The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning & Caring for Your Quartz Countertop

There’s a reason why quartz countertops are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms -- they’re absolutely gorgeous! That’s not all, of course; Unlike its marble counterpart, quartz is a non-porous, engineered stone, quartz is extremely hard-wearing and heat resistant, making it a great option for busy kitchen worktops. Best of all, learning how to clean and care for your quartz countertop is easy-peasy!

Yes, the material is low-maintenance but you still need to know the right way to clean quartz countertops if you wish to keep up their new and luxurious appearance. The do's and don’ts are fairly easy to keep in mind and in this guide, you will learn all you need to know about cleaning and caring for your quartz counters! Read on.

Daily Cleaning Tips for Quartz Counters

If you take the time to clean your quartz counters every day, you will be able to prevent that unsightly film which dulls the stone and attracts more dirt and stains. 

Here are some very useful tips for cleaning a quartz countertop daily.

Clean with Dish Soap

For a quick and convenient daily clean, make a mild solution of dish soap and water in a spray bottle; shake well, and spritz the counter (after wiping the surface to remove debris). Using a sponge or soft cloth, clean your quartz kitchen/bathroom countertop by wiping the surface in circular motions. If you find that the cleaner has left soap residue on the surface, simply wipe over it with a damp cloth, followed by a dry, lint-free towel to prevent water spots.

How to Remove Grease

When tackling tough grease on a quartz countertop, mild soap isn’t always effective. This typically calls for a degreaser that is specially formulated for quartz, or a carefully made natural cleaning solution. For the latter, you can use a diluted white vinegar solution in the ratios of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Never use the ingredient raw as it can discolour and damage the stone. Similar to daily cleaning, spray on the degreaser, clean thoroughly with a sponge/cloth, and wipe again with a damp towel to remove all traces of the agent.

How to Remove Stuck-On Grime

Typically, using hot or warm water to soak stubborn grime is enough to clean it up, however, if you’re dealing with dried food bits or spills that have had a lot of time to sit, you’re going to need to scrape the grime off as gently as possible. A putty knife is perfect for this and very effective in removing stuck-on gunk, especially after it has had at least 5 minutes to soak.

Stain Removal Tips for Quartz Counters

There is more than one way to remove stains from your quartz countertops, however, some methods/products are more effective than others (this also depends on the type of stain you are dealing with).

The following stain removal tips are sure to be handy when it comes to those stubborn, sticky stains on your quartz countertops. 

Using an Adhesive Remover

Unless you opt for an adhesive remover, getting out those really sticky, gooey stains will require a lot of time and elbow grease. These commercial products are easy to use and extremely effective in cleaning up stains from a quartz countertop, however, it is important to buy an adhesive remover specially made for the stone or one that is safe to use on it.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

For stubborn spots that may have been caused by grease, gravy spills, toothpaste splatters, or soap scum, Isopropyl alcohol (70%) is your best bet in removing the stains quickly, and with minimal scrubbing! Simply dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol, clean the stain on your quartz counter, and finish off by wiping the surface with a towel (dampened in warm water).

Using Glass Cleaner

Because of their chemical content, it is not advisable to use glass cleaning products on a quartz kitchen counter. Bathroom counters, on the other hand, can be cleaned with a quartz-safe glass cleaner by simply spraying the stain directly, and leaving it to soak for a few minutes. To lift or scrub the stain, simply use a damp towel. The product will also help get rid of that dull, grimy film the stone often develops over time. 

How to Maintain Your Quartz Countertop

Daily cleaning and removing stains from your quartz counter will certainly keep it looking good, but there are some do’s and don’ts you must be aware of in order to ensure that your efforts aren’t going in vain. 

Find the crucial maintenance tips to prevent damaging your quartz countertops below:

Avoid High Temperatures

Although quartz is heat resistant, you shouldn’t subject the stone to high temperatures. This means hot pots/utensils must not be placed on quartz counters without a heat stand.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners/Chemicals

 While most agents can be diluted and used to clean quartz, it is still advisable to stick to mild soap and/or the cleaning methods and ingredients mentioned earlier in this article. 

Wipe Spills Before They Set

Allowing spills to turn into stains just adds to your work while also giving them a chance to do some damage to the stone. This is why it’s important to clean up spills immediately using mild soap and water.

Avoid Using Abrasive Tools

From abrasive scrubbers to using knives directly on the stone; avoid all sharp tools or anything that may scratch and damage the surface. Remember, even an engineered stone like quartz which is scratch-resistant can encounter some scratches if you are not careful enough. 

Closing Thoughts

If you’re considering a quartz countertop for your bathroom or kitchen, rest assured that you won’t be sorry! This beautiful stone will last for years to come so long as you clean and care for your quartz countertops using the tips above!