Introduction
Quartz countertops are popular in many modern kitchens and bathrooms because of their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, while quartz is non-porous and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, it still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking pristine. Wiping down quartz countertops effectively removes dirt, grime, food residue, and germs while making the surface shine. With the right techniques and cleaning solutions, keeping quartz sparkling clean doesn’t require much time or effort.
Supplies Needed
Wiping down quartz countertops doesn’t require many supplies. Here are the basic items needed:
- Microfiber cloths or sponges
- Mild liquid dish soap or specialized stone cleaner
- Warm water
- Soft cotton cloths or paper towels for drying
- Rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner (optional)
Avoid using abrasive scouring pads, powders, or harsh chemicals that could scratch or dull the quartz surface over time. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions without acids or bleach.
Prepping the Quartz Surface
Before wiping down the countertop, do a quick sweep of the area to remove any large debris or clutter. Have a garbage bag handy for discarding food wrappers, dirty dishes, mail, etc. This clears the space to thoroughly clean the entire surface.
Check under small appliances like the toaster oven or coffee maker and remove any crumbs or spills which may have accumulated underneath. Move any decor items, fruit bowls, and kitchen tools to wipe the entire countertop, edges to edges.
For built-up messes like dried pasta sauce or grease splatters, let hot soapy water soak on the spot for a few minutes to loosen the grime before wiping.
The Wiping Process
Here is a simple step-by-step process for wiping down quartz countertops:
1. Rinse with warm water
Wet your cleaning cloth, wrung out so it’s not dripping, with warm water. Wipe down the entire surface. This helps remove any loose dirt and debris before washing.
2. Apply soap and wash
Put a small squirt of mild dish soap on your wet cloth or sponge. Gentle circular scrubbing motions work best as you wash the counters. Focus on frequently used areas like near the sink and stove where splatters and spills are common.
Rinse the cleaning cloth often as it gets dirty. Change the wash water as needed to keep it warm and sudsy. Scrub any stubborn spots but avoid scouring too aggressively.
3. Rinse clean
Wipe the counters with a clean wet cloth to rinse away all soap residue. Dirty dishwater can leave streaks and film behind so be thorough with rinsing. Wring cloth out frequently.
4. Dry and polish
Dry the counters with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth, or paper towels. As you dry, you can polish the surface by rubbing in broad circular motions. Pay special attention to drying near any sinks or fixtures where water droplets bead.
For extra shine and fingerprint resistance, follow up with a microfiber cloth spritzed with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner. Buff in the direction of the counters natural pattern.
Special Considerations
Beyond the basic wiping process, tailor your approach depending on the state of your counters:
For everyday maintenance – Quick daily wipe downs to remove surface dust, crumbs, and spills keeps quartz clean with minimal effort.
After preparing food – Disinfect counters using a natural cleaner or rubbing alcohol to kill germs after raw meat touches the surface. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Heavy duty cleaning – For deep cleaning baked on grime, degreasing, and removing stains, use a quartz-safe cleaner and non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Rinse and dry well after heavy duty cleaning.
Around sinks – Pay extra attention to areas around sinks which get wet often. Wipe down any water marks or soap scum buildup. Dry thoroughly to avoid mineral deposits and mildew.
Sealing quartz – Though not required, sealing quartz countertops every 1-2 years helps prevent staining and improves water resistance. Use a non-toxic quartz sealer for food prep surfaces.
What to Avoid
Certain cleaners and techniques can damage quartz counters and should be avoided:
- Abrasive scouring pads or powders – can dull and scratch surface
- Acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, etc. – etches and erodes quartz
- Harsh chemicals like bleach, alkaline cleaners, etc. – discolors and corrodes sealant
- Leaving spills like wine or coffee for prolonged time – causes stubborn stains
- Unrinsed soapy residue – leads to buildup of cloudy film
- Damp areas around sinks – promotes mildew growth
- Hot pans directly on surface – thermal shock can crack quartz
By using the proper methods and being cautious with chemicals and abrasives, quartz countertops will retain their original beauty with just routine wipe downs.
Tips for Effective Cleaning
- Clean quartz 1-2 times per week for maintenance, more often for heavy use kitchens
- Use separate cleaning and drying cloths to prevent redepositing grime
- Replace washing water frequently to keep it clean
- Work in sections for large countertops so soap doesn’t dry before rinsing
- Blot spills quickly with paper towels to prevent staining
- Renew quartz sealer every 1-2 years for optimal protection
- Avoid wearing jewelry during cleaning which could scratch surface
- Place hot pans on trivets, not directly on quartz
Recommended Cleaning Products
- Dish soap (Dawn, Palmolive) – mild effective everyday cleaner
- Stone soap (Method, Mrs. Meyers) – specially formulated for stone/quartz
- Rubbing alcohol – disinfects and removes soap scum
- Hydrogen peroxide – deodorizes and lifts stains
- Baking soda – gentle abrasive cleans without scratching
- Distilled white vinegar – removes some hard water buildup
- Commercial quartz cleaners (Granite Gold, StoneTech) – cleans without damaging sealant
Avoid mixing cleaning products which can react. Never use abrasive bathroom cleaners or anything containing lemon, vinegar or other acids on quartz.
Step-By-Step Cleaning Process
Follow this simple step-by-step process for wiping down quartz countertops:
1. Clear counters of clutter and debris
- Remove everything from counters
- Discard or relocate items like dirty dishes, food, etc.
- Quickly clear counter space for cleaning
2. Remove built-up debris
- Check under appliances for crumbs
- Soak any dried spills to soften
- Remove stuck on debris gently
3. Rinse with warm water
- Wet cleaning cloth with warm water
- Wipe down entire surface to remove loose dirt
4. Wash with soapy cloth
- Apply small amount of dish soap to cloth
- Gently scrub counters using circular motions
- Focus on soiled areas
- Rinse cloth frequently
5. Rinse away soap residue
- Wipe with clean wet cloth to remove soap
- Frequently rinse cloth for effective rinsing
- Change rinse water as needed
6. Dry and polish
- Dry with soft cotton or microfiber cloth
- Rub in circles to polish as you dry
- Follow with alcohol or glass cleaner for shine
Cleaning Quartz Countertops Near Sinks
Kitchen and bathroom sinks see a lot of action, so quartz surfaces around sinks tend to get dirty quickly. Follow these tips for cleaning quartz near sinks:
- Inspect around sinks daily and wipe up any splatters, drips, or rings
- Pay attention to backsplashes, faucet fixtures, and sidewalls by sink
- Check under sink rim for any gunk which collects out of sight
- Remove all movable items around sink to access entire area
- Give extra scrubbing to stubborn dried-on gunk around sink basin
- Rinse and dry thoroughly, leaving no streaks or standing water
- Wipe up wet marks immediately to avoid buildup of mineral deposits
- Disinfect sink surroundings regularly with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Avoid letting soaps, shampoos, and cleaners sit on surface
- Stay on top of cleaning quartz around sinks for easier maintenance
With regular diligent wipe downs, quartz around high-use sinks will stay looking clean and fresh.
Deep Cleaning Quartz Countertops
While quick wipe downs keep quartz counters clean for daily use, periodically they require a deep cleaning. Here’s how:
Remove all items from counters
Clear counters completely, including small appliances. Have a large empty surface to deep clean.
Check for stains
Inspect closely for any stains built up over time, especially around high traffic areas. Identify any spots which need extra effort to remove.
Use a quartz-safe cleaner
Apply a specially formulated quartz cleaner to a soft cloth or scrub pad. Avoid using anything too abrasive or harsh.
Scrub entire surface
Go over entire counter with quartz cleaner, applying moderate pressure on stained or soiled spots. Scrub using small circular motions.
Focus on tough stains
Let thickened cleaner sit on stubborn stains to penetrate gunk. Gently agitate with a damp stiff nylon brush.
Rinse thoroughly
Carefully rinse all cleaner residue off counters with clean water on a cloth, changing rinse water often.
Dry and seal
Dry quartz fully with a lint free cloth. Apply new coats of quartz sealer for renewed stain protection.
Remove stuck-on gunk
For extreme cases, use a plastic scraper to gently lift paint, glue, or grease drips after softening with heat. Avoid metal scrapers or excessive force.
Deep cleaning quartz periodically removes built up grime the regular wipe downs can’t get, and renews its shine and protection.
How to Disinfect Quartz Countertops
Disinfecting kitchen and bathroom quartz countertops kills harmful germs and bacteria that can linger on surfaces. Here are some safe ways to disinfect quartz:
3% hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide solutions are stable for disinfecting quartz. Spray over entire surface and allow to sit 20-30 seconds before wiping.
70% isopropyl alcohol
Rubbing alcohol effectively sanitizes quartz counters without dulling the finish. Apply with a cloth and let sit for 30 seconds before wiping dry.
10% bleach solution
A diluted bleach solution disinfects quartz but requires extra rinsing to prevent cloudy buildup over time. Never use undiluted bleach.
Vinegar and water
A 50/50 white vinegar and water solution makes a natural disinfectant for quartz. Wipe on and allow to penetrate before rinsing. Avoid other vinegars.
Quartz cleaner with disinfectant
Many commercial quartz cleaners contain antibacterial ingredients. Use as directed for cleaning and disinfecting.
Soap and hot water
Vigorously scrubbing counters with hot soapy water helps remove some bacteria. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Disinfect kitchen counters after contact with raw meat juices, blood, or other bio-contaminants. Disinfect bathroom counters daily for health.
How to Remove Stains from Quartz Countertops
Quartz resists stains better than other natural stone countertops. But prolonged exposure can still result in stubborn stains that require some elbow grease to remove. Here are some common stains and remedies:
Dried food, grease, oil – Gently scrape off any chunks with a plastic spatula then scrub with degreasing dish soap using a soft cloth or nylon brush. Rinse and repeat if needed.
Wine, coffee, juice – Lightly scrub immediately with baking soda and water paste, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Avoid acidic cleaners which may etch quartz.
Nail polish, paint – Carefully scrape off any thick drips with a plastic or wood spatula. Dab remnants with nail polish remover on a cloth. Wash area with dish soap.
** Marker, pens** – Spray hairspray liberally on stain. Let soak 5 minutes, scrub with soft cloth and rinse. Repeat as needed.
Rust – Make a paste with cream of tartar and lemon juice. Gently rub on rust spots, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse.
Hard water spots – Wipe with equal parts white vinegar and water. Buff dry with microfiber cloth.
Soap scum – Use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to break up scummy residue around sinks and faucets.
For best results addressing quartz stains, always start with the least harsh cleaner first then work up to stronger solutions as needed.
How to Clean Burn Marks off Quartz Countertops
Hot pans, irons, and other appliances can leave nasty burn marks on quartz countertops. Try these cleaning methods to remove burn marks:
- Lightly scrub with a paste of baking soda and water using a soft cloth. Rinse.
- Apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide directly on the mark. Let bubble 5 minutes then wipe.
- Make a paste with Bar Keeper’s Friend and water. Gently rub on burn, rinse thoroughly after 5 minutes.
- Pour some Coke over the burn mark and let sit for a few hours, then scrub with a plastic scrub pad.
- Hold ice on the burn immediately after it happens to lift some of the mark.
- Use a consumer-grade polishing pad designed for quartz for very stubborn burn marks.
- Consult a pro stone restoration company for burn damage that penetrates deep into the quartz.
The quicker you act on a burn mark, the easier it will be to remove from resilient quartz countertops.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops After Installing
Once beautiful new quartz countertops are professionally installed, it’s important to properly clean them before use:
- Allow sealants and adhesives to cure 24-48 hours before any cleaning
- Remove all residual mortar, grout, and construction dust/debris
- Mix a solution of 1/4 cup dish soap per gallon of warm water
- Apply solution to counters with soft cloth, sponge or nylon scrub brush
- Use gentle circular motions to scrub the entire surface
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water on a cloth to remove all soap
- Wipe off any blotchy mineral deposits or water spots as you go
- Check for any remaining sticky spots or debris and scrub again if needed
- Dry counters fully with lint-free cloths
- Follow up with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner for streak-free shine
- Avoid placing any heavy objects on counters for 24 hours after cleaning
Taking time to thoroughly yet gently clean new quartz countertops ensures they’re pristine for many years of use ahead.
How to Remove Adhesive from Quartz Countertops
From price tags and packing tape to duct tape or epoxy, adhesive residue seems to mysteriously end up on quartz counters over time. Remove it carefully:
- Heat glue gun drips with a hairdryer to soften, then gently scrape off with a plastic putty knife.
- Soak a cloth with Goo Gone or WD-40 and let sit on adhesive for 1-2 minutes to dissolve it, wiping gently.
- Rub a small amount of coconut oil on the sticky area using your fingertips, allow it to penetrate 5 minutes, then wipe clean.
- For stubborn tape residue, rub over it vigorously with a pencil eraser until removed.
- Wipe plant stickers, price tags or labels with soapy water or lighter fluid, lightly scrubbing.
- Use a plastic scraper at a 45 degree angle to chip off any hardened glue drips or epoxy.
Never use metal scrapers, razor blades, acetone, or paint remover on quartz which can all damage the surface. Take your time gently dissolving adhesives for removal.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Quartz
Hard water contains minerals that leave unsightly spots and scale on quartz. Remove hard water stains using these steps:
Step 1 – Dry the surface
Wipe up any standing water on the counters. Wet spots allow hard water deposits to take hold.
Step 2 – Mix vinegar and water
Make a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water. Use a soft clean cloth.
Step 3 – Apply solution to stains
Wet stained areas with vinegar solution. Let sit for several minutes.
Step 4 – Scrub with circular motions
Gently scrub stains using small circles focused on discolored areas.
Step 5 – Rinse thoroughly
Wipe counters with a clean damp cloth to remove all vinegar residue.
Step 6 – Dry and buff
Wipe quartz very dry using cotton cloths. Buff gently with a microfiber cloth.
Step 7 – Reseal (optional)
Apply a fresh coat of stone sealer to help repel future hard water staining.
Be patient removing stubborn calcium and limescale. Repeat process if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals.
How to Remove Etching from Quartz Countertops
While quartz resists acidic foods and cleaners better than other stones, prolonged exposure can etch its smooth surface. Here’s how to remove etching damage:
Inspect under bright light
Shine a flashlight at an angle along surface to detect etch marks, appearing as darker spots or streaks.
Clean with dish soap
Mix warm water and pH-neutral dish soap. Scrub etch marks gently with a soft cloth to clean.
Use baking soda paste
Make a paste of baking soda and water.