Quartz countertops are very popular in kitchens and bathrooms because of their durability, aesthetics, and easy maintenance. However, like any surface, quartz can develop stains and etching over time. This leads many homeowners to wonder whether Bar Keepers Friend can be used to clean quartz countertops. Here is a detailed guide on using Bar Keepers Friend on quartz.
What is Bar Keepers Friend?
Bar Keepers Friend is a household cleaning powder that contains oxalic acid as the main active ingredient. It is excellent at removing mineral deposits, rust stains, and tarnish from various surfaces. Bar Keepers Friend has a mild abrasive action that helps scrub away built-up grime.
The powder is made into a paste by mixing with water before applying to the surface to be cleaned. Bar Keepers Friend is safe for many materials like stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and porcelain. However, its suitability depends on the type of finish and material composition.
Is Bar Keepers Friend Safe for Quartz?
Yes, Bar Keepers Friend is generally considered safe for use on quartz countertops. The mild oxalic acid and abrasives in Bar Keepers Friend work well to remove stains from the solid quartz surface without damaging it.
Quartz countertops are made from ground quartz crystals held together by polymer resins and pigments. This combination results in an extremely hard, non-porous material that stands up well to cleaning chemicals and scrubbing.
Bar Keepers Friend will not react with or corrode the quartz surface. It can remove stubborn stains like coffee, wine, grease, food residue, and hard water marks from quartz. The mild scrubbing action helps lift dirt from the microscopic pores in quartz.
However, it is best to test Bar Keepers Friend on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure no discoloration or dulling occurs.
How to Use Bar Keepers Friend on Quartz
Follow these steps to safely clean your quartz countertop with Bar Keepers Friend:
1. Sweep or Wipe Away Loose Debris
Remove any solid bits of dirt or food crumbs from the quartz using a soft broom or damp paper towels. This prevents scratching the surface when scrubbing.
2. Make a Paste
Add 2-3 tablespoons of Bar Keepers Friend powder to a bowl. Mix with just enough water to make a spreadable paste, adding more water if needed. The texture should be like a thick yogurt.
3. Apply Paste and Allow it to Set
Use a soft cloth, sponge, or non-scratch scouring pad to spread the Bar Keepers Friend paste over the stained area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the oxalic acid time to work.
4. Scrub in Circular Motions
Scrub the paste over the stains using gentle circular motions. Apply moderate pressure with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Once the stain has lifted, rinse the quartz surface several times with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaner. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
6. Reseal if Needed
Check if the quartz sealer has worn off in the cleaned area. Reseal that spot with a quartz-specific sealer to prevent new stains.
Tips for Using Bar Keepers Friend on Quartz
- Spot clean only – don’t use it over the entire countertop surface.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing pressure to prevent dulling the finish.
- For tough stains, let the paste sit for longer time before scrubbing.
- Use a soft nylon scrub sponge instead of abrasive scouring pads.
- Rinse several times to remove all cleaner residue.
- Reseal worn spots to prevent future stains.
- Test on a small area first to check for any damage.
What Stains Can Bar Keepers Friend Remove From Quartz?
Bar Keepers Friend is effective at removing many common stains from quartz counters:
- Coffee and tea stains – These can leave stubborn brown stains. The oxalic acid helps break down the color compounds.
- Wine, juice, and soda stains – Acidic drinks like wine, OJ, and soda can etch quartz over time. Bar Keepers Friend removes the etching and stains.
- Grease and oil stains – Greasy food splatters often stain quartz. The mild abrasive cuts through the oily residue.
- Dried food – Things like dried tomato sauce or baked on cheese can be hard to remove. Bar Keepers Friend loosens and lifts off dried food spills.
- Soap scum and water spots – Mineral deposits from water and soap can build up. The oxalic acid in Bar Keepers Friend dissolves the minerals.
- Rust stains – Bar Keepers Friend removes rust stains from metal pans, utensils, or under-mount sinks touching the quartz.
With some scrubbing, it can even tackle permanent marker stains on quartz. It generally won’t damage quartz, but always test first.
What NOT to Clean Quartz Countertops With
Avoid using these abrasive cleaners on quartz:
- Bleach or chlorine based cleaners
- Vinegar or other acidic cleaners
- Abrasive powders like Comet or Ajax
- Alkaline cleaners like oven cleaners
- Acetone or nail polish remover
- Scouring pads and stiff brushes
These can scratch, pit, dull or discolor the quartz over time. Check the manufacturer’s care guide before using any new cleaner. Stick to gentle pH neutral options.
Conclusion
Bar Keepers Friend is an effective way to remove many types of stains from quartz countertops without damaging the surface. Its mild abrasive formula with oxalic acid can tackle coffee, wine, grease, food, and hard water stains.
Always spot test first and take care not to over-scrub quartz when using Bar Keepers Friend. With some basic precautions, it can keep quartz counters looking like new.