How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Get that shine back with a few simple steps and supplies.

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Quartz countertops are often used in kitchens and bathrooms because of their durability, stain resistance, and timeless beauty. But using the wrong cleaning methods and products can lead to damage and discoloration. Even though the material is relatively easy to maintain, it's essential to know how to clean quartz countertops correctly to keep them shiny and spotless.

So, before you start scrubbing away with any type of multipurpose cleaner and risk ruining them, learn how to clean and care for them with these simple techniques and expert tips.

There are a few things to be aware of before cleaning and attempting to remove any stains from your countertops. Taking these precautions will ensure you don't accidentally use the wrong method or products and will prevent you from causing damage. Below are the main things to consider before you get started.

The first thing is to know if you have quartz or quartzite countertops. Quartz countertops are engineered from a combination of a cement-based or polymeric binder, quartz, crushed-up marble, granite, and other materials.

MSI Surfaces, one of the leading countertop distributors in the United States, explains that quartzite, on the other hand, starts as sandstone and then fuses with quartz from a natural heat and pressure process to form quartzite. This means quartzite is a natural stone, while quartz is a man-made product. There are a few differences in how each is cleaned and maintained. For instance, quartzite requires sealing, but quartz does not. So ensure you know your countertops are quartz—not quartzite—before following the below cleaning methods.

"You should contact the manufacturer before attempting to remove stains so you use the correct method for your brand of quartz countertops," says Cathy Pitts, designer, and manager of Cabinetworks LLC. "Each manufacturer may have different recommendations for removing stains depending on how the countertop is made."

Another reason Pitts advises contacting the manufacturer is if your countertops are under warranty and you use a product they don't recommend, it could void the warranty. That costly mistake can be avoided by contacting the manufacturer first.

"You'll want to avoid using any abrasive or highly acidic cleaners or scouring pads on quartz, so skip the bleach, undiluted vinegar, oven cleaner, or dishwasher detergent," says Carrie Ypma, expert organizer and founder of Clutter Keeper. "These types of cleaners can dull the surface over time, or worse yet, cause permanent damage to your beautiful counter."

When it comes to how frequently you should clean your quartz countertops, remember the famous saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Cleaning your countertops daily can keep them in good condition and reduce the chance of them getting stained.

"To keep your quartz countertops clean, it's best to wipe down the surfaces a few times a day, typically after meals," says Ypma. "If you spill liquid, wipe it up immediately, and don't let it sit for too long. If it sits on the surface for too long, it can stain the countertop."

So, if you aren't able to clean them daily, ensure you wipe up spills immediately to prevent stubborn stains such as coffee, tea, or wine spills. These types of stains are more difficult to get out than others.

Cleaning and disinfecting your countertops daily will keep them radiant and reduce the risk of bacteria contamination.

Countertops are prone to clutter. Before you start cleaning, clear all the clutter so you can give your countertops a good washing. Do your best to keep clutter from piling up, so you can easily wash them in the future.

Use a soft cloth and wipe loose crumbs and debris into the trash. This way, you don't get debris stuck in the sponge or cloth you will be using to clean.

Mix a few drops of mild dish liquid into a bowl of warm water to wash down your quartz countertops. Do not add any harsh chemicals, because they can damage and discolor the countertop if not intended for use on quartz.

Now that you have your sudsy cleaning solution mixed up, you can start gently scrubbing your countertops with a soft sponge or cloth. Use circular motions to clean the surface with light and even pressure.

If you have stubborn grime or food debris that isn't wiping away easily, then spot treat it with the cleaning solution and allow it to soak for a few minutes to help loosen it from the surface.

If the grime still doesn't wipe off, you can carefully use a plastic putty knife to scrape it off and continue cleaning. However, be very careful not to scratch the surface when using the putty knife.

Rinse out your sponge or cloth with clean water and use it to soak up all the suds on the counter. Continue rinsing and wiping until there's no more soapy residue.

Countertops are one of the dirtiest spots in your home. The great news is quartz countertops are non-porous, which makes it difficult for bacteria and mildew to reproduce. However, it's still good to disinfect them to prevent the chance of contamination.

"To minimize the spread of germs and cross-contamination, you should clean and disinfect your countertops daily," Jen Renee Hoerber, business manager of Clean and Simple Cleaning, advises. "We suggest disinfecting by mixing a 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray on your quartz countertops and let sit for 5-7 minutes before wiping dry with a microfiber towel."

The final step is to wipe the countertops dry with a clean microfiber cloth or soft towel. Microfiber cloth are excellent because they're super absorbent and will leave your quartz countertops with a streak-free shine.

"One of the best characteristics of quartz countertops is that they aren't susceptible to stains, mold, or bacteria," Hoerber advises. "The best tip for all stains is to act promptly." If you still have surface stains after cleaning your countertops, try these tips from the experts to remove them.

Start out by trying to remove the surface stain with a magic eraser. Wet the magic eraser with water and wipe in a circular motion to remove the stain. Afterward, wipe with a damp cloth and dry with a microfiber towel.

You should never use harsh chemicals on your quartz countertops. So, an alternative way you can tackle a pesky stain is with a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Hoerber said to saturate the stain with glass cleaner, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Hoerber also suggests mixing one part rubbing alcohol with three parts dish soap. Once you mixed this solution, spray it onto the stain, scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge, and rinse thoroughly.

For something like a marker stain, Pitts adds recommends applying the rubbing alcohol directly. "If you have something like a sharpie stain, you can pour the alcohol on it, bubble it for ten minutes, and take a cloth to see if it's coming up," she says. "If not, let it sit for a few more minutes and see. Remember not to scrub too hard."

As mentioned above, cleaning your countertops every day will help keep them in excellent condition. Here are a few other tips to help you prevent damage and keep your countertops flawless.

"Quartz countertops are stain resistant, but since they're 85 percent quartz, the remaining materials they're made with are susceptible to stains," Pitts explains. "Food and drinks such as blueberries, vinegar wines, and coffee can affect the countertop color if you don't tend to them within a reasonable amount of time."

"If you step away and leave items overnight, you'll wake up to stains on your countertops," she adds. "So wipe up spills right away, at least within the time you are working and cooking."

Although quartz countertops are heat resistant, they aren't heatproof. "There is a certain amount of temperature quartz can take before it reaches thermal shock," Pitts says. "Basically, if you set something very hot on the cold countertop, it activates molecules and can crack the countertop."

"Again, materials other than quartz are used to make the countertops, such as resin which does not resist heat," she adds. "If you set a very hot pot or pan on the surface, you can end up with a yellow ring, because it damages the additional materials used. It can happen, so it's best to lean on the side of caution and avoid putting anything scorching on the countertops."

So, use cooling racks for cooking sheets, or leave hot pots and pans on the stove instead.

Quartz is scratch resistant, but it's not entirely scratch-proof, so Pitts advises using butcher blocks or cutting boards rather than cutting directly on the countertop. This will prevent the risk of possibly scratching your countertops and protect the quality of your knives. Plus, it keeps your countertops clean from food and debris too.

"Keep your countertops clear of clutter," Ypma says. "Having an excessive amount of items on your countertops increases your risk of scratching the surfaces more and creates an eye sore for you whenever you walk in the kitchen."

"Having less stuff on the counters will make it faster and easier for you to quickly wipe down the surface throughout the day to keep it clean and crumb-free," she adds. "Plus, when your counter is free of clutter, you get to enjoy the beauty of the quartz, which is likely why you picked this kind of countertop to begin with."

Remember to avoid harsh chemicals on your countertops and only use stain removal methods for emergencies. Using these expert tips and regularly cleaning your quartz countertops will keep them bright and beautiful for years to come.