Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, even quartz requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly clean quartz countertops.
What are Quartz Countertops?
Before diving into cleaning quartz countertops, it’s helpful to understand exactly what quartz countertops are made of.
Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz content typically makes up 90-94% of the material, while resins act as a binder and pigments add coloration.
The result is a non-porous, highly durable surface that is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Unlike natural stone materials like granite or marble, quartz does not need to be sealed.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
There are many reasons quartz has become a go-to choice for countertops:
- Durability – Quartz is incredibly hard and resists scratches, chips, cracks, and heat damage better than most other countertop materials.
- Low maintenance – Since quartz is non-porous, it does not require sealing. Simple cleaning is all that is needed.
- Resists stains – Being non-porous, quartz does not easily absorb stains from spills.
- Aesthetics – Quartz comes in a wide array of colors and patterns that mimic looks of natural stone and concrete.
- Hygienic – With quartz, there are no cracks or pores for bacteria to grow.
Properly caring for your quartz counters helps maintain these desirable attributes.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Cleaning quartz regularly removes dirt, grime, food, and other buildup that can dull the appearance. Here are the recommended techniques:
1. Routine Cleaning
- For day-to-day cleaning, use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
- Wipe the counters to remove any dirt and residue.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
This simple process cleans away most spills, dust, and other debris that accumulate on counters.
2. Remove Stains
Certain spills like coffee, juice, wine, or oil-based products can stain if left too long. To remove:
- Mix a paste of baking soda and water. Spread over the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge or cloth. The baking soda has a mild abrasive effect to lift stains.
- Rinse clean and wipe thoroughly dry.
- For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner formulated for stone surfaces after trying baking soda.
3. Deep Cleaning
Over time, residue buildup can make quartz look hazy. To deep clean:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush to scrub the entire surface. Apply moderate pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe completely dry.
- For extremely dirty counters, use a stone-safe cleaner instead of dish soap.
Deep cleaning every 1-2 months helps keep quartz counters sparkling.
4. Disinfecting
Especially in kitchens, disinfecting quartz periodically is a smart idea. To sanitize:
- Use a cleaner made specifically for disinfecting natural stone surfaces. Look for EPA-registered options.
- Spray or wipe over the entire counter surface. Allow to sit for the product’s recommended contact time.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.
This kills harmful germs and bacteria that can build up.
What NOT To Do
It’s also important to know what to avoid using on quartz counters:
- No abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. They can create permanent scratches and dullness.
- Avoid bleach, alkaline cleaners, and anything with acids like vinegar or lemon juice. They can etch or discolor quartz.
- Do not use waxes, polishes, sealers, or protectants formulated for granite, marble, etc. Quartz counters do not require these products.
Tips for Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Follow these useful tips to keep quartz counters spotless:
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains from setting.
- Use cutting boards and trivets to protect from knives and hot pans which can damage surfaces.
- Apply cleaners to a soft cloth first rather than spraying directly on counters. This prevents drips.
- Work in sections to ensure counters are thoroughly rinsed and dried.
- Buff in the direction of light patterns for optimal shine.
- Avoid dragging appliances, pots, etc which can scratch. Lift and set down carefully.
- Reseal any seams, cracks, or areas around sinks annually to prevent moisture damage.
- For heavy cleaning, use ammonia-free window cleaner for added streak-free shine.
- Replace small stained or damaged sections instead of the whole counter if needed.
How Often To Clean Quartz Countertops
- Daily cleaning: Quick wipe with damp soapy cloth
- Weekly cleaning: Thorough cleaning of entire surface
- Monthly deep cleaning: Use stone cleaner and scrub entire counter
- Annual: Reseal seams and joints
More frequent deep cleanings may be needed for heavily used kitchen counters. Bathroom counters and lightly used areas only need deep cleaning every 2-3 months.
Supplies for Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Having the right supplies on hand makes regular quartz counter maintenance easy:
- Soft cloths: Microfiber, terry towels, cheesecloth
- Sponges: Soft cellulose, natural sponges
- Brush: Soft-bristled
- Mild soap: Dish soap, hand soap, stone cleaner
- Baking soda: For absorbent scrubbing paste
- Disinfectant: Stone-safe antibacterial cleaner
- pH-neutral stone cleaner: For periodic deep cleaning
- Sealer: Water-based for sealing any seams
Avoid abrasive scrubbers, brushes, strong alkaline, or acidic cleaners.
Hiring a Professional
For quartz counters that are extremely dirty or damaged, hiring a professional stone cleaning service can be advisable. They have specialized tools, cleaners, and expertise for deep cleaning and restorative work.
Look for service pros experienced in quartz care rather than just natural stone. Ask about their cleaning methods to ensure they follow quartz manufacturer guidelines.
Professional cleanings range from $100 to $200 depending on the size of the home and counters involved. Annual or biannual professional cleanings can keep quartz counters pristine long-term.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning
DIY Cleaning
- More affordable option
- Requires buying your own supplies
- Results depend on your skills
Professional Cleaning
- Provides expert services
- Superior deep cleaning results
- May improve lifepsan of counters
- Convenient and hassle-free
Either method can successfully keep quartz counters clean with proper techniques and frequency.
Damaged Quartz Countertops
Quartz is incredibly durable but not indestructible. Problems that can arise include:
- Scratches: From cutting directly on the surface or dragging heavy objects
- Chips/Cracks: From drops or blows from heavy items
- Burn marks: From extremely hot pans or objects
- Stains: From prolonged contact with spills like oil, dyes, etc
- Loss of shine/dullness: From hard water spots, etching, and wear over time
Repairing Damaged Quartz
Some remedies for damage include:
- Light scratches can be buffed and polished out with diamond-grit sanding pads
- Chips and cracks need professional repair – the damaged section is removed and replaced with a quartz filler
- Etching or stains may require resurfacing the damaged layer
- Professional deep cleaning can help remove dullness or haze
For severe damage, the only remedy may be a full countertop replacement.
Preventing Damage
- Use cutting boards, trivets, and hot pads to protect surfaces
- Avoid dragging heavy objects – lift instead
- Clean up spills immediately before staining occurs
- Follow manufacturer’s advised cleaners and methods
- Consider professional installation to prevent seam gaps
With proper care and precautions, it’s possible to keep quartz free of significant damage.
How Long Do Quartz Counters Last?
With adequate maintenance, quartz countertops typically last 20-25 years before needing replacement. Some factors affecting longevity include:
- Quality of Installation – Seam gaps, inadequate support, etc can shorten lifespan
- Level of Use – Heavily used kitchen counters decline faster than bath or laundry rooms
- Care and Maintenance – Frequent deep cleaning preserves quartz’s integrity
- Scratches and Damage – Surface damage that isn’t quickly repaired leads to more wear
- Sunlight Exposure – Direct sunlight can slowly fade and discolor quartz
Following the manufacturer’s care guidelines and avoiding damage helps quartz counters exceed the 20-year mark.
Alternatives to Quartz Countertops
Quartz has gained popularity for many reasons, but other countertop options also have benefits:
- Granite – Natural stone with unique veining but requires more maintenance.
- Marble – Softer stone vulnerable to etching/staining but brings elegance.
- Laminate – Most budget-friendly option but lacks durability.
- Soapstone – Stains require oiling but improves patina over time.
- Concrete – Industrial yet porous if not properly sealed.
- Wood – Brings warmth but scratches/stains easily.
- Stainless Steel – Durable, hygienic, modern look but can dent and show water marks.
For those reluctant about quartz upkeep, these alternatives may suit your needs and style.
Are Quartz Countertops Worth It?
For most homeowners, quartz delivers ample advantages to make the investment worthwhile:
Pros
- Very durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Easy to keep clean and hygienic
- Resists staining from spills
- Attractive styles mimicking high-end looks
- Adds value and appeal to kitchens/bathrooms
Cons
- Higher cost than some materials like laminate
- Can be damaged if proper care isn’t followed
- Limited high-heat resistance
- Some lower-quality brands may chip or crack
On the whole, quartz countertops offer an upscale yet user-friendly option when chosen carefully and properly maintained. Taking steps to clean quartz counters regularly helps realize the benefits for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove hard water spots from quartz?
Use a PH-neutral stone cleaner and soft cloth to rub out hard water spots. Avoid acidic cleaners which can damage sealers that protect quartz. For prevention, wiping after contact with hard water and using a water softener system helps.
Can you use vinegar to clean quartz?
No, avoid vinegar or other acidic cleaners on quartz. Acids can damage sealants and etched the surface. Mild soap and water or a specially formulated quartz cleaner are recommended.
What happens if quartz gets sealed?
Quartz does not require sealing like natural stone. In fact, sealing it can create a film that dulls the appearance. Use only cleaners made for unsealed quartz to avoid this. Sealing is for maintenance of porous surfaces like granite, not quartz.
Does lemon remove stains from quartz?
No, citric acids in lemon juice can damage quartz surfaces. For stain removal, use baking soda and water paste or a cleaner formulated for quartz instead. Any acidic cleaners should be avoided.
Can you use Magic Eraser on quartz?
Melamine foam magic erasers are fine for cleaning quartz but avoid excessive scrubbing pressure. Their mildly abrasive texture can rub away the top layer with repeated hard scrubbing. Use intermittent pressure and rinse thoroughly after use.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and maintenance makes living with quartz countertops easy while retaining their durability and beauty. Use mild dish soap and water for day to day, baking soda paste weekly, and PH-balanced stone cleaner periodically. Avoid abrasive pads, acidic products, or sealants. With the proper care, quartz counters will withstand decades of use and continue looking like new. Implement these best practices for cleaning quartz to get the most satisfaction from this premium surface.