Quartz countertops are one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops today. Made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, quartz countertops are valued for their durability, stain resistance, and low maintenance. However, cleaning quartz countertops properly is still important to keep them looking like new. Here is the ultimate guide on how to clean quartz countertops daily.
Why Daily Cleaning of Quartz Countertops is Important
Daily cleaning helps prevent buildup of dirt, grime, bacteria, and other contaminants on quartz. When left unchecked, these can lead to:
- Stains setting into the countertop that are harder to remove later. Foods like coffee, tea, wine, tomatoes, and oil especially can stain if left for too long.
- Permanent dulling of the surface as grease and soap scum accumulate. This takes away from the original polish.
- Growth of mold, mildew and bacteria in hard-to-reach corners and edges. These create unsanitary conditions and potentially odors.
- Etching and wearing down of the countertop surface over time. Some acids and cleaners can have detrimental effects if left on for prolonged periods.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops Daily: Step-by-Step
Here is a step-by-step process for cleaning your quartz countertops daily:
1. Clear countertops of all items
Remove everything from the countertop – appliances, kitchen tools, food jars, soap bottles etc. This allows thorough cleaning of the entire surface.
2. Remove loose debris
Wipe down the countertop with a dry microfiber cloth to remove loose crumbs, dirt and dust particles. Lift sticky spills with a spatula.
3. Mix a gentle countertop cleaner
Good options include:
- Dish soap and warm water
- Vinegar diluted in water
- pH-neutral granite cleaner
Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia and alkaline-based soaps. Also avoid using anything too abrasive like scouring pads.
4. Apply the cleaner
Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrub pad. Apply the cleaner directly to the countertop. For stubborn stains and buildup, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
5. Clean the entire surface
Wipe down the entire countertop, cleaning from back to front. Pay attention to edges, corners and around sinks/faucets. These attract more buildup. Apply extra cleaner if needed.
6. Rinse thoroughly
Wipe all traces of cleaner away with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Avoid leaving any residue.
7. Dry the countertop
Go over the surface again with a dry microfiber towel. Any lingering moisture can lead to streaks and mineral deposits.
8. Reapply countertop sealer (every 6 months)
Though quartz itself doesn’t require sealing, the sealer fills in micro-pores and provides extra protection. Reapply a quartz countertop sealer every 6 months.
Tips for Cleaning Stubborn Stains and Buildup
For stubborn stains or buildup that the regular daily cleaners cannot remove, try these tips:
- Baking soda paste – Make a paste with baking soda and water and scrub onto difficult stains using a soft bristle brush. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. The alkaline baking soda helps cut through grease.
- Hydrogen peroxide – This mild bleach can help remove organic stains like coffee, tea, wine, tomato sauce etc that have set in. Apply some hydrogen peroxide directly and let it fizz for a few minutes before wiping and rinsing.
- Barkeeper’s Friend – This surface cleaner contains oxalic acid making it effective on mineral deposits and rust stains. Make a paste and use a soft brush to gently scrub marks away. Rinse thoroughly.
- White vinegar – The acidic vinegar breaks down hard water deposits, soap scum and calcium stains. Simply pour some vinegar directly on the stain, allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub and rinse off.
- Heat – For wax that has melted onto the countertop, apply a paper towel over the wax stain and apply a warm iron on top. The wax will melt and transfer onto the paper.
Always spot test cleaners on a small unseen area first to check for any adverse effects on the quartz.
What to Avoid on Quartz Countertops
There are some definite don’ts when it comes to cleaning quartz:
- No abrasive cleaners or scrub pads – These can permanently scratch and dull the surface. Stick to soft non-abrasive cloths and sponges only.
- No harsh chemicals – Bleach, Windex, ammonia, alcohol, and alkaline cleaners like oven cleaner can etch and pit quartz. They strip away the protective sealant.
- No dragging or dropping heavy objects – Quartz is tough but dropping something pointed or heavy can chip or crack it. Lift don’t drag objects across the surface to avoid scratches.
- No applying sealants unnecessarily – Quartz itself doesn’t need sealing. Reapply sealant only every 6 months for added protection, not repeatedly.
- No leaving spills or stains for too long – Attend to any spills immediately to prevent staining. Dried up residues are harder to remove later.
How Often Should Quartz Countertops be Professionally Cleaned?
In addition to daily cleaning, professional deep cleaning sessions every 6-12 months are recommended for quartz countertops. This helps remove buildup that regular cleaning cannot tackle. Professional quartz cleaners use safe specialty products and tools to clean without damaging the surface.
Deep cleaning is recommended especially for kitchen countertops that see a lot of use. The sessions can include:
- Thorough cleaning of the entire surface to eliminate grease, food residues and hard water marks
- Sanitizing treatment to disinfect and kill bacteria
- Resealing if needed to renew the protective layer
- Polishing to restore original shine
Professional cleaners have techniques to clean hard-to-reach areas like edges and cracks thoroughly. They can also assess if any repairs or touch ups are needed.
How to Clean Different Types of Quartz Countertops
While techniques remain largely the same, slight adjustments may be needed based on the specific brand and style of your quartz countertop:
- Caesarstone quartz – One of the most popular brands, these can develop a permanent yellowish stain if not cared for. Be vigilant about wiping spills immediately before they have a chance to set in.
- Cambria quartz – Contains a high percentage of natural quartz. Use less pressure when scrubbing to avoid scouring this softer surface.
- Silestone quartz – Integrally colored so staining not a big concern. However, polished Silestone can become dull over time with improper cleaning.
- Viatera quartz – Highly glossy surface shows water spots easily. Avoid using acidic cleaners which can damage the shine. Wipe completely dry after cleaning.
Always consult your countertop supplier or installer for the proper care recommendations for your specific quartz variety.
FAQs About Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Can you use Windex on quartz?
No, avoid using Windex or any cleaner with ammonia on quartz. It can dull the surface and strip off sealant over time. Use a pH neutral cleaner instead.
Should you seal quartz countertops?
Sealing is not strictly required for quartz since it is non-porous. However, sealant provides an added layer of protection especially for lighter colored quartz. Reapply a high quality sealer every 6 months.
How do you remove hard water stains from quartz?
Hard water deposits appear as spots or scaling. Use a limestone and rust remover or make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub off hard water marks. Vinegar also helps break down mineral deposits.
Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean quartz?
Rubbing alcohol can discolor some quartz surfaces, so it’s best avoided. For an antibacterial boost, use hydrogen peroxide instead.
How do you get dried acrylic paint off quartz?
Carefully scrape off what you can with a plastic putty knife. Apply rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth (not directly on the countertop) and rub gently to remove remaining paint. Avoid scraping too hard as that could scratch the quartz.
Can you use Magic Eraser on quartz countertops?
Yes, Magic Eraser sponges can be used to remove some stains from quartz surfaces. However, be cautious about using too much force in any one area as eraser particles may scratch the surface over time.
Conclusion
With regular light daily cleaning and occasional deep cleaning sessions, quartz countertops can be maintained spotless and shining like new for years. Avoid abrasive cleaning and using harsh chemicals that can damage the quartz sealant. Attend to spills immediately before they have a chance to set in. Follow the proper procedures for your specific quartz variety. With some simple care and precautions, quartz countertops will retain their good looks long-term.