Quartz is a popular material for countertops because of the many benefits it offers. It comes in an array of designs, colors, and patterns to suit the preferences of homeowners. Quartz is also durable and easy to maintain. Its robust, natural resiliency helps it withstand rigorous daily use.
New fabrication makes it possible to manufacture quartz to resemble natural exotic stone at a relatively low cost. Engineered countertops made of quartz and resin have a hard surface that repels scratches and dents, making them a perfect material for bathroom upgrades and renovations.
Caring for quartz countertops is easy. To keep them looking elegant and clean, you only need to wipe them. Nonetheless, it is essential to know which cleaning products and strategies to use.
Many opinions and products for cleaning quartz countertops exist, so it’s sometimes challenging to know what delivers the best results. Here, then, are guidelines for preserving the beauty of quartz for many years.
More about quartz: How to Design a Kitchen With Durable Materials
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Quartz Countertops
- Paper towels
- Sponges
- Spray bottle
- Vinegar
- Window cleaner
General Cleaning
Clean quartz countertops daily to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating. Use a soft rag dampened with warm water and a small amount of dish soap to wipe the countertops free of crumbs, grease, and other debris.
For stubborn messes like wax spills, food, gum, and sticky substances, use a plastic putty knife, rubber spatula, or other soft tool to gently scrape them away. Avoid anything that could scratch the surface. If any smudges or streaks remain, mist the countertop with a window cleaner and wipe it with a microfiber cloth or soft rag.
Never use harsh chemicals like bleach on quartz. Bleach and other harsh chemicals can discolor the countertop permanently or ruin the finish. The non-porous material is stain and bacteria-resistant, so heavy-duty cleansers are unnecessary.
Also, avoid using abrasive sponges and scouring pads. They will render fine scratches and leave the quartz’s surface dull. These microscopic mars make it more difficult to clean the countertop properly. They also provide collection areas for grime.
Although quartz strongly resists stains from common household spills like juice, tea, soda, wine, coffee, and makeup, wipe up spills before they have a chance to set. Any spilled substance left too long can turn into a stubborn stain.
Blot wet spills immediately with a rag or paper towel. For simple spills, a clean cloth is often adequate to remove the mess and restore the countertop’s clean appearance.
Don’t use oil-based cleaners on quartz because they can cloud the finish and cause discoloration. For stubborn spills, make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and gently rub it into the stain using a soft cloth or sponge.
In time, everyday cooking may leave dried-on, crusty messes that regular soap and water can’t tackle. Use a flexible plastic scraper or non-abrasive scrub sponge to gently lift off the gunked-on substance. You can also mist the area with warm water to soften the mess for easier removal with minimal scraping.
Don’t use too much pressure when you wipe the counters. That can lead to scratches and abrasions that get worse. For more extensive buildup, place paper towels soaked in hot water over the area to loosen the residue before attempting to clean.
A vinegar and water solution helps dissolve stubborn mineral deposits and food residue that leaves a filmy buildup on quartz over time. Hard water and food particles bond to create this film that resists basic wipe-downs.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Lightly mist the countertop and use a sponge to scrub away the haze gently. Rinse well and dry completely. For tough stains like permanent marker or ink, use a specially formulated stain remover.
Apply a small amount, let it sit for several minutes, then wipe away the stain and any remaining cleaner with a damp rag.
For these unusual messes, ordinary rubbing alcohol can also help dissolve the substance for easier removal.
Regularly rinsing quartz countertops is also a good habit to develop. Frequent rinsing helps maintain the countertop’s brilliant shine but avoids excessive water that can seep into seams and damage subsurface components.
Lightly mist the entire surface with a spray bottle, then scrub with a soft sponge before wiping dry with a clean cloth. Look for any streaks left behind once fully dry and remove them.
Disinfect quartz countertops after contact with raw meat, fish, poultry, or seafood to eliminate bacteria that can cause illness. First, remove all debris, food bits, and excess moisture from the surface. Then, let it sit for a few minutes. Use a clean paper towel to wipe away the disinfectant. Bleach-free disinfecting wipes also sanitize quartz counters.
Caring for Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are a major investment for luxury apartments and condominiums, so preserving their pristine finish is essential to maintaining the property’s value. In addition to avoiding harsh cleaners and abrasives, it’s important to protect quartz from excessive heat.
Quartz typically withstand temperatures up to 300 to 400°F before experiencing a thermal shock. Prolonged contact with extremely hot cookware can cause cracks and fissures.
While brief contact with a hot pan fresh from the stove or oven does not harm counters, use trivets or pads when setting them down directly from the heat source.
When removing pots and pans from the stovetop or oven, allow them to cool on the cooktop first before placing them on the countertop. Never put extremely hot cookware directly on a quartz surface. Don’t expose countertops to open flames, which can damage the material.
Immediately wipe up any hot oil or grease spills to prevent possible discoloration. Mist the oily area with a window cleaner and blot rapidly with paper towels or a clean rag. This method prevents the oil from penetrating the sealant and clouding the finish.
With proper daily and weekly cleaning habits plus prompt care for spills and messes, quartz countertops will retain their flawless appearance and elegant shine for years. Understanding the most effective cleaning and care methods allows you to keep quartz surfaces pristine.
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FAQs About Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Can I use bleach to clean my quartz countertop?
Never use bleach to clean your quartz countertop. Using bleach risks permanent discoloration or damage. The nonporous material resists stains and bacteria without strong cleansers.Â
How can I remove dried or stuck-on messes from my quartz countertop?
To remove dried or stuck-on messes, use a plastic scraper or non-abrasive scrub pad to gently lift off the mess after softening it with warm water. An equal parts distilled vinegar and water solution helps dissolve stuck-on grime and residue.
What’s the best way to clean quartz countertops daily?
The best way to clean quartz countertops every day is to use a soft rag or sponge with warm water and mild dish soap to wipe the counters. This cleaning method removes grease, crumbs, dust, and other debris to keep counters looking spotless in between deeper cleanings. Mist with a window cleaner and wipe dry to eliminate streaks.
How can I remove stains from my quartz countertop?
Blot wet spills immediately before they have a chance to set. For tougher stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub it into the stain using a soft cloth. Unusual stains may require a specially formulated stain remover or rubbing alcohol.
How do I rinse and sanitize my quartz countertop?
Mist surfaces with a spray bottle of water and scrub with a soft sponge before drying thoroughly with a cloth. Disinfect by spraying with an antibacterial cleaner after removing all debris. Let sit briefly before wiping clean.
