How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Serving Portland OR, Vancouver WA, and the Oregon Coast
Quartz countertops are a gorgeous addition to any home. And, with the right care, they can last for decades while looking new and performing wonderfully. Though quartz is an extremely durable material that is easy to maintain, there are still a few cleaning and care tips that you should follow to keep your quartz countertops in the best condition possible:
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible: While quartz is resistant to stains, it isn’t impervious. Letting spilled liquids – even water – sit on your countertop for a long period of time could lead to rings or discoloration that will be difficult or impossible to remove.
- Clean with a soft cloth daily: Wipe down your countertops at least once per day with hot water and a soft cloth. Doing so will prevent gunk from building up and help you catch any spills or drips that you previously missed.
- Use hot pads to protect from excess heat: Unlike granite, quartz is not completely heat resistant. Pots, pans, hair curlers, or other hot items could cause warping or discoloration if they are placed directly on top of your quartz counters.
- Always use cutting boards: A sharp blade could cause small scratches in the surface of your quartz. Though quartz countertops are less likely to scratch than most other materials, it’s still best to use a cutting board to prevent damage over time.
- Avoid setting cold beverages down: Condensation dripping down your glass will eventually pool up on your countertop. If the water isn’t cleaned up immediately, it could form rings or mild stains that are difficult to remove.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Quartz
There’s nothing worse than accidentally damaging your nice countertops while trying to clean up a mess. When it comes to quartz, there are a few types of cleaning products that can do more harm than good:
- Abrasive cloths or sponges
- Steel wool or scrubber brushes
- Cleaning solutions made with bleach or vinegar
- Cleaning solutions that are very acidic or alkaline
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Best Cleaners for Quartz Countertops
Most brand-name cleaning solutions are too harsh for quartz countertops. Thankfully, making your own is a fast and easy process. Here are two great DIY cleaning solutions to keep your quartz countertops clean:
- Everyday cleaners: A soft cloth with warm water and a little dish soap is perfect for keeping your countertops clean on a daily basis. Just be sure to thoroughly dry the countertops afterward to prevent water spots or staining.
- Everyday disinfectant: Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 1 part water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent if you’d like. Use this with a clean cloth to disinfect your quartz countertops each day. Be sure to dry the area afterward.
Don’t want to make your own cleaning solutions? No problem! There’s a wide selection of quartz-safe cleaners on the market, though we recommend searching for products that are specifically designed for quartz countertops.
How to Get Stains Out of Quartz
A gentle mixture of dish soap and water is usually enough to clear up messes on your quartz countertops. However, if you are dealing with a particularly tough stain, you may need a slightly stronger solution. Here’s how to get different types of stains out of your quartz countertops:
- Oil-based stains: Stains made from things like cooking oil or butter may just smear if you try to clean them with hot water. Instead, try applying a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water to the area with a soft cloth. Gently scrub the area, rinse, and dry with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until the stain comes out.
- Water-based: Condensation rings or water drips are very common stains that should lift with a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Just apply the solution with a soft cloth, scrub, rinse with water, and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
- Stubborn stains: If you’ve tried both of the previous methods and still can’t get the stain out, then it’s time to make an overnight paste. To do so, mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the stain with a clean cloth and cover tightly with some plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out overnight. After 8-12 hours of soaking, rinse the paste off and dry with a clean cloth.
Quartz Countertop Cleaning FAQs
Yes, quartz countertops are easy to care for. While they require minimal maintenance, it’s still important to follow our guidelines to keep your countertops in good condition:
- Wipe spills immediately
- Clean daily with a soft cloth
- Use hot pads and coasters
- Always use cutting boards
- Avoid abrasive cleaning tools
- Avoid acidic or harsh cleaners
No, quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. Unlike other popular materials such as marble or granite, quartz is a naturally non-porous stone that liquids and stains cannot penetrate.
With the right care, your quartz countertops should last for decades to a lifetime. However, proper maintenance is essential to keep your quartz looking and performing great.
No, you should not place hot pans or other objects on your quartz countertops. The material is susceptible to becoming cracked, warped, or discolored with high temperatures. We also recommend placing hot pads underneath hot appliances such as air fryers, toaster ovens, and crock pots to prevent long-term damage.
Similar to hot objects, frozen items can cause your quartz to crack or warp. So, if you are thawing out a chicken or storing a bag of ice, avoid placing it directly on top of your countertop.
Some household cleaners can damage your quartz countertops and lead to permanent staining or discoloration. To keep your counters clean and in great condition, avoid using any cleaning products that contain bleach, vinegar, acid, or alkali. All of these substances are too harsh for your natural stone.
Quartz countertops perform best with gentle cleaning tools and products. Avoid using abrasive cloths and harsh or acidic cleaning solutions. For daily cleaning, we recommend using a soft cloth with warm water and a little dish soap to keep the countertops clean. Just remember to thoroughly dry the countertops afterward to avoid staining or water spots.
If you want to disinfect your quartz or you need to clean a more stubborn stain, try one of our other DIY quartz countertop cleaners listed above.
Experts in Quartz Countertop Care
At Crowley’s Granite & Quartz, it’s our goal to help you get the absolute most out of your countertops. That’s why we’re always happy to answer your questions about cleaning, care, and more! With over 20 years of experience, our team knows all of the tips and tricks on how to keep your quartz countertops in great condition for years to come. If you need help caring for your quartz, don’t hesitate to reach out to Crowley’s for help!
How to Clean Quartz Countertops in Portland OR & Vancouver WA
Serving Portland OR, Vancouver WA, and the Oregon Coast