Liquid dish soap or spray quartz or granite cleanser
Degreasing product (optional)
Glass or surface cleanser (optional)
Baking soda (optional)
Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
Essential oil (optional)
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.
Clear Counters and Remove Debris
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First, remove all items, including appliances and junk mail, from your countertops. Then brush away any crumbs or debris using a dry sponge; push any crumbs or debris into a dustpan or into the sink.
Scrape Off Hardened Residue
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If any hardened residue (dried food, nail polish, etc.) remains on your countertops, cover these spots with a wet paper towel for a few minutes. Then gently pry off the dried-on debris using your plastic putty knife or scraper.
Treat a Stubborn Stain
If you have a stain-free countertop, you can skip this step. If not, you may want to try one or more of the following tactics.
For grease: Start by using dish soap to degrease the spot. If that doesn’t work, try a degreasing product that is safe for quartz countertops (follow the package instructions).
For a tough stain: If your counter can tolerate glass or surface cleaner, spray the cleaner onto the stain, and use your sponge to scrub it. Rinse the area thoroughly.
For a deep-set stain: Create a paste by mixing together one heaping tablespoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of water. Spread the paste over the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and secure the edges with painter's tape. Let it sit for 1 to 2 days, and then rinse the area.
For ink or mascara: Dip a cotton swab into isopropyl alcohol. Start at the outside of the stain and work inwards, wiping the alcohol (and hopefully the stain) away. Replace your cotton swab periodically to prevent the stain from spreading. Rinse the area thoroughly.
Spray with Mild Cleanser
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In a spray bottle, combine one teaspoon of liquid dish soap and one quart of warm water. Spray this mixture onto your sponge and scrub your countertop surfaces in a circular motion. Rinse the sponge and wipe away any suds. Be sure to avoid leaving any film from the soap on your countertops, as this could attract dust and reduce the shine.
If you don’t want to make your own cleanser, you can spray your countertops with a special quartz cleaner—be sure to follow the package instructions–and dry your countertops using a clean microfiber cloth.
Disinfect the Area
Combine one-fourth of a cup of isopropyl alcohol with two cups of water in a spray bottle. If you’d like your room to have a fresh scent, you can add one or two drops of an essential oil to the alcohol/water solution, such as lavender or rosemary. Avoid citrus essential oils, as the acidity can etch at your quartz countertops.
Spray your countertops with the solution, let it sit for three minutes, and then rinse it off thoroughly.
Dry Your Counters
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Finish by wiping your countertops dry. A clean, dry dish towel or a soft microfiber cloth works best. Avoid rubbing stone countertops with anything too abrasive.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quartzite is a natural stone, while engineered quartz is artificial, including a mix of mined ground quartz and manufactured polymer resins and pigments. You should clean both types of stone with non-abrasive cleaners with a low or neutral pH. That means skipping cleaners with vinegar or acids, plus wire brushes and scouring pads.
Quartzite countertops are porous, meaning that liquids can seep into the stone and stain them. You’ll need to seal them before installing and resealing annually, depending on use and stone material. Sealing will help prevent stains and etching. On the other hand, you don’t need to seal quartz and other engineered stone countertops since they aren’t porous.
The best way to protect your quartz countertops is to keep them clean. Promptly wipe any spills and clean with a damp cloth and dish soap as needed. Doing a deeper clean weekly is also recommended. To do this, move small appliances and fruit bowls out of the way and wash the entire surface with a squirt of dish soap on a damp cloth.
Rachel is a freelance writer and editor dedicated to helping people clean up their messes, get organized, and learn to love their homes again. Her work has appeared in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, and NBC News.
Rachel is a freelance writer and editor dedicated to helping people clean up their messes, get organized, and learn to love their homes again. Her work has appeared in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, and NBC News.
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