Things You’ll Need
- Microfiber cloth
- Warm water
- pH-neutral cleaner or mild dish soap
- Soft cloth or paper towels for drying
Cleaning the Countertops Daily
1. Remove any debris
At the end of each day, wipe down the counters with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any crumbs, food residue, dust, and other debris. This quick wipe down prevents particles from building up and getting stuck between the countertop and productions like the sink.
2. Wash with warm water and soap
Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap or pH-neutral cleaner formulated for stone surfaces. Spray directly onto the countertop and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire surface.
Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or acidic products that can damage and discolor the quartz. Stick to gentle cleaners specifically made for quartz.
3. Rinse and dry
Wipe the counters down again using just warm water on a soft cloth or paper towels to rinse off any soap residue. Ensure no streaks or soap scum is left behind.
Allow the counters to air dry fully or gently dry with a cloth. Avoid letting water pool or sit for extended periods.
4. Inspect and repeat
Visually inspect the counters under natural light to ensure no dirt or streaks are present. Pay close attention near the sink and appliances where grime tends to accumulate.
Repeat steps as needed until counters appear free of grease, food, soap scum, water marks, and dust. The quartz will look clean with a uniform matte finish.
Tips for Daily Cleaning
- Clean spills immediately to prevent stains on the quartz surface.
- Use a cleaner formulated for quartz rather than a multi-surface cleaner that may be too harsh.
- Change wash cloths and towels frequently so grime is not reapplied.
- Avoid abrasive pads, brushes, or sponges that could scratch the surface.
- Never use acidic or alkaline drain cleaners near the quartz.
- Reseal quartz countertops every 1-2 years for added protection.
- Avoid placing hot pots, pans, and plates directly on the quartz. Use trivets and hot pads.
- Apply mineral oil occasionally to enhance the shine and repel water.
How to Remove Stuck-On Grime and Stains
For stuck-on food, grease, soap scum, or hard water marks that don’t come off with regular cleaning, use a kitchen degreaser spray and non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Avoid scrubbing too rigorously on a single spot as this can damage the finish.
To remove stains like wine, coffee, or juice, use a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
For stubborn stains, a poultice made with pH-neutral stone cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, and talc can be applied to draw out deep stains without damaging the quartz. Leave it on for 1-2 hours and then scrape off and rinse.
Avoid bleach, ammonia, vinegar, scouring pads, and acidic or abrasive cleaners as these can all etch or dull quartz counters. Always test stain removers on a small inconspicuous spot first before applying to the entire surface.
Maintaining the Shine and Appearance
With regular cleaning, quartz countertops will maintain their elegant matte finish for years. But signs of aging can start to occur over time. Here are tips to keep quartz looking like new:
- Clean up spills quickly to prevent long-term damage.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a stone sealer to prevent stains.
- Use coasters under glasses to avoid etching from condensation rings.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners not meant for quartz.
- Apply a quartz polish occasionally to fill in micro-scratches and restore luster.
- Consider professional quartz honing services every 3-5 years to remove etching and restore the surface.
When to Call a Professional
While quartz countertops are low maintenance compared to other natural stone, heavy-duty cleaning or repairs should be left to professionals:
- For deep scratches, chips, or cracks in the surface.
- If stains persist after multiple cleaning attempts.
- To smooth over minor scratches and etching in the finish.
- For routine honing and polishing services every few years.
- If the sealant needs to be professionally reapplied.
- For color repairs if heat or chemicals damage the pigment.
Hiring a professional can ensure proper cleaning methods are used and keep your quartz counters looking flawless for decades. Be sure to use a technician experienced in working with quartz surfaces.
With daily light cleaning and the occasional deep clean for stuck-on messes, it is easy to keep quartz looking like new every day. Consistent maintenance will maintain its durability and elegant appearance. Follow these quartz countertop cleaning tips and enjoy this stylish, low-maintenance surface for years to come!