Let It Shine — Polishing Your Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking a balance of elegance and durability. Known for their low maintenance and stunning appearance, quartz surfaces can stay beautiful with just a little regular care. However, to maintain their pristine condition and avoid damage, it’s essential to know how to clean, polish, and protect them properly.

In this guide, our experts from Granite Selection will walk you through everything you need to keep your quartz countertops looking as good as new — from the necessary tools and materials to step-by-step cleaning routines and tips for tackling scratches and stains.

Tools and Materials for Polishing Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are incredibly durable and easy to maintain, but having the right tools and materials on hand is essential for keeping them in top condition. Whether you’re tackling daily cleaning or planning a deeper polish, being equipped with the proper supplies will make the process smooth and effective. Let’s break down the essentials you’ll need:

• Mild dish soap: Used for regular cleaning to remove dirt and grime.
  • Example: Dawn dish soap
• Quartz-safe polishing product: Specialized products designed for quartz surfaces that enhance shine without damaging the material.
• Microfiber cloth: Soft, non-abrasive cloths used to wipe and polish the surface without scratching it.
• Non-abrasive sponge: Gentle sponges that won’t scratch the surface, used for daily cleaning.
• Putty knife: Sometimes, some dirt becomes too stiff for soaking to be effective. When this happens, you can use a putty knife to scrape off some of it. Just be careful to not scrape off the surface of the countertop.
• Water: For diluting soaps and rinsing off the surface.

You can also create a home-made polishing product. Most people create a 25 percent vinegar to 75 percent water solution. Using a spray bottle, you can sprinkle and wipe your counters with this one.

One would think that cleaning equates to disinfecting. This is not always the case. While some cleaning agents have antibacterial properties, it is always best to have a special product dedicated to disinfecting alone. This is an important part of your quartz countertop polishing because your kitchen is where you prepare food.

For professional polishing you need additional materials such as:

• Electric buffer: For serious polishing or resurfacing, professionals use an electric buffer with specialized pads.
• Diamond hand pads: For more significant resurfacing projects.

By having these materials on hand, you’ll be ready to keep your quartz countertops in pristine condition. Whether you prefer using commercial products or homemade solutions, the key is to use gentle, non-abrasive tools and cleaners that maintain the quartz’s natural beauty and shine.

Step-by-Step Daily Polishing Quartz Countertops

Even though quartz is a non-porous material, it doesn’t mean that it is stain-invulnerable, but not much is needed to clean basic dirt off your countertop. We prepared short step-by-step guide so you can always keep your countertop clean and look pristine:

1. Gather your supplies.
2. Wipe down the countertop:
   • Mix mild dish soap with warm water.
   • Dip a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge into the solution and wipe the countertop surface.
   • This removes debris and prevents buildup.
3. Clean up spills promptly:
   • For liquid spills like coffee, or lemon juice, blot them with a soft towel.
   • Avoid wiping as it can spread the mess. Cleaning promptly prevents stains.
4. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for deep cleaning (optional):
   • For a deeper clean, use a quartz-safe cleaner applied with a soft cloth or sponge.
   • Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals.
5. Rinse with clean water:
   • After cleaning, rinse the countertop with clean water to remove any soap or cleaner residue.
6. Dry the countertop:
   • Use dry cloth to thoroughly dry the surface to prevent water spots or streaks and maintain its shine.

Turn this into a daily part of your cleaning routine in your kitchen. You can be sure that your quartz countertop stays polished for a long time. If you need to learn more about cleaning and caring for stone countertops, be sure to check our blog about cleaning quartz countertops.

Addressing Scratches and Stains

A polished quartz countertop not only refers to a clean and shining kitchen. It should also be free from scratches and major damages. Scratching the surface of your countertop is inevitable. Hence, it is important that you are able to address it immediately in order to deal with bigger damages, such as chips, which are not that easy to fix. Here are the basic steps to fix a scratch:

First Step: Clean the Area with the Scratch

Sometimes, you can never really see the entire damage until you are able to clean the area properly. This is important so you will know how big of a scratch you are dealing with.

Second Step: Fill Deep Scratches

There are products you can purchase that are for filling in the deep scratches on your quartz. Make sure you follow the instructions on the products. In a nutshell, what you have to do is apply the product on the scratches using a syringe and let it sit overnight.

Third Step: Polish Quartz

Once done with the second step, you can observe some stiff residues in the area where you applied your filler. Carefully scrape off the excess resins and then proceed to polishing and cleaning. For the final step, you can choose to use a very fine polishing compound or a specialized polishing agent to enhance the gloss and create a mirror-like shine.

Want to upgrade your kitchen countertop? If your quartz countertop is already showing significant chips or signs of damage, our team can work with you to modernize your space and bring your kitchen to life.

Check Out Our Quartz Countertop Collection

What Things to Avoid while Polishing

Polishing quartz countertops can keep them looking brand new, but it’s important to avoid certain practices that could cause long-term damage. Let’s take a look at the common mistakes to avoid when cleaning and polishing your quartz surfaces:

• Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers: They can scratch and dull the surface.
• Stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia: These can discolor or weaken the resin in quartz.
• Do not place hot pots directly on the surface: Although quartz is heat-resistant, extreme heat can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks.
• Avoid using acid-based cleaners: They can etch the surface over time.

Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your quartz countertops stay beautiful and last for years to come. Always choose gentle, quartz-safe products to maintain the surface’s integrity.

Conclusion

Polishing and maintaining your quartz countertops is easier than you might think when you have the right tools and techniques at your disposal. By following these simple cleaning routines and being mindful of what to avoid, you can preserve the beauty and integrity of your quartz surfaces for years to come.

However, if your countertops are showing signs of significant wear or damage, Granite Selection is here to help. Whether you need expert advice or are looking to upgrade your countertops, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today to bring your vision to life with beautiful, durable stone surfaces!