How to Clean Quartz Countertops in 6 Simple Steps

You just put in quartz countertops and want to keep them looking their best. The good news is that cleaning engineered quartz couldn’t be simpler. (Quartzite is different from quartz, as it is a porous natural stone and must be sealed.) 

Although manufactured quartz is durable and non-porous, aim to wipe up spills immediately so they don’t have a chance to dry. Read on to learn the best way to clean quartz countertops.

Prepping to Clean Quartz Countertops

The last thing you want to do is damage your countertops while cleaning them. Some quartz countertops could etch if acidic liquid seeps into them. Stone etching is the dulling or discoloration of the stone’s color, so it appears faded. 

It’s important to use gentle cleaners when cleaning quartz countertops, and avoid abrasive brushes and harsh cleaners. For everyday cleaning, dish soap and a microfiber cloth are all you need.

Tips to Care for Quartz Countertops

Choose the Right Cleanser

It’s important to use mild, non-abrasive, non-acidic cleansers on your quartz countertops. Many cleansers can leave etching on the stone.

Things to avoid using on your quartz countertops include:

• Vinegar

• Citrus-based cleansers

• Bleach

• Cleaning wipes with bleach or acids

• Ammonia

• Steel wool pads

• Rough sides of kitchen sponges

• Nail polish remover

• Turpentine

• Drain cleaner

• Dishwasher rinse aid

• Oven cleaner

If you’re not sure whether a cleaning product is safe to use on your quartz countertop, you can test an inconspicuous area of your countertop first.

Clean Countertops Daily

One of the easiest ways to protect your investment is to make cleaning quartz countertops a part of your daily kitchen cleaning checklist. Quartz countertop maintenance is quick and easy: just wipe off any crumbs and wash with dish soap. Sometimes wiping up spills with a damp cloth is all you need. In any case, try to wipe up spills as quickly as possible. 

Use a Cutting Board

You can also prevent countertop staining and damage by using a cutting board. Even a small amount of acid from cutting a lemon or apple can etch a porous countertop.

Avoid Extreme Heat

Quartz countertops offer resistance to heat, but extreme heat can damage the quartz as well as the other substances used in engineered quartz. Placing hot items directly on your countertop can lead to cracks and discoloration, so use a trivet, cooling rack, or silicone mat to protect your countertop from heat damage.

Keep Countertops Clear

The more items you keep on your countertops, the higher the risk of scratches and chips. Moving small appliances around on your counter can contribute to scratches, so make sure appliances have protective material like rubber or felt on parts that come into contact with the counter.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clean Your Quartz Countertops

Cleaning engineered quartz countertops yourself is relatively easy, and the cost of supplies is typically $25 or less. However, you should outsource the work to your local home cleaning service if you have quartzite countertops with extensive staining.

If you have extensive repairs to make, you may need to speak with a countertop repair company near you. In that case, you can expect to spend an average of $810 to restore these surfaces to their original finish.

A housekeeper or house cleaner can also help keep your quartz countertops clean. The cost of a house cleaner can range from $30 to $50 an hour, and housekeepers are paid an average of $25 to $80 an hour, depending on the scope of duties, frequency of visits, and other factors.