Quartz countertops are one of the most popular options for kitchen and bathroom surfaces today. Made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers an attractive, low-maintenance, and durable alternative to natural stone and laminate. However, even high-quality quartz surfaces can lose their shine over time without proper care. Here’s how to keep quartz looking its best for years to come.

Clean Regularly and Use the Right Products

Regular cleaning is essential for keeping quartz counters shiny. Daily wiping with a damp microfiber cloth removes surface dust and spills that can dull the finish if allowed to accumulate. For deeper cleaning, use a nonabrasive quartz cleaner or mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleansers, pads, and scrubbing tools that could scratch the surface.

Vinegar, ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals can damage and discolor quartz. Check product labels and only use cleaners specifically formulated for quartz and engineered stone. Spray the cleaner directly onto a soft cloth or sponge rather than the counter itself to prevent pooling.

Address Stains Promptly

Quartz resists stains better than marble or granite. However, spills like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce can stain if left overnight. Blot wet spills immediately and clean as soon as possible with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.

For dried or stubborn stains:

Make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub onto the stain using a soft cloth or nonabrasive sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly after 5-10 minutes.
Mix equal parts clear, undiluted ammonia and warm water. Apply to the stain for 2-3 minutes using a nonscratching white nylon pad. Rinse well and wipe dry.
Try a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner specifically formulated for quartz counters and let sit for 2-3 minutes before wiping.

Avoid applying excessive pressure and never use harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, abrasives, or acidic/alkaline cleaners on stains as these can permanently damage the finish. Contact a professional if stains remain after multiple cleaning attempts.

Handle Spills Wisely

What you do immediately after a spill can determine whether a permanent stain forms:

Blot liquids right away – Don’t let spills sit. Quickly soak up as much as possible using a clean, dry cloth or paper towels.
Flush with water – For spills like coffee, tea, wine, and tomato-based products, rinse the area with warm water to dilute staining pigments after blotting.
Use baking soda – For grease spills, blot then sprinkle baking soda on the area to absorb residue. Let sit for 10 minutes before wiping and rinsing clean.
Avoid abrasives – Do not rub the spill aggressively with abrasive pads or scrubbers which can damage the finish.
Dry thoroughly – After cleaning, dry the area with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Prevent Heat Damage

While quartz counters can tolerate brief exposure to moderate heat, excessive or prolonged direct heat from pots, pans, and appliances can damage the solid acrylic resins that give quartz its shine and durability. To prevent discoloration, cracking, and loss of luster:

Always use trivets, hot pads, and cutting boards when placing hot cookware on quartz counters.
Don’t put electric skillets, slow cookers, or other small appliances directly on quartz surfaces.
Avoid exposing quartz near ovens and stovetops to temperatures above 150°F for over 10 minutes.
Never place quartz sinks, vanities, or shower walls close to heat sources like blow dryers, curling irons, and candles to prevent scorching.
Let cookware cool before placing directly on quartz counters after cooking.
Clean up any spills from high-temperature liquids like boiling water or hot oil immediately. Prolonged heat exposure in localized areas can damage quartz.

Reseal Periodically

Quartz counters are nonporous and do not require sealing like natural stone. However, periodic resealing every 2-3 years can refresh the glossy top coat and help maintain a like-new appearance. Use a dedicated quartz resealing product for the best results. Clean the counters thoroughly, apply the sealer evenly according to product directions, allow proper drying time, then buff with a soft cloth until shiny.

Perform Deep Cleaning Routinely

In addition to daily maintenance, deep clean quartz surfaces 1-2 times per month to remove accumulated residues that cause dulling over time. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto quartz then wipe clean using a soft microfiber cloth, changing rags frequently to prevent redeposition of dirt. Rinse well and dry with a fresh cloth.

For counters with more grime buildup, use a specialized quartz cleaner designed for periodic deep cleaning. Apply the product in circular motions using a nonabrasive cleaning pad. Rinse thoroughly and dry the counters completely afterward. Avoid using excessive force when scrubbing.

Address Minor Scratches

Quartz counters are highly scratch resistant, but not fully scratch proof. Light surface scratches can develop over time from cutting, aluminum pans, jewelry, and other daily wear and tear. Fortunately, minor scratches are usually superficial and can be minimized by:

Using a quartz polish or performing a deep clean to remove debris caught within scratches.
Rubbing a wet Mr. Clean Magic Eraser very gently over scratches to buff them out.
Applying a thin layer of clear paste wax with a microfiber cloth, allowing it to dry, then buffing in circular motions.
Having a professional lightly polish with 220-400 grit wet-dry sandpaper followed by a quartz-specific epoxy resin repair kit.

Prevent future scratches by using cutting boards, avoiding metal cookware, keeping counters free of debris, and being careful not to drag heavy, abrasive objects across surfaces.

Know Your Warranty Coverage

Reputable quartz manufacturers offer 10-15 year warranties guaranteeing against defects in materials and craftsmanship. Make sure you understand warranty terms, exclusions, claim procedures, and coverage duration from your fabricator or installer. Damage from abuse, misuse, improper maintenance, and exposure to extreme heat is often excluded from coverage. Keep your sales paperwork, order confirmation, and warranty information accessible in case you need to file a claim for manufacturer defects down the road.

Call a Professional for Significant Damage

For more severe damage like deep gouges, cracks, chips, and obvious signs of overheating, do not try extensive DIY repairs. Call the professional fabricator or installer who did your original quartz installation. Improper repair techniques and products can make damage worse and often void warranties. The right pros have specialized tools, materials, and techniques to restore quartz surfaces and make permanent repairs while retaining the integrity and appearance of your counters.

Keeping Quartz Countertops Shiny With Proper Maintenance

Quartz countertops are renowned for their gleaming, like-new brilliance for years when properly cared for. Here are pro tips for maintaining the shiny, lustrous finish:

Daily Maintenance

Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains and etching.
Clean daily with a damp microfiber cloth to remove surface dust and grime before it accumulates.
Use only pH-neutral quartz cleaners, not vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or abrasives.
Rinse any diluted cleaner residues thoroughly and dry to prevent streaks.

Weekly Maintenance

Deep clean weekly using a quartz-specific cleaner to prevent dulling.
Apply cleaner to cloth first rather than directly on counters.
Clean in circular motions using moderate pressure.
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Prevention Tips

Use trivets and cutting boards to protect from hot items.
Avoid exposing counters to excessive direct heat.
Reseal every 2-3 years using a dedicated quartz sealer.
Have minor damage professionally repaired to prevent worsening over time.

Restoration Tips

Use a quartz polish/cleaner to remove embedded grime in scratched areas.
Gently buff out very fine scratches with a wet Magic Eraser.
Apply a thin coat of paste wax to superficial scratches for temporary smoothing.
Consider professional resurfacing services for significant damage.

Follow these habits and you can enjoy lustrous, like-new quartz counters for a decade or longer! Let the sparkling shine bring light and beauty into your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Quartz Countertops Shiny

How can I restore the original shine to my dull quartz countertops?

Deep clean regularly with a quartz-specific cleaner, avoiding generalized cleaners and abrasives. Use a resealing product made for quartz every 2-3 years. For extremely dulled areas, have a pro wet sand with fine grit sandpaper and re-polish.

What is the best way to clean quartz counters daily?

Simply wipe with a soft, damp microfiber cloth. For best results, use a pH-balanced quartz cleaner diluted with water. Avoid abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, vinegar, and scrubbing to prevent dulling.

How can I remove hard water spots and mineral deposits?

Dampen a soft cloth with white vinegar and let sit on the deposits for 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry well. For stubborn buildup, use a mild, nonabrasive quartz cleaner. Avoid scrubbing aggressively.

Will lemon juice or baking soda cleaners damage my quartz counters?

Yes, both lemon juice and baking soda are too abrasive for quartz. The acid in lemon juice can etch the surface while baking soda particles can scratch. Use only pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for quartz instead.

How do I remove dried food, grease, or soap scum stains?

Gently scrape any chunks with a plastic scraper. Apply a degreasing quartz cleaner and let sit briefly before scrubbing lightly with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

My contractor says I never need to seal my quartz counters. Is that true?

You don’t need to seal quartz as frequently as natural stone. However, resealing every 2-3 years will refresh the top coat gloss and help maintain the factory shine. Use a product made specifically for quartz sealing.

Can I use rubbing or mineral spirits to clean stubborn stains on quartz?

No, mineral spirits and harsh solvents like acetone, paint thinner, and lacquer thinner can dissolve the resins in quartz causing permanent damage. Always check cleaner labels to verify safe use on quartz surfaces.

How can I remove hazy film, greasy residue, or water spots?

Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with an ammonia-based glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Rub gently until film is removed then rinse thoroughly. Avoid using excess cleaner or pressure to prevent damage.

What causes blotchy patches and dark stains on my once-pristine white quartz countertop?

Pigments in spills like coffee, tea, and fruit juices can stain white quartz permanently if not cleaned promptly. Avoid abrasives and bleach – try hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or ammonia-based cleaners instead.

Conclusion

With routine care and proper maintenance, quartz owners can enjoy gleaming, pristine-looking counters for over a decade. Keep quartz shiny by addressing spills quickly, avoiding abrasives, cleaning regularly with pH-neutral products, resealing every few years, and calling in pros promptly for significant damage. With some simple habits, these low-maintenance surfaces can maintain their sparkling factory-fresh sheen for a lifetime of beauty and durability.

How To Keep Quartz Countertops Looking Shiny and New