen countertops and guide covers dos and don’ts for cleaning quartz counters, supplies needed, step-by-step cleaning methods, removing stains, and tips for ongoing maintenance. Follow these quartz countertops cleaning best practices and you’ll keep your kitchen counters in immaculate condition for years to come.

Why Proper Cleaning Matters for Quartz Surfaces

While durable, quartz still requires routine cleaning to look its best and avoid damage over time. Quartz contains natural quartz crystals blended with polymer resins that create a non-porous scratch-resistant, stain-resistant surface. However, with daily use quartz counters still collect spills, oils, soap residue, and grime that require removal.

Manufacturers like Cambria and Caesarstone note that quartz can lose its luster and develop a dull film over time without consistent cleaning. This also detracts from the material’s polished, stone-like appearance. Plus grime buildup makes quartz more prone to stain absorption if surface stains are not promptly removed.

Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning a Quartz Countertop

When it comes to caring for quartz counters, there are certain cleaners and techniques to embrace and some definite missteps to avoid. To keep your counters in flawless shape, get cleaning do’s and don’ts right with these guidelines.

Learn the recommended products and methods for cleaning quartz countertops along with mistakes that can damage quartz. Follow these dos and don’ts for ideal daily and weekly quartz cleaning.

DOs

• Use a soft microfiber cloth, sponge, or non-abrasive cleaning pads designed for stone surfaces when cleaning quartz counters. Soft materials prevent scratching.
• Clean with mild dish soap, natural stone cleaner, or a formula specially formulated for sealed stone surfaces like quartz and granite. PH-balanced cleaners gently remove grime without damaging quartz.
• Blot spills like wine, oil, or coffee immediately to prevent lasting stains on your quartz countertops. Quick attention prevents permanent absorption into the surface.
• Regularly inspect quartz counters for any dirt buildup in heavy-use areas. Clean as needed to prevent etching or dulling the surface over time.
• Reseal quartz counters every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealer formulated to protect quartz and keep the surface repelling stains.

DON’T

• Use abrasive pads, scrubs, or cleansers that can scratch and damage quartz’s shiny surface. Quartz is durable but not impervious to harm from harsh cleaning.
• Apply excess pressure when cleaning quartz. Vigorous scrubbing can damage the material and dull the polished finish. Use only light pressure with soft cloths or sponges.
• Allow spills from items like wine, grease, oil, coffee, and other liquids to sit uncleaned on the quartz. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent staining and discoloration.
• Use vinegar, bleach, alkaline cleaners like oven cleaner, or other harsh chemicals. Quartz can be etched by acidic or caustic cleaners.
• Place hot pots, pans, or baking sheets directly on quartz countertops. The extreme heat can damage the surface. Always use trivets or hot pads.

Supplies Needed

Gather these recommended supplies before cleaning quartz counters:

• Soft cleaning cloths, sponges, or microfiber towels that won’t scratch the quartz surface while scrubbing
• Mild dish soap like Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronner’s, or other natural cleaner free from toxic chemicals
• Spray bottle, glass cleaner filled with warm water to dissolve and rinse away grime
• Non-abrasive scrub pad or sponge for extra scrubbing power on tough stains
• Microfiber towel for drying to prevent water spots and complete the cleaning process
• Optional: small amount of gentle cleaner like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol for stain removal

Avoid supplies like steel wool pads, scouring pads, old toothbrushes, or bristle brushes as these can damage quartz and cause etching or pitting.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Follow these steps for routine quartz cleaning:

1. Clear counter of any items, appliances, food, etc.
2. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap or natural stone cleaner.
3. Mist the quartz surface generously with the cleaning solution then let sit for 3-5 minutes.
4. Using a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, gently scrub the entire surface using small circular motions.
5. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean warm water and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.

For dried-on spills or stains, let the cleaning solution sit for longer before scrubbing. You can use a gentle scrub pad for stubborn grime. Avoid excessive pressure.

Removing Stains on Quartz Counters

For pesky stains like dried food, oils, grease marks, hard water deposits, soap scum, and grime that resists normal cleaning, use these steps:

• Let a cloth soaked in warm water sit directly on the stain for 5-10 minutes to gently soften and loosen dried-on messes. This makes scrubbing easier.
• Apply a non-abrasive cleaning pad, sponge, or soft cloth and gently scrub the stain using small circular motions. Increase scrubbing pressure gradually if needed.
• If stains still persist, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply to the stain for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing again. The mild abrasiveness helps lift stains.
• For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or mild citrus-scented cleaner to the area. Let sit for 1-2 minutes then scrub and rinse.
• Use a putty knife or plastic scraper to gently dislodge any hardened material like gum. This avoids scratching. Rinse thoroughly.

Avoid using harsh chemicals like paint removers, nail polish removers, drain cleaners, or chlorine bleach which can quickly etch and discolor quartz.

Tips for Maintaining Quartz Countertops

Follow these habits for keeping quartz counters flawless over the long term:

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions on cleaning and avoiding damage to your specific quartz type. Different quartz has different durability.
• Clean quartz counters at least 1-2 times weekly to prevent the buildup of grime in heavy-use areas near the sink. Frequent light cleaning removes staining risks.
• Always use cutting boards for food prep. Avoid using quartz counters as chopping blocks or placing hot pans directly on the surface. Use trivets and hot pads.
• Reseal quartz counters with a penetrating sealer approved for engineered stone every 1-2 years. Sealing helps preserve stain resistance.
• Limit sunlight exposure where possible. UV rays can slowly fade or discolor natural quartz over many years.
• Don’t use quartz polish or cleaning formulas with abrasives. Use soft cloths and mild pH-balanced cleaners only to prevent dulling the polished finish.

Consistent care protects the flawless factory finish and radiance of quartz counters so they dazzle for decades.

Bottomline

Regular cleaning keeps quartz counters spotless while protecting these valued surfaces. Use only soft clothes, mild detergent cleaners, and gentle scrubbing to prevent damaging quartz and dulling its brilliant shine. Avoid harsh chemicals, hot pots directly on quartz, and abrasive pads.

With the proper routine care using non-abrasive quartz cleaners, you can keep your kitchen counters and surfaces glistening like new and odor-free. Follow these best practices so your quartz and granite countertops withstand decades of everyday use while maintaining their sleek, flawless finish with your regular cleaning.