Cambria quartz countertops are durable and low-maintenance, but still require routine cleaning and occasional disinfecting to keep them looking their best. Disinfecting helps kill germs and bacteria that can lead to illness or odors. Fortunately, with the right products and techniques, you can easily disinfect your Cambria quartz.
Supplies Needed for Disinfecting Cambria Quartz
Disinfecting quartz countertops only requires a few simple supplies:
- Mild liquid dish soap or stone soap
- Warm water
- Soft clean cloths
- Disinfectant (see recommendations below)
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Bucket
- Clean towel for drying
It’s important to avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or anything acidic on Cambria quartz, as these can dull or etch the surface. Stick to gentle cleaners specifically made for natural stone.
Recommended Disinfectants
These EPA-approved disinfectants are safe for use on quartz:
- Lysol or Clorox disinfecting wipes (or generic store brands)
- Hydrogen peroxide cleaner
- Simply Green or other diluted hydrogen peroxide cleaner
- Spray Nine cleaner
- Rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration)
Check the product label to confirm it is quartz-safe before using. Avoid bleach and ammonia-based cleaners.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disinfecting Cambria Quartz
Disinfecting your Cambria quartz countertops is a quick and simple process:
1. Clear Countertops
First, remove everything from the countertops – dishes, appliances, rags, etc. Having an empty surface allows you to disinfect the entire area thoroughly.
2. Mix Warm Water and Dish Soap
Fill your bucket halfway with warm water. Add a small squirt of mild dish soap or stone soap and swish to mix. The soap helps lift dirt and grease so the disinfectant can penetrate.
3. Clean Surface with Soapy Water
Dip a soft cloth in the soapy water and wring out excess moisture. Wipe down the entire surface of the quartz countertops to clean. Re-wet rag as needed.
The soap and water remove general dirt and debris that can interfere with disinfecting.
4. Apply Disinfectant
Spray or wipe your chosen disinfectant directly onto the quartz surface. Be sure to coat the entire counter thoroughly.
Pay close attention to high-touch areas around the sink, stove, and edges. But cover every inch of the surface for full disinfection.
5. Let Disinfectant Sit
Allow the disinfectant to sit on the quartz for the time indicated on the product label. This gives the active ingredient time to kill any bacteria or viruses present.
For most spray disinfectants, 3-5 minutes of contact time is recommended. For wipes, the surface should remain visibly wet for 3-4 minutes.
6. Rinse and Dry
After the disinfectant has sat, use a clean cloth and fresh water to rinse off any residue. Wipe the countertops down until all cleaner is removed.
Finally, use a dry towel to wipe the surface completely dry. Going over it a second time with a clean, dry cloth helps remove streaks.
And that’s it! Just repeat this disinfecting process as often as desired to keep your quartz germ-free.
Tips for Effective Disinfection
Follow these tips for the most effective quartz disinfection:
- Disinfect high-touch areas daily or after heavy use
- Deep clean the entire surface weekly
- Let sunlight aid disinfection through windows
- Rinse disinfectants thoroughly to avoid residue buildup
- Wear gloves when using strong disinfectants
- Disinfect cutting boards and sinks separately
- Use rubbing alcohol on stubborn dried spills before disinfecting
- Increase contact time for highly contaminated areas
Thorough cleaning is key before disinfecting. Soap helps lift soils so disinfectants work optimally.
Common Questions About Disinfecting Cambria Quartz
Many homeowners have additional questions when learning how to disinfect their quartz countertops properly. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is it safe to use bleach on Cambria quartz?
No, avoid using bleach or chlorine-based cleaners on Cambria quartz. These can damage and fade the quartz surface over time. Stick to hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or store-bought disinfecting wipes instead.
How often should I disinfect my quartz countertops?
In high-traffic kitchens, disinfect sinks, cutting boards, and high-touch areas like handles daily. Disinfect the whole countertop weekly for maintenance cleaning. Clean spills immediately as they occur.
Should I disinfect before or after cleaning?
Always clean before disinfecting. Soap residue and dirt can reduce how well disinfectants work. Clean with warm, soapy water first, then apply disinfectants to a clean surface.
Is rubbing alcohol safe for Cambria quartz?
Yes, rubbing alcohol with at least 70% concentration is safe to use. It evaporates quickly without leaving residue. Use it to disinfect or to help loosen dried spills before cleaning.
Can I use vinegar to clean/disinfect Cambria quartz?
No, avoid vinegar or any acidic cleaners. Acids can etch or damage the quartz. Stick to pH neutral stone cleaners and disinfectants instead.
How should I disinfect around the sink and fixtures?
Spray or wipe disinfectants carefully around the sink basin and fixtures. Avoid spraying directly at faucet hardware. Rinse any overspray immediately to prevent buildup.
Maintaining Beautiful Cambria Quartz Countertops
Disinfecting is just part of a good quartz cleaning routine. Here are some additional tips for keeping Cambria countertops looking like new:
- Clean spills promptly to prevent stains
- Use coasters under glasses to prevent marks
- Avoid using knives or abrasives directly on the surface
- Don’t place hot pans directly on the quartz
- Use a cutting board for food prep
- Keep the quartz free of standing water or moisture
- Re-seal quartz annually with a penetrating sealer
- Avoid using strongly alkaline, acidic, or abrasive cleaners
With regular gentle cleaning and disinfecting as needed, your Cambria quartz countertops will stay beautiful and sanitary for decades to come. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care and cleaning guidelines to prevent damage. With some simple maintenance, quartz makes an excellent choice for durable, low-maintenance countertops that resist bacteria.
Conclusion
Disinfecting Cambria quartz countertops is an important part of keeping your kitchen clean and preventing the spread of germs. By using the proper disinfecting products and techniques, you can safely and easily sanitize your quartz surfaces. Be sure to thoroughly clean prior to disinfecting, allow proper contact time for the disinfectant to work, and always rinse afterwards. Make disinfecting high-touch areas part of your regular cleaning routine. With the simple process outlined above, you can keep your beautiful Cambria quartz pristine and germ-free for many years of enjoyment.