Who doesn’t love that gleaming look of sparkling clean counters in kitchens and bathrooms? That smooth, flawless surface tempts you to walk by and run your hand across it just to enjoy that satiny feel. Quartz countertops practically beg you to pile on the lemon meringue pies or brightly-hued bath accessories to show off their durable finishes and resistance to stains. But keeping the surfaces of your engineered stone counters looking factory-fresh requires some specialized knowledge tailored to quartz and other materials. This is why proper quartz countertop cleaning is important.
You invested good money into quality quartz surfacing to endure years of food prep and sink traffic with style. So why let improper cleaning dull the finish or allow preventable damage to mar those good looks over time? Protect both the beauty and value of your home by hiring reputable cleaning services or simply by learning the right techniques and products for routinely caring for clean quartz countertops.
Selecting the Right Cleaning Solutions and Products
The key to cleaning quartz countertops clean and properly is to use mild cleaning solutions that won’t damage the material. Here are some recommended products:
- Glass cleaner: An ammonia-free glass cleaner works well for most routine cleaning needs on quartz countertops. Spray it on and wipe it with a soft cloth.
- Dish soap: A couple drops of mild dish soap like Dawn mixed with warm water can tackle grease and food spills. The Spruce company recommends using a gentle cleaning solution like dish soap and warm water to regularly clean quartz surfaces. They advise avoiding abrasive cleansers or pads that could scratch the material.
- Soft scrub gel: For stuck-on gunk, a soft scrub gel like Mr. Clean can help lift stains without scratching.
- Rubbing alcohol: Pure rubbing alcohol removes stubborn marks from permanent markers and dyes.
- Bar Keepers Friend: This cleaning powder lifts soap scum and mineral deposits on bathroom quartz counters.
Meanwhile, avoid using harsh cleaners and chemicals like oven, drain, and bleach. Acidic cleaners will etch the surface over time.
Gather the Right Cleaning Tools
The proper quartz countertop cleaning tools make the job much easier. Here’s what you need:
Soft cloth
Clean microfiber cloth is ultra-gentle and great for wiping down quartz.
Soft sponge
Use a non-abrasive sponge when needed to apply cleaners.
Putty knife
A plastic putty knife helps lift debris stuck in crevices or corners.
Clean water
Always wipe counters with a clean, damp cloth to rinse off residue.
Scouring pads, steel wool, and other abrasives can scratch and damage quartz over time with excessive use.
Quartz Countertops Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Some basic care principles will keep them sparkling clean in between deep cleanings:
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent possible staining, especially from coffee, wine, oil, etc.
- Use cutting boards and trivets for food prep and hot items to prevent scratching.
- Clean counters once a week with an appropriate cleanser to prevent buildup.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealer made for engineered stone.
- Avoid exposing your quartz counters to harsh chemicals like paint removers or tile cleaners.
As Kirsten Dwyer outlines in the BobVila, quartz requires minimal maintenance to retain its durability and stain resistance. She also cautions against exposing quartz counters to excessive heat from hot pans without a trivet. Following these basic care guidelines will help quartz counters maintain their original beauty.
Removing Stains from Quartz Surfaces
Thanks to quartz countertops being non-porous, they resist staining quite well. However, some spilled substances can still leave stubborn marks on countertops if left too long. Here are tips for stain removal:
Liquid spills
Wipe up drinks like wine, juice, etc right away before staining occurs. Use a degreaser spray bottle only for oily spills.
Food stains
Spaghetti sauce, coffee, and other foods will stain if allowed to set. Agitate with baking soda and water paste.
Permanent marker
Rubbing alcohol loosens marker or pen marks on white quartz surfaces.
Hard water spots
Vinegar or lemon juice will help minimize mineral deposit rings.
For nail polish, gum, wax, or other substances that spill on your counters, freeze them with warm water or an ice pack then gently scrape them away. This avoids chemicals that may strip the finish.
Preventing Scratches and Other Damage
Quartz stands up quite well to heavy usage in kitchens and bathrooms. But the key is to avoid exposing it to continued high heat or abrasives that dull the finish. Here are things to avoid:
- No hot pans from the oven directly on the surface: Always use pot holders or trivets with scorching pans fresh from the oven to prevent thermal shock cracking.
- Don’t cut food directly on quartz: Use a cutting board to chop veggies, meat, etc. Cutting directly on the counter will dull knives and scratch over time.
- Careful with rough cleaning pads: Don’t rub too aggressively with stiff scrub pads or brushes, which create surface wear.
Using the Best Cleaning Techniques
Cleaning quartz counters is quite simple if done properly and consistently. Follow these best practices:
- Wipe spills ASAP with a soft cloth or paper towel. Don’t allow drying.
- Spray glass cleaner or mild dish soap and water, then wipe with circular motions using minimal pressure.
- Rinse off cleaner residue thoroughly after soaping and scrubbing.
- Occasionally disinfect quartz surfaces with rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide solution, or other non-bleach sanitizers to kill germs.
- Buff counters to a streak-free shine with a few drops of olive oil and a soft cloth after cleaning. Removes soap film.
Tips for Different Kitchen Materials
The cleaning needs for quartz countertops can vary slightly from natural stone surfaces in your home. Here are some distinctions:
- Granite requires sealing: Unlike quartz, natural granite is porous and needs periodic sealing to prevent staining.
- Soapstone needs oiling: These counters need regular application of mineral oil to maintain the darker patina vs dull streaks.
- Marble etching is common: Marble’s delicate surface is prone to chemical damage from acidic substances. Quartz better resists this.
- White quartz shows marks easily: Darker engineered stone hides light soil and water spots than a white surface.
Special Considerations in Bathrooms
The damp conditions in bathroom settings call for some specific top cleaning methods and protocols to keep quartz counters in top shape:
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like sinks or around the toilet regularly to prevent germ spread.
- Use a soap scum remover product to dissolve hard water deposits and mineral buildup.
- Make sure bath mats have a non-slip rubber backing to avoid staining from dyes in plastic support.
- Check under small appliances like electric toothbrushes, curling irons, etc that may drip and stain if left in place.
Keeping Kitchen Quartz Clean After Cooking
Kitchen quartz countertops take a beating daily. Here are some helpful tips for keeping quartz counters clean during food prep and after cooking:
- Always use a cutting board for food prep, not directly on the counter with knives.
- Clean raw meat, poultry, and fish juices quickly to avoid bacteria contamination.
- Remove oil splatters promptly while warm – they can soak into the surface when cooled.
- Use a build-up-resistant cleaning product designed for kitchen grease and soil.
- Reapply vegetable, olive, or other food-grade oil to a kitchen countertop occasionally to restore its shine and provide waterproof protection.
Wrap Up
Thankfully, quartz counters require only basic maintenance to retain their durable, stain-resistant, and scratch-proof qualities for years of beauty and performance. By using non-abrasive cleaners and soft wiping cloths, quartz surfaces clean up nicely with just soap and water most of the time. For tough stains or buildup issues, keep a gentle scrub gel on your hands.
Be sure to attend to any spills quickly before staining sets in and use trivets for setting hot items fresh from the oven to prevent thermal shock. With routine cleaning perhaps supplemented by a disinfecting wipe-down every couple of weeks, you can expect quartz counters to withstand heavy usage with grace. Using the proper specialized care outlined here will help quartz surfaces retain their non-porous integrity and will keep your countertops with that smooth factory finish shining.
So rely on these cleaning tips to keep your kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces looking like new. With minimal effort, your beautiful quartz counters will maintain their sleek appearance and optimal stain resistance for many years to come, boosting the value of your home.
