Routine Cleaning
For day-to-day cleaning, a mild soap and water solution is all you need. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the countertop. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads, which can scratch the surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
You can also use a specially formulated quartz cleaner to gently clean and polish the surface. Look for cleaners that are pH-neutral and alcohol-free. Spray the cleaner onto the countertop and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Removing Stains and Residue
Quartz is resistant to stains, but spills can sometimes leave a residue if not cleaned up promptly. Here are some tips for removing common quartz countertop stains:
Food Stains
For dried-on food spills or stains, try mixing together some baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse clean.
Grease and Oil
Degrease quartz by spraying the surface with an all-purpose cleaner or mix equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe away grease and oil residue with a soft cloth.
Hard Water Marks
Use a specially formulated quartz cleaner or mix equal parts white vinegar and water to remove any hard water stains or mineral deposits. Apply the solution and scrub gently with a nonabrasive sponge.
Dye Transfer
If fabric dye has stained the quartz, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste and let sit for an hour before scrubbing and rinsing clean. You can also try using a cleaner containing bleach.
Deep Cleaning
For a more thorough clean, consider doing a deep cleaning treatment every 6 months to keep quartz looking fresh. Here are two options:
Vinegar and Water Solution
Mix together 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. Use a soft cloth dipped in the solution to wipe down the entire countertop. Let the solution sit for 5 minutes before rinsing clean and drying thoroughly.
Disinfectant Cleaner
To both clean and disinfect, mix 1/4 cup of bleach into 1 gallon of warm water. Apply the solution and let sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping clean with a soft cloth and rinsing thoroughly. Allow to fully dry. Only use this bleach solution occasionally, not for routine cleaning.
Maintenance and Care
Follow these tips to keep quartz counters in good condition:
- Use coasters under glasses and avoid exposing quartz to excessive heat.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains.
- Avoid using abrasive pads or cleaners that can scratch the surface.
- Use a cutting board for food prep to prevent knife scratches.
- Reseal quartz once a year with a stone sealer to strengthen protective layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use vinegar to clean quartz?
Yes, you can safely clean quartz with vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for an effective cleaning solution. The acidic vinegar helps remove residue and stains.
What should you not use to clean quartz?
Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and alkaline cleaners which can damage quartz. Also avoid using oven cleaners, drain cleaners, ammonia, and bleach for routine cleaning.
Does quartz stain easily?
Quartz is very resistant to stains and less porous than natural stone. However, prolonged exposure to spills can result in discoloration. Wipe up spills quickly to prevent stains from setting.
Can you use Clorox wipes on quartz?
It’s best to avoid regular use of Clorox or other bleach wipes on quartz. For occasional disinfecting, a bleach and water solution is effective. But harsh bleach products used frequently can dull the quartz surface over time.
How do you get dried food off a quartz countertop?
Create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the dried food stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing off. You can also try filling a plastic bag with ice to lift off any dried food bits by gently rubbing the ice over the surface.
Conclusion
With proper cleaning techniques using nonabrasive soaps, specialty quartz cleaners, and natural solutions like vinegar, it’s simple to keep quartz countertops looking pristine. Avoid abrasive pads or cleaners, and promptly wipe up spills to prevent stains. Deep clean quartz surfaces every few months for sparkling results. Following these best practices will help maintain the beauty of your quartz countertops.