Quartz countertops are popular options for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects thanks to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, like any surface, quartz countertops require proper cleaning and care to keep them looking like new. Some homeowners wonder if baking soda, a common natural cleaning ingredient, is safe to use on quartz. Understanding the composition of quartz and the properties of baking soda will shed light on this question.

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The exact combination varies by manufacturer, but quartz countertops typically contain:

• 90-94% ground quartz
• 6-10% polymer resins
• Pigments for color

The combination creates a durable, non-porous surface resistant to scratches, stains, and heat up to 212°F. However, quartz is not indestructible and requires proper care. Cleaning with abrasive products or subjecting it to excessive impact can damage the surface over time.

Is Baking Soda Safe for Cleaning Quartz?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring crystalline compound with mild abrasive and alkaline properties. It has become a popular ingredient in many natural cleaning solutions.

When used properly, baking soda is generally considered safe for cleaning quartz countertops. Here’s why:

Non-Abrasive

While baking soda has light abrasive qualities, it is far gentler than other abrasive cleansers. Baking soda particles easily break down with water and friction from cleaning. This makes it a mild abrasive cleaner than can lift dirt and grime without damaging or scratching quartz.

pH Level

With a pH between 8-9, baking soda is alkaline but much less so than harsh cleaners like ammonia or bleach. When diluted in water, it is a sufficiently gentle cleaner for quartz.

No Harmful Chemicals

As a naturally occurring mineral compound, baking soda does not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bleach, acids or other harsh chemicals that can degrade quartz resin binders or etching the surface.

Eco-Friendly

A biodegradable and renewable ingredient, baking soda is an environmentally-friendly cleaner. Avoiding harsh chemicals is better for homes, health, and the environment.

Proper Usage of Baking Soda on Quartz

While baking soda is generally quartz-safe, improper use of any cleaner can damage the material. Follow these tips for safely using baking soda on quartz:

Mix with Water

Always mix baking soda with water to create a cleaning paste. This activates the ingredients and prevents too much abrasive friction. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust as needed.

Spot Clean Only

Only apply baking soda paste to specific areas that need cleaning, not the entire surface. Spot treat stains and buildup rather than broadly scrubbing the countertops.

Soft Materials

Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush, microfiber cloth or sponge when scrubbing with baking soda. Hard scrub brushes can be too abrasive.

Rinse Thoroughly

Completely rinse the countertops after scrubbing to remove all baking soda residue. Leaving residue behind can create buildup over time.

pH Neutralizing Rinse (Optional)

For an extra precaution, do a final wipe down with a pH neutral stone cleaner. This balances any alkaline residue from the baking soda.

Don’t Use Too Often

While periodic use is fine, avoid baking soda scrubbing daily or weekly. Opt for gentler daily quartz cleaners to avoid over-abrading.

What to Avoid With Quartz Countertops

Certain ingredients and cleaning habits can damage quartz and should be avoided:

• Vinegar – Too acidic for quartz, it can etch the resin surface.
• Citrus Juices – Also too acidic. Avoid using lemon juice, etc for cleaning.
• Abrasive Pads – Scouring pads, stiff brushes, etc can scratch.
• High Alkaline Cleaners – Bleach, ammonia, etc are too harsh.
• Hitting, Standing on Surface – Avoid excessive impact.
• Heat Damage – Use trivets and pads for hot pans.
• Sun Exposure – UV rays can yellow and fade quartz.

Signs of Damage

Noticeable scratches, pits, cracks, glossy spots or fading are signs quartz has been damaged. Damage is cumulative so be cautious with cleaning and avoiding impact.

When to Call a Professional

For deep scratches, cracks, excessive damage or restoration, call a professional stone restoration company. They have specialized techniques and products to re-polish and refinish damaged quartz.

Maintaining Your Investment

Quartz countertops are stain, scratch and heat resistant but not damage-proof. Simple precautions will maintain their beauty and value:

• Use cutting boards and trivets instead of cutting directly on the surface.
• Clean up spills quickly to prevent staining.
• Avoid using cleaners containing acids, bleach or ammonia.
• For daily cleaning, use a mild soap and water or stone-safe cleaner.
• Periodically sanitize and disinfect following manufacturer guidelines.
• Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a specialty sealer made for engineered stone.

Common Questions

Can I use baking soda and vinegar to clean quartz?

Vinegar is too acidic for quartz and should be avoided. Baking soda is safe when used in moderation mixed with water and thoroughly rinsed. Never use baking soda alone as an abrasive scrub.

What is the best homemade quartz cleaner?

Mix a mild dish soap like Dawn with warm water. For disinfecting, add a couple tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Avoid DIY cleaners involving vinegar, lemon juice or abrasives.

How can I get rid of hard water marks on my quartz?

Mix equal parts baking soda and water into a paste. Rub gently on the marks and rinse thoroughly. You can also use a vinegar-based de-liming cleaner made for engineered stone. Avoid vinegar solutions.

How do I get rid of dried cement on my quartz countertop?

Carefully scrape off any dried cement with a plastic putty knife. Apply a poultice made of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of mild dish soap on the remaining marks. Let sit 5-10 minutes then scrub and rinse. Repeat as needed.

Can permanent marker be removed from quartz?

Yes! Saturate a cloth with rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish remover and rub on the marks until removed. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Do not use nail polish remover on polished surfaces.

The Bottom Line

Quartz offers durability and low maintenance but still requires care and proper cleaning. When used correctly, baking soda can be used periodically to safely and effectively clean quartz countertops without damage. Keeping quartz surfaces beautiful for years means cleaning thoughtfully, avoiding harsh chemicals and impact. With some basic care, quartz countertops will retain their luxurious look and stand the test of time.

Is Baking Soda an Effective Cleaner for Quartz Countertops?

Baking soda is often touted as a safe, eco-friendly cleaner for many surfaces, but is it actually effective for cleaning quartz countertops? Here we’ll examine the properties of baking soda and Quartz to see if and how baking soda can properly clean quartz.

How Baking Soda Works as a Cleaner

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a naturally occurring mineral with mild abrasive properties and an alkaline pH between 8.0-9.0. As a base, baking soda can help lift dirt and neutralize acids. The fine powder particles provide gentle scouring action to loosen grime. For these reasons, baking soda is often used as an alternative to harsher cleaners.

The Composition of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground quartz minerals combined with pigments for color and resins that bind the material. The resin makes quartz non-porous and resistant to stains and damage. However, it can be degraded by acidic or harshly alkaline cleaners.

Is Baking Soda Too Abrasive for Quartz?

While baking soda has light scouring ability, it is far less abrasive than other chemical cleansers. It will not scratch, pit or etch quartz surfaces. Baking soda particles readily breakdown with water and friction during cleaning. Used properly, its mild abrasion can lift dirt without damaging quartz.

Is the Alkalinity Harmful to Quartz?

With careful use, baking soda’s alkalinity (pH 8-9) is not concentrated enough to degrade the resin binders in quartz. When diluted with water, baking soda paste is sufficiently gentle on quartz. Rinsing thoroughly after cleaning removes alkaline residue.

Benefits of Baking Soda for Quartz

Here are some benefits that make baking soda an effective yet quartz-safe cleaner:

• Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly – Made from natural minerals with no harsh chemicals. Biodegradable and renewable.
• Removes Grease and Grime – Baking soda dissolves and lifts away oils, food residue and dirt buildup.
• Deodorizing – Can neutralize odors leaving kitchens and bathrooms smelling fresh.
• Whitening – The mild scrubbing action can brighten dingy quartz surfaces.
• Versatile – Can be used to clean countertops, backsplashes, vanities and more.

Proper Techniques Are Crucial

While baking soda can effectively clean quartz, using improper techniques can damage surfaces over time. Here are some guidelines:

• Always mix baking soda with water to dilute – a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point.
• Spot clean problem areas only, do not broadly scrub all surfaces.
• Use a soft brush or sponge, not anything abrasive.
• Rinse thoroughly after to remove all baking soda residue.
• Limit use to once a week or less to avoid over-cleaning.
• Take care to avoid excessive pressure and impact.

The Verdict

When used correctly, baking soda is generally considered a safe and effective occasional cleaner for quartz countertops. Its abrasive yet non-damaging properties can tackle stains without harming quartz. However, improper use of any cleaner, including baking soda, can damage surfaces. With the proper techniques, baking soda can keep quartz counters clean while retaining their beauty. For daily maintenance, mild soap and water is best.

How Often Can You Use Baking Soda to Clean Quartz?

Baking soda is an effective quartz cleaner, but how often can it be used safely? Frequency depends on the care taken when cleaning and the overall condition of the countertops. Here are some guidelines on baking soda cleaning intervals for quartz.

Factors That Allow More Frequent Use

Baking soda can be used more often if:

• Only mixing a mild paste ratio of 1 part baking soda to 1 part water. Stronger solutions increase risk.
• Applying baking soda paste only to soiled areas, not general surface scrubbing.
• Using a soft brush or sponge, not anything abrasive that could scratch.
• Thorough rinsing after to remove all baking soda residue.
• Quartz is in good condition, without existing damage or wear.
• Other cleaners used are pH neutral rather than acidic or alkaline.
• Countertops are properly protected from heat and impacts.

Recommended Frequency

For quartz in good, well-maintained condition using proper baking soda cleaning technique:

• Once a week is safe for areas prone to grime buildup – e.g. near stoves.
• Once every 2 weeks provides regular degreasing and brightening.
• Once a month provides a deeper periodic cleaning.

Exercise Caution When Exceeding This Frequency

Without other precautions in place, exceeding once weekly use of baking soda can begin deteriorating quartz over time due to:

• Over-abrading the surface, causing micro-scratches
• Stripping away the resin protection leading to etching and pits.
• Leaving alkaline residue that damages binder resins
• Abrasion causing the quartz to lose its polished appearance

Signs Baking Soda Use Should Be Decreased

• Surface appears scratched, pitted or etched
• Dull, rough spots develop
• Countertops feel gritty or rough
• Residue is hard to remove after scrubbing
• Water and oil do not bead up like before

Best Practices

To allow safe, frequent baking soda cleaning:

• Rinse very thoroughly after each use.
• Follow with a stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner rinse.
• Avoid other harsh cleaners like bleach, vinegar, etc.
• Only use soft cleaning materials, not abrasive pads.
• Protect countertops from damage between cleanings.
• Have countertops re-polished periodically by a professional.

The Bottom Line

How often baking soda can be used depends on the overall condition of the quartz and cleaning habits. Typically once a week is considered safe for problem areas while once a month works for overall maintenance cleaning. Harsher scrubbing or exceeding this frequency risks damaging quartz over time unless other precautions are followed.

What’s the Best Way to Mix Baking Soda for Cleaning Quartz?

To maximize cleaning power while minimizing the risk of damage, baking soda must be properly mixed and diluted when cleaning quartz countertops. What is the best way to mix baking soda for quartz? Here are some tips.

Start With a 1:1 Ratio

Mix one part baking soda to one part water. This provides abrasive strength to lift dirt without being overly concentrated. For example:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water

Mix to form a spreadable paste. Adjust consistency as needed.

Use Lukewarm Water

Warm water dissolves and activates the baking soda better than cold. But avoid hot water as this can speed up chemical reactions and residue hardening.

Other Liquid Options

While water is most common, small amounts of other quartz-safe liquids can be used:

• White vinegar – 1 part baking soda, 2 parts water, 1 part vinegar. The acidity helps clean but rinse well.
• Hydrogen peroxide – 1 part baking soda, 2 parts water, 1 part peroxide. Adds gentle disinfecting.
• Clear alcohol – vodka or gin in place of water can help dissolve oils.

Add Other Powdered Cleaners Sparingly

Small amounts of powdered cleanser can enhance cleaning. But exceeding 1 part additive risks over-abrading quartz:

• Salt – Helps scrub without scratching
• Borax – Deodorizing and whitening
• Cornstarch – Absorbs grease

Avoid Harsher Additives

Steer clear of anything too abrasive, acidic or alkaline:

• No lemon juice or vinegar as primary liquid
• No comet or abrasive scrubs
• No chlorine bleach
• No drain cleaner, ammonia, etc.

Use Immediately

Only mix what will be used in one cleaning session. Baking soda paste will dry out if left to sit. For large jobs, mix in smaller batches as you go.

Store Dry Ingredients

Keep boxes of baking soda in a cool, dry place sealed tightly. Discard if any sign of moisture contamination.

Quartz-Safe Mixing Practices

• Use soft mixing utensils like silicone spatulas to avoid scratching.
• Mix in glass, ceramic or plastic containers – avoid metal bowls.
• Wipe up any splatters on the quartz immediately.
• Rinse quartz thoroughly after cleaning.

With the right mixing practices, baking soda can effectively and safely clean quartz counters without inflicting damage. Still exercise caution and spot test first when using any new cleaning mixture.

Baking Soda paste vs. Baking Soda solution for cleaning quartz – Which is better?

When it comes to cleaning quartz with baking soda, you can either make a paste or a diluted solution. Which method works better? Here’s a comparison of using baking soda paste vs. solution to clean quartz countertops.

Baking Soda Paste

A baking soda paste involves mixing baking soda powder with a small amount of water to form a spreadable, opaque paste.

How to make:

• 1 part baking soda
• 1 part water
• Mix until blended into paste

Pros:

• Thick consistency sticks to vertical surfaces like backsplashes.
• More abrasive for scrubbing tough stains.
• Lets you spot-treat specific areas.

Cons:

• Can be overly abrasive if pressed too hard.
• Dries out quickly.
• Needs frequent remixing.

Best for:

• Spot treating localized stains and buildup.
• Cleaning small areas.
• Grease cutting.

Baking Soda Solution

A baking soda solution is made by fully dissolving baking soda in water at a diluted concentration. This creates a translucent liquid.

How to make:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 cup warm water
• Stir until fully dissolved

Pros:

• Lower abrasiveness for overall cleaning.
• Won’t dry out mid-cleaning.
• Easy to apply over large surface areas.

Cons:

• Less scrubbing power for tough stains.
• Can leave streaks if concentration is too strong.
• Not as effective vertical surfaces.

Best for:

• Light everyday cleaning of full countertops.
• Removing soap scum and water deposits.
• Adding to a spray bottle