How Can I Clean Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects because of their durability, aesthetics, and easy maintenance. However, even though quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, it still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking like new. Follow this guide to learn the best practices for keeping quartz surfaces sparkling clean.

Why Proper Cleaning is Important for Quartz Countertops

While quartz countertops are touted for their resilience, they are not completely immune to damage if not cared for properly. Here are some key reasons to stay on top of cleaning your quartz:

Prevent Buildup of Grime and Bacteria: Like any surface, quartz can accumulate dirt, food residue, oils, soap scum, and microbes over time. Regular cleaning removes these deposits before they have a chance to build up and become more difficult to remove.
Avoid Etching and Dulling: Quartz can become etched and scratched by prolonged exposure to acidic foods like citrus, vinegar, and tomatoes. Sealing and prompt cleaning is important to keep the surface smooth and glossy.
Maintain Appearance: Thorough cleaning keeps quartz looking like new by removing dust, fingerprints, water spots and other marks that can detract from its appearance.
Sanitize: Disinfecting quartz eliminates harmful germs that can lurk on kitchen and bathroom surfaces. This is especially important in food prep areas.

Following proper quartz cleaning techniques will prevent long-term damage while keeping it spotless.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Cleaning quartz does not require specialized tools or products. Most messes can be tackled with mild soap and water. Here are the basic supplies you need:

Mild liquid dish soap: Look for unscented, dye-free soap. Dish soap contains degreasing agents to cut through oil and grime.
Soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth: Stay away from stiff scrub brushes or textured sponges that could scratch the surface.
Microfiber cleaning cloths: These lift and trap particles without streaking.
Glass cleaner: For polishing and removing water spots and surface dust. Select a non-ammonia formula.
Disinfecting wipes or spray: Look for “quarternary ammonium” on the label, an effective and quartz-safe disinfectant.

Optional extras like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be used for extra cleaning power on stubborn stains.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Quartz Countertops

Staying on top of daily maintenance is the best way to keep quartz counters clean. Follow these steps as part of your regular kitchen cleaning routine:

1. Remove Surface Clutter

Clear counters of any removable items like appliances, dishes, jars, etc. This allows full access to the entire surface area for cleaning.

2. Rinse with Warm Water

Use a sponge or cloth with warm water to rinse away any crumbs or debris. Warm water is mildly degreasing.

3. Apply Dish Soap

Squirt a small amount of mild, unscented dish soap onto a wet sponge. Avoid sudsing up the quartz too much.

4. Clean Surface

Wipe down the entire counter with soapy water using small circular motions. Rinse frequently and change out dirty water.

5. Dry Thoroughly

Wipe away all moisture with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. Buff dry any wet areas around the sink.

6. Inspect and Spot Clean

Look over the surface and spot clean any lingering dried on messes with soapy water. Periodically disinfect high traffic areas.

7. Shine and Polish

Mist a microfiber cloth with glass cleaner and buff the surface to remove fingerprints and restore shine.

Following these simple daily steps keeps quartz clean and reduces the need for deep cleaning.

Weekly Deep Cleaning for Quartz Countertops

In addition to daily cleaning, quartz should receive a thorough deep cleaning session once a week. This removes any built up grime that regular cleaning may have missed.

Supplies Needed

Dish soap
Spray bottle filled with 1 part white vinegar diluted in 4 parts warm water
Soft scrub brush
Microfiber cloths
Glass cleaner
Disinfecting wipes or spray

Instructions

Remove everything from counters and clear any appliances or accessories.
Apply a light mist of the vinegar solution across the entire surface. Avoid saturating.
Let soak 5 minutes to help dissolve grease and grime.
Scrub counters in circular motions with a soft brush soaked in dish soap and water.
Rinse soap residue thoroughly with clean water and dry with microfiber cloths.
Spot treat any remaining stuck-on messes with dish soap.
Disinfect high touch areas like around the sink and backsplash.
Polish dry with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner.
Replace any items removed from the counters.

This intensive cleaning routine tackles grime the regular daily cleanings may miss. Quartz will shine like new again!

How to Clean Quartz Countertops After Food Preparation

Kitchen counters need some extra attention after food preparation, cooking, and eating. Target these areas:

Clean spills promptly: Immediately wipe up juices, oils, wine, condiments, etc. before they can soak in and stain. Dish soap on a sponge usually removes fresh spills.
Remove stuck on food: Gently scrape off stuck on food debris with a plastic scraper or the edge of a credit card. Avoid metal scrapers and abrasive scrubbers.
Clean greasy areas: Degrease areas around the stovetop and oven with dish soap and warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Disinfect surfaces: Sanitize areas that came in contact with raw meat juices, eggs, and other contaminants.
Shine appliances: Use glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and water spots from appliances like coffee makers.

Regularly cleaning food prep messes prevents permanent staining on quartz.

How to Remove Difficult Stains from Quartz Countertops

While quartz resists most stains, some troublesome spots may require extra elbow grease. Here are remedies for common quartz staining culprits:

Coffee and Tea Stains

Make a paste of 2 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp water. Spread on stain and let sit 20 minutes before rinsing. The abrasive baking soda will lift pigment.

Dried Tomato Sauce

Soak stained area with dish soap and hot water for 5 minutes. Gently scrub with a plastic bristled brush. Rinse and repeat if needed.

Beet and Berry Juice Stains

Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain and let sit several hours. The acidity lifts pigment. Scrub gently with baking soda paste.

Marker and Ink Stains

Dab stains immediately with rubbing alcohol using a microfiber cloth. This can prevent permanent staining.

Hard Water Deposits

Mix 2 parts water with 1 part hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Lightly mist deposits and let fizz 5 minutes before rinsing.

With some targeted treatments, even notoriously stubborn stains can be removed from quartz.

How to Clean Quartz Countertop Grout Lines

The grout lines between quartz counter tiles also need regular cleaning. Here’s how to keep grout clean:

Use a toothbrush and baking soda paste to scrub out stained or dirty grout lines. Let paste sit briefly before scrubbing.
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Mist on grout and let bubble for 5 minutes to sanitize and whiten.
Look for soap scum buildup around sinks and faucets. Apply vinegar, let sit, and scrub with a small nylon brush.
Pour a squeezy bottle of tile cleaner containing effervescent peroxide into stubborn mildew in grout lines. Let fizz.
Avoid getting the quartz surface wet when cleaning grout. Limit moisture to grout lines only.
Rinse grout lines thoroughly and wipe quartz counter dry after cleaning.

Regular grout cleaning prevents staining on surrounding quartz.

Tips for Cleaning a Quartz Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands require some special care due to their placement in cooking and eating spaces:

Disinfect surfaces: Use a bleach-free disinfecting wipe or spray weekly to kill germs where food is prepared.
Clean up spills quickly: Don’t allow food and drinks spilled on an island to sit and soak in. Clean promptly.
Rinse and dry behind appliances: Pull appliances like stand mixers off the counter weekly to clean behind them.
Use trivets and mats: Place hot pots, pans, and dishes on trivets and use placemats during meals to protect quartz.
Remove stuck on food: Use a plastic scraper to gently lift dried on food debris like pasta or rice. Don’t use metal tools.
Clean applied finishes: For an island with an applied finish like Ardex, follow manufacturer instructions for proper care techniques.

With extra cleaning attention, a kitchen island can stay looking like new.

How to Clean Quartz Bathroom Countertops

Bathroom quartz requires cleaning strategies tailored to the space. Here are tips:

Disinfect frequently: Sanitize bathroom quartz surfaces like vanity tops weekly or after sickness with a bleach-free quartz safe product.
Remove makeup stains: Gently rub liquid foundation or powder eyeshadow stains with coconut oil to dissolve, then wash with dish soap.
Beware of beauty products: Wipe up nail polish, perfume, and hair products quickly as they can stain if left on quartz.
Clean up toothpaste: Scrape dried toothpaste with a plastic scraper before washing counters. Toothpaste can etch quartz over time.
Shine metal fixtures: Use glass cleaner to remove water spots from faucets and keep fixtures gleaming. Avoid spraying cleaner directly on quartz.
Watch the grout: Use a grout brush and hydrogen peroxide spray weekly on grout lines near sinks to prevent mildew growth.

With vigilance about bathroom messes, quartz vanities stay looking new.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Quartz

Hard water containing mineral deposits can etch and stain quartz over time. Try these removal techniques:

Soak in vinegar: Cover stains with a cloth soaked in undiluted white vinegar. After an hour, scrub with baking soda paste before rinsing.
Make a hydrogen peroxide paste: Mix 2 parts baking soda with one part 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply paste to stains and allow to bubble for 5 minutes before scrubbing clean.
Use lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto deposits. Let soak for at least 30 minutes, then scrub with a soft cloth. Rinse well. Repeat if needed.
Try a buffered oxide polish: Use a specially formulated quartz polish like Goddard’s Marble & Granite Polish applied with a soft cloth to gently dissolve and lift hard water stains.
Install a water softener: Prevent future hard water staining by installing a home water softening system.

With persistence, hard water stains can usually be removed from quartz surfaces.

How to Clean Oiled Quartz Countertops

Quartz brands like Cambria use a food-safe sealant that gives the surface an oiled, natural stone appearance. Follow these tips:

Avoid abrasives: Do not use scrubbing pads, powders, or abrasive cleaners which can damage the finish.
Use mild dish soap: Stick to gentle hand washing with a soft sponge and mild soap and water.
Skip the squeegee: Don’t scrape or squeegee the surface when wiping dry. Buff gently with a microfiber cloth instead.
Watch the vinegar: Limit the use of vinegar for cleaning. The acidity can degrade the protective oiled finish over time.
Re-oil periodically: Use the manufacturer recommended oil treatment 1-2 times per year to maintain the patina. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.

With a gentle approach, an oiled quartz finish stays looking its best.

Does Quartz Need to be Sealed?

Unlike natural stone, quartz does not require regular sealing. Here’s what to know:

Quartz is non-porous: Manufactured from ground quartz mixed with polymer resins, quartz will not absorb spilled liquids. Sealing is not necessary.
Some brands apply sealants: Certain quartz brands apply food-safe sealants during fabrication mainly for visual effect. Always follow manufacturer guidelines on maintenance.
Resealing is not needed: Do not re-apply sealant to factory sealed quartz. This could void warranties and lead to a buildup of acrylic on the surface.
Sealing grout is recommended: While quartz itself is impervious, the grout lines between counter tiles can absorb stains. Use a penetrating grout sealer.
Care for oiled quartz gently: Quartz with an oiled patina finish should be maintained according to manufacturer instructions to avoid damaging the applied oil treatment.

Unless caring for a specially finished oiled quartz, sealing and resealing are not necessary.

How to Disinfect Quartz Countertops

Disinfecting and sanitizing quartz surfaces helps kill illness-causing germs. Here are tips:

Use a bleach-free disinfectant: Look for EPA approved products labeled as quartz safe to avoid damaging the surface. many contain quaternary ammonium.
Spot disinfect high touch areas: Focus on areas around sinks and appliances. Use disinfecting wipes or sprays weekly or after sickness.
Mix up a disinfecting solution: Make a sanitizing solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water. Apply sparingly to quartz with a soft cloth.
Try hydrogen peroxide: Spritz 3% hydrogen peroxide onto quartz. Let bubble for 5 minutes before wiping clean with water for natural disinfection.
Clean first then disinfect: Disinfectants work best on clean surfaces. Remove grime with dish soap before applying sanitizing products.
Rinse thoroughly: Always rinse disinfectants completely with clean water and dry quartz to prevent resin erosion.

Regular disinfection of quartz eliminates illness-causing pathogens.

How Can I Make Quartz Countertops Shine?

To restore maximum shine and luster to quartz, try these tips:

Use glass cleaner: Mist counters with a non-ammonia glass cleaner and polish dry with microfiber cloths 1-2 times per week.
Try vinegar and water: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Wipe down quartz and buff dry for shine.
Apply olive oil: Put a few drops of olive oil on a soft cloth and rub gently over the surface. Wipe any excess oil away. The oils renew shine.
Rub with dryer sheets: Gently buff quartz with unused dryer sheets to lift residue and restore luster.
Clean grease buildup: Remove any greasy film around stovetops or sinks with dish soap before polishing. Degreasing improves shine.
Address dull spots: Inspect closely for etched or dull spots. Spot polish these areas with extra attention to even out shine.

With regular polishing and removal of residue, quartz maintains its just-installed gleam.

Common Quartz Countertop Cleaning Mistakes

While durable, quartz can become damaged if cleaned improperly over time. Avoid these mistakes:

Using abrasive scrubbers, pads, or powders that scar surfaces.
Allowing spills, especially acidic foods, to sit uncleaned for prolonged periods and etch.
Failing to rinse cleaning solutions like vinegar thoroughly and eroding resin binders.
Applying excessive pressure while scrubbing which can dull and scratch.
Using oily cleaners and polishes not formulated for quartz which leave residue.
Over-wetting counters leading to moisture damage around sinks and joints.
Using bleach, alkaline, or ammonia based cleaners that degrade quartz sealants.
Neglecting to clean grout lines allowing moisture under slabs and mildew growth.

By avoiding improper cleaning techniques, your quartz counters will stay looking pristine for years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Should I use different cleaners for polished vs. matte quartz finishes?

The same gentle cleaning methods using dish soap, water, and microfiber cloths can be used on both polished and matte or honed quartz finishes. Honed finishes may require a little extra buffing to bring back the smooth appearance after cleaning.

How do I get rid of cloudy areas on my quartz?

Cloudy spots and rings are usually caused by mineral deposits from water or cleansing products that were not fully rinsed. Try re-washing the area with dish soap and water then blotting completely dry. You can also try mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and misting the cloudy area before wiping clean.

What’s the best way to clean heavy oil stains on quartz?

For heavy grease stains around stoves and ovens, try sprinkling a light layer of baking soda over the oil stain to draw out the grease. After letting it sit for an hour, wipe away baking soda and scrub spot with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Repeat if needed.