Quartz countertops are a great way to elevate your kitchen and bathrooms. This elegant countertop is made from durable materials that are easy to maintain. Because it’s human-made, there are also many designs and colors to choose from.
Even though it’s simple to care for and relatively stain-resistant, you still need to wipe down your countertops regularly. Letting spills and dirt sit on the quartz for too long can lead to discoloration and dullness.
Keep reading to learn more about the best way to clean quartz countertops.
What You Need to Make Quartz Cleaner at Home
When it comes to quartz counter cleaning, you can use a few solutions. You likely use your countertop throughout the day, so it will see a lot of spills and dirt by the end of the night. For this reason, it’s wise to have a solution handy so you can easily wipe down the surface. A natural cleaner for quartz countertops is the best way to gently clean surfaces without damaging them. Every brand of quartz is different and has unique finishes, so it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using a homemade cleaner.
How to Clean Spills on Quartz
Many of the spills on your kitchen countertops will probably come from food preparation. No matter how careful you try to be, you’ll still get a splatter of sauce or a drop of oil on your quartz. The sooner you clean off these spills, the better. If you catch a spill in time, you can keep it from becoming a hard-to-remove stain. For fresh dirt, this solution will do the trick:
You need three items to clean your surface:
- Liquid dish soap
- Water
- Microfiber towel
Follow these steps to clean off fresh spills and debris:
- Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to a gallon of warm water.
- Soak a cloth in the solution and wring out excess water until the cloth is damp.
- Wipe the spill away and rinse the cloth under clean water.
- Go over the surface with a clean cloth to remove the soap residue.
This solution is safe to use throughout the day.
How to Clean Quartz Stains
Sometimes, stains build up over time, or you have grime that needs heavy-duty cleaning. When you have tough stains, you need a cleaner that can cut through it and break it down. This homemade quartz cleaner is excellent for tougher stains, and it’s gentle enough to keep your counters safe.
You’ll need the following ingredients to tackle your tough stains:
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops of dish soap
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Clean rag and towel
Follow these steps to create your heavy-duty cleaning solution:
- Pour the rubbing alcohol into the spray bottle, followed by the drops of dish soap.
- Add the essential oil and fill the rest of the bottle with water.
- Shake the spray bottle to combine the ingredients.
- Spray the stains on the countertop and leave the mixture to work on the stain for 30 minutes.
- Wipe the stain away, rinse the cloth with clean water, and wipe again to remove the cleaner residue.
- You may need to repeat the process depending on how tough the stain is.
Once you’ve removed the soapy residue off the countertops, use a clean, dry cloth to dry the area and return your quartz countertop to its shine. If left to air dry, the residual water can leave streaks on the surface.
The Best Way to Clean Quartz Countertops
There are a few things that you should know about keeping your countertops clean. There are a lot of household cleaning solutions available on the market. However, one of the best cleaners for quartz countertops is simply a mixture of water and liquid dish soap. The cleaning instructions that come with your quartz countertop will provide the best guidelines for your specific finish. Consider the following best practices for how to clean quartz countertops:
- Start with water: Quartz is a simple material to clean — in many cases, all you need is water and a cloth to clean the surface. You can simply wet the cloth and wipe down the countertops.
- Move onto solutions and scrub pads: When water isn’t enough, you can move onto cleaning solutions and a soft scrub pad. You can use a combination of water and dish soap or a heavy-duty cleaner to remove stains. Even though quartz is durable, it can get damaged if you constantly expose it to acidic solutions such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine, and soda. If you spill harsh liquids on your counter, it’s important to wipe them away quickly.
- Avoid corrosive products: Some products may claim to make your quartz shine and give it a lustrous appearance. It may be tempting to use these products, but many contain harsh chemicals that do more damage than good. Bleach, wax, polish, and high-PH cleaners won’t make your countertops look better than a simple cleaning solution will.
How to Disinfect Quartz Countertops?
Cleaning quartz countertops with alcohol helps to kill germs and bacteria on the surface, which can lead to illness. Rubbing alcohol, otherwise known as isopropyl alcohol, is one of the best disinfectant cleaners for quartz countertops. It has a concentration of 70% to 99% alcohol, which helps to kill bacteria, and it’s safe to use on all of your surfaces.
Can You Use Vinegar on Quartz Countertops?
White vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that can help remove stains and disinfect your countertops. Although vinegar is an effective cleaner, it has a pH between 2 and 3, which can dull the surface. Continuously using vinegar on the surface can damage your countertops, so using it as your go-to cleaning solution is not wise.
If you must use vinegar, it is vital that you dilute it in water before applying it to the surfaces. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and apply it to a soft cloth or sponge. After using it, make sure to thoroughly rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a cloth to prevent water spots.
Tips for Protecting Quartz Counters
Quartz is a great choice for countertops because it’s easy to maintain and stylish. Even though this countertop is fairly hassle-free, knowing how to care for it properly will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to keep your quartz protected — the cleaning instructions that come with your countertop should be your first point of reference:
Practice Daily Care
Even though quartz is nonporous, you should still wipe down your counters daily. Some messes may be tough, but you should avoid harsh chemicals. Some cleaners react with the resin, which will damage the surface. A simple daily cleaning routine will keep your quartz looking its best.
Always Use a Cutting Board
Even though quartz is known to be resistant to scratches, you should never take the chance of cutting on the surface. Keep the surface clear of sharp projects such as knives. By using a chopping board, you’ll protect your countertops and keep your knives from becoming dull.
Use Trivets and Mats
Placing hot pots and pans on your countertops can burn the quartz and break the quartz’s fabricated seal, leading to many other problems. Protect your surface by always using mats, coasters, and trivet boards under hot objects. If you have quartz countertops in your bathrooms, protect them from hot things, such as curling or flat irons.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Pads
Quartz is durable, but it’s not completely resistant to scratching and marring. It’s best to use a soft microfiber cloth when cleaning your quartz. These cloths do a great job cleaning up dirt and won’t dull the surface. Sometimes, a cloth isn’t enough, especially if you’re trying to clean off a dried build-up of dirt. In this case, use a putty knife to gently scrape off any build-up.
Handle Heavy Objects with Care
Though quartz is exceptionally durable, it can still get damaged from the impact of heavy objects hitting it. Whenever possible, avoid carrying heavy items around your countertops. If you accidentally drop a heavy object, it can chip or crack the quartz.
Keep Ink Away
Permanent markers and ink are incredibly difficult to remove from quartz and can permanently disfigure it. If you accidentally get ink on your countertops, use a heavy-duty cleaning method to remove the stain. Spray the ink and let the solution soak for 30 minutes, then pat it with a cloth to soak up the ink. Make sure to rinse with clean water to remove any residue.
Deal with Damages and Scratches
While there are DIY options for fixing your quartz, hiring a professional is wise for a professional finish. Trying to fix the damage yourself may void your warranty, which can lead to an even bigger problem down the line. Carefully read your warranty to understand what you can deal with on your own and when you need to call in a professional.
What Not to Use for Quartz Cleaner
If you want to maintain the sleek, smooth surface on your quartz, there are a few products that you should avoid. The products below are completely unnecessary in the maintenance of your quartz and can do more damage than good.
Sealant
Sealant is used to coat porous countertops. This coat provides protection and keeps spills and stains from setting on the material. Unlike some other countertop materials, quartz is engineered to contain sealant-like properties. It contains a mix of stone and resin, and the resins act as a sealant.
Not only don’t you need a sealant, but applying one to your countertop can damage it.
Abrasive Sponges
Quartz has a smooth surface, so scrubbing it is unnecessary. Using abrasive sponges to remove dirt or stains can make the top layer dull.
Bleach
Some manufacturers recommend using bleach on your countertops, while others may advise avoiding it. Referring to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using bleach is wise.
Ammonia
It’s best to avoid using cleaners that contain ammonia on your countertops. The high pH in the cleaners makes them a less-than-ideal choice for quartz — they can weaken the bond between the materials and make it less resistant to stains.
Highly Alkaline Cleaners
Highly alkaline cleaners can also damage quartz. The ideal pH for cleaning solution to use on your countertops is between 5 and 8. Mild soaps and detergents lie within this pH range.
The Importance of Proper Quartz Countertop Care
Quartz is a fairly easy and simple material to clean and maintain. It only requires a little consideration to ensure you use the appropriate cleaning materials and solutions to enhance and not damage the stone and resin.
Daily quartz countertop cleaning is best practice, especially in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Neglecting your quartz can make it harder to remove stains later on. Regular cleaning is also essential for sanitary reasons and to prevent contamination. While commercial quartz cleaning materials are available on the market, you can get by with mild dish soap and water. With correct maintenance and following the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines, your countertops will last you for years without losing their shine and sleek look.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Quartz Cleaner
When choosing a cleaner for your quartz, consider a few important factors.
- Food contact: Most mild cleaners are safe to use on your countertops, but are they safe for contact with your food? No matter how well you wipe down your counters, some cleaning product residue may be left on the counter. Make sure that the detergent that you choose is safe for food contact.
- Scent: The last thing you want is your kitchen or bathroom wreaking of horrible chemicals. Make sure you choose a cleaner with a scent you enjoy. The great thing about making your own countertop cleaner is that you can select whichever essential oil you like to enhance the scent.
Contact Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile if You Need New Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a stunning, low-maintenance option for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. The stone gives you a sleek finish in your home. Using suitable cleaning materials will help you maintain the appeal of your countertops and ensure they last a long time. There are many cleaners on the market, but a DIY quartz countertop cleaner is mild and effective enough for everyday use.
Protecting your quartz by keeping hot objects off it and using coasters and cutting boards will also ensure its longevity. If it gets damaged, it’s best to seek a professional to restore your countertop and avoid further damage.
Its stunning appearance and functional benefits make quartz an appealing choice for homeowners. At Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with outstanding quality and design. Whether you are building your dream home or remodeling your kitchen, we can customize and install quartz countertops to match your needs. Contact us and get a free quote today!
