Read all about how to clean quartz countertops for glowing results, along with cleaning tips to make your life easier.
In case you haven’t heard…quartz countertops are the new marble, granite, or whatever trendy stone you’ve been lusting over for the past decade.
Quartz countertops add a fresh look to any kitchen, along with a ton of function (more on that in a minute!). Plus, quartz comes in a ton of colors to meet any and all of your design needs. In other words, these countertops will withstand while also creating gorgeous style switch-ups.
But to clean quartz countertops, you’ll need to adopt a whole new cleaning regimen.
So what’s the big deal with cleaning quartz?
The good news is that they’re actually more hardy than granite countertops! But,they do still require a bit of tender love and care. For example, good ole’ trusty Comet is a no-no…it would scrape the crap out of your quartz counters!
So we need to update our cleaning arsenals in order to keep our quartz countertops shiny and new.
In this post, I’m sharing all about this trending countertop. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of quartz counters, how to clean them, the best cleaning products, and fool-proof tips for minimizing your cleaning routine.
What are quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops are often confused with quartzite, a rock that comes from sandstone. The quartz in used for bathroom and kitchen countertops, however, is an engineered stone.
The countertops are made from ground quartz, bound with liquid resin. The results are a gleaming, sparkly surface with more uniformity than natural character.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
- Durable and low-maintenance
- Non-porous and stain-resistant
- Great options for color and consistent patterns
- Long-lasting
- Easy to clean
- Less expensive than granite materials
Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops
- Prone to cracking under high heat
- Quality quartz can be costly
- Can discolor under direct sunlight
- Easily scratched by abrasive sponges, debris, etc.
- Difficult to repair
- Often damaged by harsh cleaners
Big picture – most of the drawbacks to quartz countertops are easy to avoid with the proper care and cleaning routine. If you’re willing to put in the effort, quartz countertops will be well worth it.
Best and Worst Quartz Countertop Cleaners
Before you get cleaning, you’ll need to gather a few quartz-friendly supplies. While it’s not princess-delicate (looking at you, marble!), quartz does have a unique set of needs.
Best Cleaners
- Dish soap and warm water
- Gentle, all-purpose cleaners
- Non-abrasive glass cleaner
- Baking soda for tough stains
- On my own quartz countertops, I use this non-toxic, eco-friendly surface cleaner (I buy it in bulk and mix in my own reusable glass spray bottle) and recommend it highly!
- My personal fave spot cleaner for tougher stains? Believe it or not…toothpaste!
Products to Avoid
- Abrasive cleaners
- Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, bleach, and vinegar
- High PH products, including grill cleaners, dishwashing detergent, and oven cleaner
- Rough sponges and cloths
- Steel wool
Note: In some rare cases, you may need to whip out the big guns. A harsher cleaner is okay to use in targeted locations when necessary—just avoid them for regular maintenance.
5 Steps to Clean Quartz Countertops
Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty on how to keep your counters nice and clean. Thankfully, quartz counters are easy to maintain with the right routine.
When it’s time to give your counters a good clean, here are your simple steps:
1. Wipe away surface debris
First, you’ll want to remove any surface debris (crumbs, gross mystery liquids, etc) from your quartz using a warm, wet cloth. Choose a soft rag that is gentle on surfaces to avoid scratching the quartz.
A soft, clean cloth like microfiber is ideal, but a paper towel will also do in a pinch!
I like these re-usable, microfiber cloths with a scrubbing side that’s helpful for removing hardened food without scratching the surface of the countertops.
For regular maintenance, I like to use a damp cloth soaked in warm water then rung dry to wipe down the counters.
2. Use a gentle cleaner
Next, add a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth and give your counters a thorough wipe. This is my favorite kind (it’s non-toxic, and eco-friendly as you can buy it in concentrate and mix in your own glass spray bottle).
Diluted dish soap makes a great cleaner, targeting spills without damaging your quartz or quartzite countertops. And it effectively removes bacteria without intense ingredients like bleach. The brand I personally use comes in an eco-friendly block (no plastic disposable bottles, yeah!).
A gentle, store-bought cleaning solution would work just as well. Avoid cleaners containing harsh chemicals or acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar—these can break down the quartz over time.
3. Remove dried residues
If you have any dried spills or grease residue, use a plastic putty knife (or old, expired credit card) to scrape away residue without damaging your countertops.
Give another quick wipe to remove any last residue.
4. Target stains
Quartz is a non-porous stone and is one of the more stain-resistant countertop materials. With this being said, it’s not magic material!
Quartz countertops can definitely become stained if spills are left to set. So, in the event of a stubborn stain, I recommend using a little bit of toothpaste, or making a DIY paste out of baking soda and a bit of water.
- Add your baking soda to a small dish, then add just enough water until you’ve made a thick, paste-like mixture.
- Apply your paste to the stained counter, letting it sit for a few minutes.
- Rub gently in circular motions with a soft cloth to help lift the stain, then wash away with warm water.
Because baking soda is alkaline, it’s a better stain-removal choice than lemon juice or rubbing alcohol. These ingredients are both highly acidic and can gradually damage your quartz countertops.
5. Rinse, dry, and shine
Once your countertops are clean and sparkling, give them a good rinse to get rid of any residue from your cleaner.
Quartz countertops also need to be dried after cleaning to prevent streaks and water spots. Microfiber cloths are perfect for the job because they’re gentle and give surfaces a nice shine.
Easy Tips for Keeping Clean Quartz Countertops
If you’re like me, you’re not always in the mood for deep cleaning. And when I say not always, I really mean…rarely. Use these tips for keeping clean quartz countertops through regular maintenance:
- Clean up spills immediately with a damp towel to avoid stuck-on residues and hard-to-lift stains.
- Keep a ready-made spray bottle of gentle cleaner for on-the-go cleaning. Remember, stick with gentle – something like oven cleaner or bleach is too harsh!
- Always use trivets under hot pans to avoid heat damage.
- Dry wet counters, avoiding streaks and water stains.
- Buff counters with microfiber cloths for a shiny finish.
More Quartz Countertops FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions about how to clean quartz countertops. Read more to give your quartz the care it deserves, and keep it in good condition for years and years to come:
Quartz countertops are certainly not a budget material, as they can range from about $60-$150 per square foot. And this obviously doesn’t include the cost of labor and other necessary materials.
Still, it can be more affordable or at least on par with its competitor, granite. Plus, it’s a more durable option as it’s non-porous and super low maintenance.
While you may be shelling out a little extra dough to begin with, quartz countertops can be well worth the investment based on their longevity.
Are quartz countertops durable?
Quartz surafaces are considered very durable, with a non-porous finish that is super easy to maintain with regular care. With this being said, every superhero has their kryptonite.
For quartz, this comes in the form of heat and scratches. Because it’s sensitive to high-heat levels, always place hot pots, pans, and dishes on a heat-resistant trivet or hot pads and never directly on your countertops.
You also need to be careful about scratching the quartz surface, which is not super difficult to do. Remember to use a cutting board when using knives or other sharp objects. Also, avoid scrubbing with scouring pads, steel wool, or anything else that will scratch your counters into oblivion.
Are quartz countertops a passing trend?
Like all ultra-popular trends, it gets a little scary bringing them into your home. Especially when they’re an investment you’ll have to live with on the daily.
However, I give quartz countertops the green light all the way. I’m confident that they’ll survive the trend cycle. They’re neutral, durable, and suitable for any style under the sun.
Basically, quartz countertops bring a winning combo that is here to stay.
How do you make quartz countertops shiny?
Want to see a bit more gloss? After cleaning your counter, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining water and reduce the chance of streaks. Then, buff your counter with a microfiber cloth to make your quartz shine!
If you’ve found your countertops are duller than their original glory, you can try a gentle, low-pH glass cleaner for extra shine.
As a general rule, I would avoid Windex as it has a high pH level and can damage your quartz counters over time. Instead, try a gentle, mineral-based product like the Seventh Generation Glass Cleaner for the best results.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops: Conclusion
Quartz countertops are a great reminder to keep it simple – a warm, soapy cloth is the ultimate cleaning solution. Remember these tips on how to clean quartz countertops to avoid scratches, impossible stains, and even heartbreaking cracks.
Pin this article about cleaning quartz countertops for later! And if you use any of the recommendations, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try it, too!
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