How to Clean and Care for Quartz Countertops

Want to keep your stone countertops looking their best? In this comprehensive guide, the team at Granite Selection shares expert tips for effectively cleaning and caring for your quartz countertops. From daily upkeep to tackling tough stains, you’ll learn how to maintain the beauty and longevity of your investment. Say goodbye to cleaning concerns and hello to a kitchen you’ll adore for years to come!

6 Steps for Routine Cleaning of Quartz Countertops

6 Steps for Routine Cleaning of Quartz Countertops

#1. Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before you begin cleaning your quartz countertops, you’ll want to gather all the necessary supplies.

Here are the items our team at Granite Selection recommends:

  • Mild dish soap: Choose a gentle, pH-neutral dish soap that won’t damage the quartz.
  • Warm water: Fill a basin or sink with warm water for mixing with the dish soap.
  • Soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge: Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to clean the countertops without scratching or damaging the surface.
  • Plastic putty knife or plastic scraper: Keep a plastic putty knife or scraper on hand to remove any stains or dried spills.
  • Microfiber cloth: Use a microfiber cloth for drying and buffing the countertops to leave them streak-free and shiny.
  • Quartz cleaner (optional): If you prefer using a specialized quartz cleaner, ensure that it’s specifically formulated for quartz surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Having these supplies ready means you’ll have everything you need to properly care for your countertops made from quartz and maintain their beauty and longevity.

#2. Wipe Down the Countertop Surface

For sparkling quartz countertops, regularly wipe them down with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of mild detergent and warm water. This simple habit removes loose debris, prevents grimy buildup, and maintains a clean, polished surface.

#3. Clean Up Spills Promptly

#3. Clean Up Spills Promptly

Quartz is known for its stain-resistant properties, but it’s still important to clean up spills promptly. Accidents happen! If you spill coffee, juice, oil, or other liquids on your quartz countertops, act quickly. Blot the spill with a cloth or sponge to absorb as much as possible. Avoid wiping, as this can spread the mess.

As long as you address spills promptly, you can prevent staining and keep your quartz countertops in prime condition.

#4. Use Non-Abrasive Cleaner

For a deeper clean, choose a gentle cleaner specifically designed for quartz surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage your countertops. Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge, working in circular motions to lift dirt and grime. This will help preserve your countertop’s finish and keep it looking pristine.

#5. Rinse with Clean Water

After applying cleaner, rinse your countertops with clean water to remove any residual product. This step is vital to prevent buildup and maintain the surface’s shine and color. Use a damp cloth or sponge for effective rinsing.

#6. Dry the Countertop Thoroughly

Thoroughly dry your quartz countertops with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots or streaks. This simple step enhances the appearance of your countertops and helps prevent moisture-related issues like mold or mildew. A dry surface is essential for a clean, healthy, and long-lasting countertop.

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Quartz countertops offer beauty and durability. Discover the perfect fit for your kitchen with our inspiring solutions.

Removing Tough Stains: How to Deep Clean Quartz Countertops

Effective maintenance and cleansing are key to preserving the beauty and longevity of stone countertops, including your quartz counters. Understanding how to clean quartz countertops and tackle quartz countertop stains is essential.

Here’s a guide to keeping your quartz surfaces shining and free from stubborn stains.

Stain Type Cleaning Solution Cleaning Method
Food Stains Mild dish soap and warm water solution. Use a soft cloth in a circular motion, rinse, and dry with a soft towel.
Oil or Grease Stains Gentle household cleaner or degreaser. Apply, let sit, gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse, and dry.
Coffee or Tea Stains Baking soda and warm water paste. Apply the paste, scrub gently with a soft cloth, rinse, and dry.
Ink Stains Isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a damp cloth, blot the stain, rinse with water, and dry.
Hard Water Stains White vinegar (use sparingly). Soak a cloth or sponge, place over the stain, scrub gently after a brief period, rinse, and dry.
Red Wine Stains Hydrogen peroxide. Dampen a cloth, blot the spill, rinse, and dry.

Protect your beautiful quartz counters by using gentle cleaning products and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. While quartz is heat-resistant, always use hot pads or trivets to prevent potential damage from hot pots and pans. For everyday maintenance, keep your quartz countertops pristine by quickly wiping up spills and using only soft cleaning materials.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Caring for Your Quartz Countertops

The Do’s and Don’ts of Caring for Your Quartz Countertops

DO’S

#1. Clean with Gentle Cleaners

While resistant to scratches, countertops from quartz can still be dulled or etched by harsh chemicals. Opt for mild dish soap mixed with warm water for routine cleaning. Avoid highly acidic cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or any other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface and leave it looking dull.

#2. Use Non-Abrasive Tools

Although quartz is resistant to scratches, it’s not invincible. Stick to soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges to clean your countertops. Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, or brushes, as they can scratch the surface and leave behind permanent marks.

#3. Clean with Everyday Essentials

#3. Clean with Everyday Essentials

For everyday cleaning, warm water and a soft sponge or dishcloth are all you need! Gently wipe down your quartz countertops to remove dust, grime, and messes. This simple method keeps your countertops clean and preserves their beautiful shine.

#4. Employ Heat Protection to Avoid Damage

Quartz offers great heat resistance, but it’s important to protect it from extreme temperatures. Always use trivets or heat-resistant pads under hot pots, pans, or baking dishes. This simple precaution prevents cracking, warping, or thermal shock that could compromise your countertop’s integrity.

#5. Use Chopping Boards

While quartz counters are highly durable and resistant to scratches, it’s still recommended to use cutting boards when working with knives or other sharp objects. Even though quartz is scratch-resistant, we always tell our customers that it’s best to avoid unnecessary wear and tear by using cutting boards as an additional protective measure.

DON’TS

#1. Expose Quartz to Harsh Chemicals

Avoid contact with nail polish remover, oven cleaner, paint stripper, or any other harsh cleaners. These can damage the quartz and cause discoloration, etching, or even weaken the material.

#2. Use Abrasive Materials

#2. Use Abrasive Materials

Scouring pads, steel wool, or stiff brushes can leave visible marks and potentially weaken the smooth surface of your scratch-resistant quartz countertops. Stick to soft cloths and sponges for a gentle clean.

#3. Stain Your Quartz

Prolonged contact with substances like permanent markers, ink, or strong dyes can stain quartz. To prevent staining, especially from colored liquids or oil-based substances, make sure to clean any spills immediately.

#4. Subject Quartz to Extreme Heat

While heat-resistant, quartz countertops can still be damaged by extreme temperatures. Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the quartz surface. Use trivets or heat-resistant pads to protect the countertop from heat damage, which can cause cracks or fissures.

#5. Expose Countertops to Direct Sunlight

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the color of your quartz countertops to fade over time. To protect your investment’s vibrancy, consider using curtains, blinds, or UV-protective film on nearby windows.

Keep Your Quartz Sparkling with Granite Selection

Keep Your Quartz Sparkling with Granite Selection

Taking good care of your quartz countertops keeps them looking beautiful and extends their lifespan. The tips we’ve shared will help you prevent stains and damage so you can enjoy them for years!

Thinking about quartz for your next project? We’d love to help! Give Granite Selection a call at (888) 906 3317. We’re happy to answer all your questions, offer design advice, and tell you about any quartz countertop specials.

Let’s work together to create the kitchen and bathrooms of your dreams!

Related Posts
  • Daily wiping with soap and water is sufficient for routine cleaning. For spills or stains, clean them up as soon as they occur. Deep cleaning with a dedicated quartz cleaner can be done as needed, depending on use and exposure to staining substances.

  • Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and scrubbing pads on quartz countertops. These can damage the surface and diminish the shine. Stick to mild cleaners and soft cloths.

  • Quartz countertops offer impressive durability and resist chips and cracks remarkably well. However, like any material, they can be damaged by significant force or impact, especially on edges or corners.

  • Skip Windex or other ammonia-based glass cleaners on your quartz countertops, as they can dull the finish over time. For the best results, clean spills with mild soap and water or a cleaner formulated specifically for quartz surfaces.