Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, quartz still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking like new. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean quartz countertops using tips from YouTube videos.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The resulting material is non-porous, making it very resistant to stains and scratches. Quartz is an ideal countertop material because it:
- Is durable and long-lasting
- Resists stains, scratches and heat
- Has a natural stone appearance without pores
- Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
- Is low maintenance compared to natural stone
How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Cleaning quartz regularly is important to prevent buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria. Here are the main steps recommended by YouTube experts:
1. Remove Loose Debris
Wipe down counters with a microfiber cloth to remove any crumbs or dirt sitting on the surface. This prevents abrasive particles from scratching the quartz when you clean.
2. Wash with Mild Soap and Water
Use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid harsh cleaners which can damage the finish. Gently wash the entire counter and rinse thoroughly until soap residue is gone.
3. Disinfect with Diluted Bleach
To sanitize and remove stains, make a diluted bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 20 parts water. Apply to counters with a clean cloth, let sit 1-2 minutes and rinse thoroughly. This kills bacteria and brightens the surface over time.
4. Remove Stubborn Stains
For stuck-on stains like food, grease or hard water marks, use a non-abrasive cleaner made specifically for quartz. Spray on, let sit for 5 minutes, scrub with a soft brush or sponge, then rinse.
5. Polish and Seal
To restore shine, apply a quartz polish with a soft cloth and buff gently. Re-seal counters every 6-12 months with a penetrating quartz sealer which protects from future stains.
How Often to Clean Quartz
- Daily: simple wipe down with damp microfiber cloth
- Weekly: clean with mild soap and water
- Monthly: disinfect with diluted bleach solution
- Every 6 months: re-seal counters with a quartz sealer
- As needed: spot clean stuck-on stains with a specialized cleaner
Cleaning quartz regularly prevents buildup and keeps counters shining like new for years.
Common Quartz Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
It’s important to avoid certain cleaners and techniques which can damage quartz:
✘ Using abrasive cleaners or scrub pads
✘ Applying corrosive cleaners like oven cleaner
✘ Allowing spills and stains to sit
✘ Failing to rinse off cleaning products
✘ Using acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice
✘ Neglecting to re-seal counters
Best Cleaning Products for Quartz Countertops
YouTube experts recommend using these effective yet gentle cleaning products for quartz:
- Dish soap: Dawn, Seventh Generation – safely lifts dirt
- Microfiber cloths: won’t scratch, great for wiping
- Soft scrub brushes: for gentle scrubbing of stains
- Specialized cleaners: Method, StoneTech, Granite Gold – made for stone
- Disinfectant: Diluted bleach solution – sanitizes and brightens
- Polish: StoneTech Revitalizer – restores shine and protection
Avoid anything too abrasive like scouring pads or powders.
Quartz Cleaning Tips from YouTube Channels
Popular YouTube channels like Stone Care International, Rock Doctor, and Silestone provide great tutorials on keeping quartz counters spotless:
- Use circular motions when scrubbing to blend any marks into surface
- Rinse for 30 seconds after cleaning to remove residue
- Blot spills as soon as possible to avoid stains setting in
- Consider a professional deep clean 1-2 times a year for tough buildup
- Re-seal twice a year for optimal stain protection over time
- Avoid putting hot pans directly on counter – use trivets
Commonly Asked Questions
How do you remove hard water stains from quartz?
Use a diluted vinegar solution – 1 part vinegar to 20 parts water. Apply with a soft cloth, let sit 5 minutes, and scrub gently before rinsing. Repeat as needed.
What removes yellow stains from quartz?
A diluted bleach cleaner helps remove yellow discoloration. Make a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Wipe on, wait 1-2 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
How do you get dried food off quartz?
Soften dried food with a damp cloth. Apply a specialized quartz cleaner and let sit 5 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush before rinsing clean. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Can you use Magic Eraser on quartz?
Yes, Magic Eraser sponges can be used to remove some marks – but avoid excessive scrubbing pressure. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning using the proper products and techniques will keep quartz counters shining for years. Avoid abrasives or harsh chemicals. Daily wiping, weekly soap cleaning, and periodic disinfecting provides the best care. Follow YouTube tips from experts for dealing with specific stains and buildup issues. With some diligent care, quartz countertops will maintain their sleek, beautiful appearance.