Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, like any countertop material, quartz requires proper cleaning and care to keep it looking its best. Here is an in-depth look at the best practices for cleaning quartz countertops.
Why Quartz Needs to Be Cleaned
Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This composition gives quartz countertops some advantages over natural stone countertops:
- Quartz is non-porous, so it resists staining and etching better than materials like marble.
- It is durable and scratch-resistant.
- Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- It does not require ongoing sealing like granite.
However, quartz is not indestructible. Over time, it can accumulate dirt, grime, soap scum, and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Food and drinks can leave behind organics that promote bacteria growth. Oils, grease and residue from cooking can lead to buildup. And spills from acidic foods and liquids, though they don’t etch quartz, can discolor or dull the surface if left unattended.
Regular cleaning keeps quartz hygienic and looking like new. Following quartz manufacturer guidelines is key as excessive abrasion or harsh chemicals could damage the surface over time.
General Cleaning Dos and Don’ts
Here are some overarching dos and don’ts to keep in mind when maintaining your quartz countertops:
DO:
- Clean quartz frequently with mild soap and water.
- Use non-abrasive soft cloths, sponges or nylon scrub pads.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
- Blot spills quickly to prevent staining.
DON’T:
- Use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could scratch.
- Allow spills to sit unattended for long periods.
- Use solvents, strippers or acidic cleaners like vinegar.
- Place hot items from stove/oven directly on quartz surface.
Recommended Cleaning Agents
There are many commercial cleaners labeled as safe for quartz that provide good cleaning action without being too harsh. Some examples include:
- Mild dish soap and warm water – Great for routine light cleaning; reduces oil and grease buildup. Rinse well and dry with soft cloth.
- Glass cleaner – Removes fingerprints and smudges. Look for ammonia-free options.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfects and breaks up organics; apply with soft cloth and rinse after 5 minutes.
- Baking soda – Gentle abrasive action to remove stains; make paste with water and scrub with soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly after use.
- Bar Keepers Friend – Popular cleaner made specifically for quartz and other stone surfaces; used as directed it will not etch or dull quartz.
No matter which cleaner you use, avoid excessive scrubbing force and test new products on a small area first before widespread use. Never mix cleaning agents together as this could cause dangerous chemical reactions.
Daily Cleaning Tips
- Wipe up food and liquid spills quickly to prevent staining and buildup.
- Clean counters thoroughly after food prep. Use a degreasing agent like dish soap to remove oil, grease, and residue that can attract dirt over time.
- Sweep or lightly vacuum counters daily to remove crumbs and dust.
- Spray glass cleaner on paper towel to wipe up fingerprints and smudges. Avoid over-spray getting into crevices and seams.
- Mix a light solution of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle for quick cleaning of light messes.
- Rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to prevent streaks and water marks.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
- Clean the entire surface with a quartz cleaner or baking soda paste to remove staining and buildup.
- Use a soft brush or sponge with warm, soapy water to scrub crevices, corners, and intricate texture patterns.
- Rinse several times with clean water and dry with soft cloth.
- For stubborn spots, let baking soda paste or cleaner sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
- Disinfect counters by wiping down with diluted hydrogen peroxide and rinsing after 5 minutes.
- Reseal joints and seams around sinks/faucets with caulk if needed to prevent moisture and grime from collecting.
How to Remove Common Messes
Dried food, grease, and residues: Use a baking soda paste and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge in circular motions. Rinse and repeat if needed for tough buildup. Finish by cleaning with dish soap.
Water spots and rings: Wipe with slightly dampened microfiber cloth. Buff dry immediately with a dry towel.
Fruit juices, wine, coffee stains: Blot immediately and clean with hydrogen peroxide. Let sit 5 minutes before rinsing.
Oil-based spills: Absorb excess with paper towel. Clean area with dish soap using firm but gentle scrubbing. Rinse several times.
Hard water deposits: Wipe with a cloth dampened in diluted white vinegar. Rinse immediately and dry thoroughly.
Candle wax: Let harden completely then gently scrape off excess. Place paper towel over wax and iron on warm setting to absorb melted wax. Clean with dish soap afterwards.
Nail polish: Use a small amount of non-acetone nail polish remover on soft cloth. Rub gently and rinse area thoroughly before drying.
Scratches: There is no way to completely remove scratches from quartz once formed. Take care to avoid dragging, scraping, or placing hot items on the surface.
When to Call a Professional
While regular cleaning can handle most mess-ups, quartz may need professional help for more serious damage:
- Visible cracks, chips or loose joints/seams.
- Significant dulling, etching, or wearing down of the surface.
- Large stains that cleaning can’t remove.
- Burn marks.
Consult a certified quartz fabricator/installer for repairs. Completely replacing quartz is usually not needed unless there is extreme damage.
Maintain Your Investment with Proper Care
Quartz countertops are designed to be low maintenance compared to other surfaces. But no countertop material is impervious to everything. With some daily and weekly cleaning care, you can keep quartz counters in like-new condition for many years before needing professional restoration services. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions as well. With the proper cleaning techniques, quartz countertops will retain their beauty while withstanding the demands of a busy kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Can I use vinegar to clean quartz counters?
Vinegar is acidic so it is not recommended as an all-purpose cleaner for quartz. It could potentially dull the surface over time with repeated use. However, diluted white vinegar can be used briefly to remove hard water deposits and other alkaline-based stains. Rinse very thoroughly after use.
What should I avoid getting on my quartz countertops?
Avoid exposure to strong chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, and drain openers. Prevent damage from sharp knives or heavy impacts. Blanch oils and grease buildup. Clean spills promptly to prevent permanent staining.
How can I get rid of dull spots on my quartz?
Dull spots are likely caused by hard water deposits or mineral etching. Try cleaning with a baking soda paste first. For tougher spots, wipe with a diluted white vinegar solution and rinse immediately. If dullness persists, consult a professional for possible re-polishing of the surface.
Can I cut food directly on quartz counters?
It’s best to avoid cutting, chopping, or slicing food directly on quartz. Always use a cutting board to protect from scratches and knicks from kitchen knives.
Is it OK to place hot pans on quartz?
Prolonged direct heat exposure could damage quartz. Always use trivets or hot pads when setting hot cookware on quartz. Let pans cool somewhat first before making direct contact with the quartz surface. Sudden temperature changes can also risk cracking the quartz.
How often should quartz counters be professionally cleaned?
With proper daily and weekly care, professional deep cleaning may only be needed every 3-5 years unless the counters become excessively stained or etched. Annual light polishing can help keep quartz counters looking their best.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and prompt spill removal are key to keeping quartz counters in immaculate condition. Stick to gentle cleaners and soft scrubbing pads to avoid damaging the quartz surface over time. With the right maintenance approach, quartz countertops will stay looking like new for many years before needing professional restoration services. Be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines and test any new cleaning products on a small area first. With some basic daily and weekly cleaning habits, quartz can be kept beautiful and hygienic as the focal point of any kitchen.