Can I Use Bar Keepers Friend on Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are popular in many homes due to their durability, appearance, and low maintenance. However, like any surface, quartz can get stained and dingy over time. Bar Keepers Friend is a mild abrasive cleaner that can remove stains, rust, mineral deposits, and more from various surfaces. But can you safely use Bar Keepers Friend on quartz countertops without damaging them? Here is a detailed look at using Bar Keepers Friend on quartz.

An Overview of Quartz Countertops

Before looking at using Bar Keepers Friend on quartz, let’s quickly overview what quartz countertops are:

Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz blended with resins and pigments. This makes the material non-porous and resistant to stains.
Quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials due to its durability, visual appeal, low maintenance, and resistance to stains, scratches, and heat.
Brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone make high-quality quartz countertops in a wide array of colors and patterns.
Quartz is harder than natural stone but not as hard as granite. It’s about a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
With proper care, quartz countertops can last for many years in kitchens and bathrooms. But they can become stained and etched over time.

Is Bar Keepers Friend Safe for Quartz?

Bar Keepers Friend can generally be used safely on quartz countertops when following the proper procedures:

Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid as the primary cleaning component along with feldspar as a mild abrasive. This combination helps tackle stains without severely etching or dulling quartz.
Major quartz manufacturers like Caesarstone and Cambria have tested and approved Bar Keepers Friend for use on their quartz products. Always check your specific brand’s recommendations first.
Only use the Bar Keepers Friend powder formula on quartz. The liquid and spray versions contain bleach which can damage and discolor quartz.
Make sure to mix the powder with water to form a paste before applying to quartz. Never use Bar Keepers Friend powder alone as an abrasive.
Spot test Bar Keepers Friend on a small inconspicuous area first to check for any adverse effects.
Never use Bar Keeper’s Friend on polished quartz countertops, as it can damage the glossy finish. Only use it on honed or textured quartz.

As long as you follow the proper procedures, Bar Keepers Friend can make quartz countertops look brand new again. But improper use carries risks of permanently damaging the finish.

How to Use Bar Keepers Friend on Quartz

Here is a step-by-step process for safely using Bar Keepers Friend to clean quartz countertops:

Supplies Needed

Bar Keepers Friend powder formula (not liquid or spray)
Water
Soft non-abrasive cloth or sponge
Soft scrub brush (optional)

Steps

Mix Bar Keepers Friend powder with just enough water to form a thick paste.
Apply the paste to a soft cloth or sponge. Optionally, you can apply with a soft scrub brush for tough stains.
Spot test the paste on a small inconspicuous part of the quartz first. Check for any discoloration or damage.
If no adverse effects, apply the paste to the stained areas of quartz. Gently scrub back and forth.
Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minutes to lift the stains. Gently scrub again if needed.
Wipe the quartz clean with a soft damp cloth to remove all paste residue.
Rinse out the cloth and wipe again until quartz is completely clean.
Buff dry the countertop with a soft towel.
Inspect under bright light to ensure the stain is gone and finish is undamaged.
Repeat if needed for stubborn stains. But do not over-scrub quartz.

With this process, Bar Keepers Friend can safely clean and restore the original beauty of quartz countertops without causing etching or dullness. Just be sure to use with care and test first.

What Types of Stains Can Bar Keepers Friend Remove from Quartz?

Bar Keepers Friend works well at removing a variety of difficult stains that can develop on quartz surfaces over time:

Coffee and tea stains – The acids and oils can really set into quartz. Bar Keepers Friend breaks up these organic stains.
Grease and cooking oil stains – Kitchen splatters and spills leave behind oily residues. The oxalic acid helps cut through grease.
Hard water marks and mineral deposits – Hard water leaves spots and films. Bar Keepers Friend dissolves minerals.
Dyes and food stains – Spices, juices, and colored foods can leave discoloration. Bar Keepers Friend lifts these stains.
Soap scum and bathroom grime – Quartz around sinks can get a buildup of soap and toothpaste. The cleaner tackles these issues.
Fingerprints and smudges – Oils from hands can leave behind tricky marks. Bar Keepers Friend removes oils well.

With its mild abrasive cleaning power, Bar Keepers Friend can make many stains disappear from quartz that other cleaners have trouble removing.

Tips for Using Bar Keepers Friend on Quartz

Follow these tips when using Bar Keepers Friend cleaner on quartz countertops:

Always test on a small hidden spot first to check for any damage.
Mix with water into a thick paste – do not use powder directly on the quartz.
Rub gently in circular motions – don’t aggressively scrub the surface.
Use a soft cloth, sponge or brush – nothing abrasive or hard.
Don’t let the paste dry on the surface – wipe off promptly when done.
Rinse thoroughly until all cleaner residue is removed.
Buff dry with a microfiber cloth to restore shine.
Limit Bar Keeper’s Friend use to occasional deep cleaning – don’t overuse.
Avoid getting Bar Keeper’s Friend on polished quartz finishes.
Check your quartz manufacturer’s care guide before using.

Following the proper procedures consistently will allow you to safely clean quartz counters with Bar Keepers Friend while avoiding damage.

Alternatives to Bar Keepers Friend for Cleaning Quartz

If you prefer not to use Bar Keepers Friend on your quartz countertops, here are some alternative cleaning options:

Mild dish soap and warm water – For light cleaning, use a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Wipe down with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide – Its oxidizing properties break up stains. Dip a soft cloth in peroxide and gently rub stains. Rinse thoroughly after.
Baking soda – Its mild abrasiveness cleans without scratching. Make a paste with water and gently scrub stains. Rinse well afterward.
Vinegar – The acidity in vinegar cuts through grease and grime. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and wipe down quartz.
Ammonia – Adds cleaning power that breaks up dirt. Mix 1/4 cup ammonia in 1 gallon of water. Rinse thoroughly after using.
Nano-polymer quartz cleaners – Specialty cleaners designed for quartz contain polymers that lift stains without abrasives.

Always spot test any new cleaner on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the quartz. With a little routine cleaning care, quartz countertops will maintain their good looks for many years.

Can I Use Bar Keepers Friend on Quartz Countertops – Conclusion

In conclusion, Bar Keepers Friend can be used safely on quartz countertops in most cases if following the proper procedures. Always check your specific quartz brand’s recommendations first. Make sure to mix Bar Keepers Friend powder into a paste with water before gently scrubbing stained areas of honed or textured quartz. Spot test first and rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Avoid overuse and do not use on polished quartz. When used carefully, Bar Keepers Friend can effectively clean tough stains like grease, coffee, and hard water marks from quartz surfaces. But alternatives like dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, and nano-polymer quartz cleaners can also keep quartz counters looking like new with regular use. Follow the proper cleaning methods for your quartz countertops to maintain their appearance and durability for many years.