How to Clean IKEA Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops from IKEA are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability, aesthetics, and easy maintenance. However, like any countertop material, quartz requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Here is an in-depth guide on how to properly clean IKEA quartz countertops.

What is Quartz?

Before diving into cleaning, it helps to understand exactly what quartz countertops are made of. Quartz is an engineered stone that contains about 93% ground natural quartz aggregates combined with polyresin binders. The resulting slabs are non-porous, stain-resistant, and mimic the look of natural stone while requiring less maintenance.

IKEA uses the brand name Sektion for their quartz countertops. They offer a variety of colors and patterns to choose from. The material is durable, scratch-resistant, and resists staining from everyday use. However, quartz still requires regular cleaning to prevent dirt and grime buildup.

Supplies Needed

Cleaning quartz does not require specialized tools or expensive cleaners. For routine cleaning, here are the basic supplies you’ll need:

Mild liquid dish soap: Avoid anything too abrasive or acidic. A small amount of regular dish soap diluted in warm water works well for most cleaning.
Microfiber cloth: Microfiber cloths effectively capture dirt, grease, and dust without scratching. They are reusable and rinse easily.
Soft-bristled cleaning brush: A soft brush helps remove stuck-on dirt and food. Look for nylon or natural bristles.
Spray bottle: Use this to dispense your warm soapy water cleaning solution.
Baby shampoo: For periodic deep cleaning, baby shampoo effectively cuts through residue.
Baking soda: Helps remove stains naturally without harsh chemicals. Mix with water to make a paste.
Hydrogen peroxide: Disinfects and helps whiten quartz. Combine with baking soda for stain removal.
High-quality sealant (optional): Sealing quartz every 1-2 years helps prevent stains and etching.

Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, strong bleach or alkaline cleaners, and vinegar, which can etch and damage quartz surfaces. With the right gentle cleaners and tools, you can easily keep IKEA quartz spotless.

Routine Daily Cleaning

For daily maintenance:

Remove clutter from the countertop. Wipe up any crumbs or spills as they occur to prevent staining.
Rinse the surface with warm water. This helps loosen up any dirt or debris.
Spray a light mist of warm water mixed with a small amount of dish soap over the entire surface. Avoid saturating the countertop.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire countertop. Rinse and wring the cloth as needed.
Buff dry with a clean microfiber towel. On textured quartz, use a soft brush to gently scrub any stuck-on bits in the grooves.
For best results, clean the entire surface at least once daily. Spot clean messes immediately.

The key is using a light hand. Let the dish soap solution and microfiber cloths do most of the work. Avoid abrasive scrubbing. With daily light cleaning, quartz maintenance is quick and easy.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

In addition to daily wiping, quartz should receive a thorough cleaning weekly:

Remove everything from the countertop. Clear the surrounding area to access the entire surface.
Rinse with water to remove loose debris. Use a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge as needed on textured areas.
Apply a paste of baking soda and water over any stains. Let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing lightly with a soft bristle brush. Rinse well.
Spray the diluted dish soap solution over the entire surface. Use a circular motion to scrub every inch of the quartz with a damp microfiber cloth.
Use a small amount of baby shampoo for extra cleaning power on any residue. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Buff dry with clean microfiber cloths. Check for any remaining spots and repeat cleaning if needed.
Once or twice per year, use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to deep clean and gently disinfect.

Regular weekly deep cleaning removes built up grime for sparkling clean quartz. Be sure to scrub gently and rinse away all cleaning solution residues.

Tips for Problem Areas

Follow these tips to effectively clean tricky spots on quartz:

Grease and Oil: Immediately blot away any grease or oil spills to prevent deep staining. Use baking soda or baby shampoo to dissolve residues, then rinse.

Dried Spills or Grime: Soak stuck-on dirt in warm soapy water for 5-10 minutes to soften, then scrub with a brush or non-abrasive pad. Avoid scraping with sharp objects.

Disinfecting: Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into a foamy paste. Apply to the area for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.

Etch Marks: Rewet a baking soda paste and gently scrub etch marks. Buff dry. Avoid exposing quartz to acidic substances.

Hard Water Spots: Wipe with undiluted white vinegar followed by water rinse. Repeat as needed for stubborn buildup.

Scuffs and Scratches: Very fine scratches can be smoothed by buffing with baking soda paste. Deeper scratches may require professional repair.

Textured Areas: Use a soft toothbrush or grout brush to scrub grooves and textured areas.

With some gentle scrubbing and natural cleaning boosters, you can keep IKEA quartz spotless and looking like new.

Handling Spills

Quartz stands up well to accidental spills but requires immediate cleanup to prevent possible staining. Here is how to handle common mishaps:

Coffee and Tea: Blot away excess liquid immediately. Clean with dish soap and water. For stubborn stains, apply baking soda paste.

Wine, Juice, or Colored Liquids: Rinse promptly with water to dilute the spill, then clean with dish soap. Use hydrogen peroxide if needed to lift pigment stains.

Oils and Grease: Scrape away excess oil or grease. Apply liquid dish soap and scrub to cut through the residue. Rinse thoroughly.

Tomato Sauce or Pasta: Soak up sauce immediately. Use a soft brush and soapy water to remove any remaining bits. Rinse and dry.

Nail Polish: Carefully scrape away spilled polish with a plastic scraper or credit card. Clean the area with nail polish remover, then dish soap and water.

Candle Wax: Allow wax to fully harden, then gently scrape away with a plastic card. Clean any remaining wax with warm, soapy water.

The key is to act fast when spills happen. Prompt cleanup prevents stubborn staining on quartz surfaces.

Deep Cleaning Methods

For periodic deep cleaning, use these methods:

Steam Cleaner

A handheld steam cleaner uses very hot steam under pressure to naturally sanitize and loosen stuck-on grime. Use on quartz to deep clean counters without chemicals. Be sure to wipe away moisture after steaming to prevent spotting.

Pressure Washer

For outdoor quartz applications, like pool decks or patio tiles, a pressure washer effectively blasts away dirt, leaves, and debris. Use a wide-fanned low-pressure nozzle, keep the washer moving at all times, and stay at least a foot away from the quartz to prevent damage.

Quartz Cleaning Sprays

Specialty quartz cleaning products are available from brands like Granite Gold and Black Diamond. Always check that the formula is non-acidic and safe for quartz. Spray on and gently scrub with a soft cloth for periodic deep cleaning.

Professional Cleaning

Quartz professionals use truck-mounted extraction systems to deep clean counters. They also have access to powerful cleaning compounds not available to consumers. Hiring a pro every few years provides a meticulous cleaning.

Deep cleaning quartz periodically keeps the surface in tip-top shape between routine daily cleanings. Use steam, specialty sprays, or professionals cautiously to avoid etching or discoloring the quartz.

Stain Removal

Accidents happen. Follow these steps to remove common stains from quartz:

Coffee and Tea Stains

Mix baking soda and water into a spreadable paste.
Using a soft cloth or brush, scrub the paste onto the stain.
Let sit for 5 minutes so the baking soda can draw out the stain.
Rinse clean with warm water.
Repeat as needed for stubborn stains.

Red Wine Stains

Immediately blot with a cloth to soak up excess wine.
Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into a foamy paste.
Apply the paste to the stain and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft bristle brush.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Dry with a soft cloth.

Oil and Grease Stains

Carefully blot away any excess oil or grease.
Spray dish soap directly onto the stain and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
Scrub with a damp cloth using circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly and dry the area.
Repeat if needed until greasy residue is fully removed.

Berry or Beet Stains

Rinse away excess staining residue with warm water.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain.
Sprinkle salt onto the juiced area.
Allow to sit briefly before scrubbing with a soft brush.
Rinse clean with warm water.

Hard Water Deposits

Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar into a foamy paste.
Apply the fizzy paste onto hard water spots and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft bristle brush.
Rinse thoroughly and dry.

With the right stain-fighting ingredients on hand, you can keep IKEA quartz looking stain-free. Be gentle yet thorough when attempting to remove stains.

Prevention Tips

The easiest way to keep IKEA quartz pristine is to prevent stains and damage in the first place. Follow these pro tips:

Use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters religiously to protect the surface.
Clean up spills immediately before they can soak in and cause stains.
Avoid exposing quartz to strong acids from food prep or cleaning. Stick to pH neutral cleaners.
Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with an impregnating sealant for added stain resistance.
Inspect quartz for etching or scratched at least yearly. Professionally polish minor damage to prevent further issues.
Position quartz away from undermount sinks and dishwashers to prevent damage from leaks.

With some simple preventative measures, it is easy to keep IKEA quartz looking like new for years.

Do’s and Don’ts

Follow these quartz countertop dos and don’ts:

DO:

Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains.
Use sealants and gentle cleaners designed for quartz.
Always use trivets and cutting boards to protect the surface.
Rinse surfaces after using acidic foods or cleaners.
Deep clean quartz weekly to keep dirt from building up.

DON’T:

Use vinegar, ammonia, abrasives, or alkaline cleaners on quartz.
Allow dirt and grime to build up on the surface.
Slice food or prep directly on quartz without a cutting board.
Drag pots, pans, or appliances directly across the countertop.
Overload or stand on your quartz counters.

By being gentle and keeping quartz clear of damage, it will maintain its beauty and function for decades in your kitchen.

FAQs About Cleaning IKEA Quartz Countertops

Cleaning and caring for IKEA quartz countertops may seem confusing. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How often should I clean quartz countertops?

Light daily cleaning plus weekly deep cleaning is ideal. Minimally wipe up spills as they occur.

What are the best cleaners to use on quartz?

Mild dish soap and warm water for most cleaning needs. Occasionally use hydrogen peroxide, baby shampoo, or pH neutral cleaners designed for stone.

Can I use bleach or abrasive cleaners on quartz?

No. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, alkaline cleaners, oven cleaners, etc. They can dull and etch quartz. Stick to gentle options.

What should I do for grease stains?

Immediately blot any grease. Use a bit of dish soap directly on the stain and scrub with a soft brush before rinsing. Repeat if needed.

How do I get hard water stains off my quartz?

Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda into a paste. Let sit on spots for 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing away.

Is it OK to cut food directly on quartz?

No. Always use a cutting board to protect the surface from dings, cuts, and juices that can stain.

Can I stand or sit on my IKEA quartz countertop?

Avoid excessive pressure. Use caution when leaning or placing heavy objects to prevent cracks and damage.

Regular cleaning and care keeps IKEA quartz counters looking fresh and damage-free for years of stylish use.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops from IKEA offer a gorgeous, low-maintenance surface for kitchens and bathrooms. While durable, they do require regular cleaning to prevent buildup of grime that can lead to stains and discoloration. The keys are using non-abrasive cleaners free from bleach or vinegar, performing light daily cleaning, and doing a thorough weekly scrub.

Sealing the countertop every 1-2 years provides added protection. Immediately wiping up spills prevents stains. With the proper care, an IKEA quartz countertop will withstand decades of cooking and cleaning while maintaining its sleek good looks.

Be sure to use trivets, cutting boards, and cleaners made for quartz. Avoid scrubbing too aggressively. With the right gentle cleaning approach, IKEA quartz countertops will stay looking fabulous. Follow these tips and enjoy these stylish, low-maintenance counters for years to come!