How to Keep Your Quartz Countertop Shiny and Clean

When it comes to adding an elegant touch to your kitchen or bathroom, nothing quite beats quartz countertops. Made mostly of natural and engineered stone, they are cut into slabs and often used as a surface for kitchen counters. Compared to granite or marble, quartz is low-maintenance because it is non-porous, meaning liquids are less likely to seep through.

Maybe you’re looking to add a quartz countertop to your home for your next remodel (or this surface is already featured in your space), but you aren’t sure how to maintain its appearance; you’re in luck. So, grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to learn how to clean and preserve your quartz countertop – from spot-cleaning to choosing the right cleaning solution and more.

Routine Cleaning for A Fresh Start

Your quartz countertops are stunning, but to keep them that way, you’ll need to establish a routine cleaning schedule. Gather your supplies: a soft cloth, non-abrasive sponge, warm water, and mild dish soap.

1. Mix equal parts warm water and dish soap to create a gentle cleaning solution.
2. Dip a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth into the soapy water and wipe down your white quartz countertop. Be sure look for spills and stains in high-traffic spots.
3. Rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water to remove any soap residue, and then wipe down the surface again to ensure there’s no soapy film left behind.
4. Dry the countertop with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.

After you’re done, your quartz countertop will be left sparkling (and this routine cleaning will help keep things looking fabulous). 

Tackling Stains and Spot Removal

Although fairly easy to clean, quartz countertops (especially white quartz countertops) are particularly vulnerable to stains and discoloration, so knowing how to deal with stains is crucial. Here’s how you can tackle various types of stains:

Food and Beverage Stains

1. For common food and beverage stains, use the warm water and mild dish soap mixture mentioned earlier. Dampen a cloth with the soapy solution and gently wipe the stained area.
2. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe the surface to remove any soap residue.
3. Dry the countertop with a microfiber cloth.

Grease and Oil Stains

1. Mix warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
2. Dampen a cloth with the soapy solution and gently scrub the stained area.
3. Rinse with clean water and dry the surface with a microfiber cloth.

Gum or Wax Stains

1. Use a plastic putty knife or a non-abrasive scraper to gently scrape off the hardened gum or wax.
2. Clean the area with warm, soapy water, and then rinse and dry as usual.

Nail Polish, Ink, or Marker Stains

1. Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
2. Gently rub the stained area, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
3. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Stubborn Stains

1. Create a paste using equal parts water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and gently rub in a circular motion using a soft cloth.
2. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry the countertop.
3. For particularly stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of warm water and a mild degreaser, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse and dry as usual.

Preventing Damage

Maintaining quartz countertops goes beyond cleaning. The easiest way to keep your countertops in the best shape is by keeping them free of damage through preventative measures, which means less cleaning and more sparkle.

Here are some good practices to prevent damage and preserve their beauty:

Cutting Boards

To avoid scratches, always use cutting boards when working on your quartz countertops. Cutting directly on the surface can lead to unsightly marks.

Hot Pots and Pans

Protect your countertops from extreme heat by using trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans. Note: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause damage.

Be Cautious with Chemicals

While quartz countertops are highly resistant to chemicals, it’s a good idea to avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners like bleach, turpentine, drain cleaners, or oven cleaner. These can cause discoloration and damage.

Instead, stick to mild, pH-balanced cleaners like dish soap and warm water. If you prefer a store-bought solution, choose a surface cleaner designed for use on quartz countertops and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dealing with Common Kitchen Messes

To maintain your quartz countertops, it’s best to get ahead of messes by keeping the area of clean after cooking or other activities that require you to use this surface. It’s a good practice to spot clean high traffic areas regularly to get ahead of potential stains. Here are a few tips on handling common kitchen messes:

Crumbs and Debris

• Regularly wipe away crumbs and debris with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Small Appliances and Dishwasher Detergent
• Clean small appliances and dishwasher detergent spills with warm, soapy water.

Lemon Juice and Vinegar

• While quartz is generally resistant to acidic substances, it’s still best to avoid prolonged contact with lemon juice or vinegar. Wipe up spills promptly to prevent any potential damage.

Cleaning for a Pristine Finish

For an extra sheen, and for a quick cleaning solution that you can keep handy, try a surface cleaner specifically designed for quartz countertops. Need one? Grab this solution from Amazon.

Here’s how to clean for a shiny finish:

1. Spray the surface cleaner onto your quartz countertop.
2. Wipe it down with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
3. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.

You did it – you’ve gained tons of tips and tricks to make your quartz countertops shine bright (and keep shining). To make they maintain their elegance and durability, follow a regular cleaning routine, address stains promptly, and be careful with cleaning solutions and practices. Keep taking the steps you learned to care for your countertops and before you know it, you’ll be able to their pristine beauty for years to come. Let those quartz countertops shine on.

Don’t stop there, get more cleaning tips here:

• Kitchen Cleaning Checklist & Cheat Sheet
• How to Clean Like a Professional
• 15 Favorite Cleaning Products That Work Under $30
• An Evening Cleaning Tip That Will Change Your Life
• How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink: A Step-by-Step Guide