How To Clean Quartz Countertops
You’ve just installed beautiful new quartz countertops and they are the highlight of your remodel project. That said, you will definitely want to prioritize keeping them as pristine and flawless as the day they were installed. You’ll likely find yourself wondering how to clean quartz countertops—after all, there are many options to consider. The following are some important dos and don’ts to keep your new quartz countertops in great condition.
DO Wipe Down Your Countertops Regularly
Quartz countertops are an excellent choice because they are fairly resilient to stains. However, this doesn’t mean they should be ignored or neglected. Like any countertop, they will collect dust, dirt, and food crumbs with regular use. Be sure to wipe down your countertops frequently using a damp soft sponge and a small amount of dish detergent, then dry them with a microfiber cloth immediately.
DON’T Let Spills Sit on the Countertop
Quartz is a non-porous material, but this doesn’t mean you should simply let spills sit without worry. While quartz is certainly tough, substances that are acidic or corrosive can cause discoloration if they remain for long periods of time. Be particularly vigilant with coffee, tea, wine, and vinegar spills.
DO Use Mild Cleaners
When cleaning your quartz countertops, you want to make sure not to use anything overly harsh or corrosive. While these countertops are very resilient, there are many things which will damage them over time. Only use a mild cleaner such as Simple Green from Home Depot on your quartz counters to avoid causing any lasting harm.
DON’T Cut Directly on Your Quartz Counters
Quartz is one of the toughest countertop materials and it’s also fairly scratch resistant. However, it is not scratch proof. Sharp knives can, and will, deeply scratch the surface if they ever come into contact with quartz. Avoid this by always using a cutting board thick enough to protect your counters.
DO Use Trivets for Protection
While quartz can withstand high temperatures, they are not as heat resistant as some other types of stone. Quartz contains resin which holds together the crushed stone, and temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit can alter these bonds and change the color permanently. Therefore, it’s essential to use hot pads and trivets with air space underneath to protect your countertop from pans, crock pots, roasters, and hot dishes.
DON’T Use Highly Abrasive Cleaning Pads
There are many cleaning tools that will cause damage to your countertops. One of the most problematic is steel wool, which should never be used to clean quartz as it will cause severe scratches. Instead, simply use a soft sponge or cloth—nothing more abrasive should be necessary.
DO Buff with Non-abrasive Polish
One of the common questions surrounding quartz is whether or not it can be buffed safely. The answer is yes, but only with non-abrasive polishes. Buffing and polishing can help keep your countertops sparkling after years of use. If you are unsure about which polish to use, many people find buffing with a microfiber cloth and a solution of one part vinegar diluted with three parts water to be especially effective.
DON’T Use Any Cleaner Unless You Know It’s Appropriate
There are many questions about exactly what can be used to safely clean quartz. The general rule is that mild, non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaners can be used regularly. However, with so many options available, it is impossible to cover every single one in detail. Your countertops are an important investment, so the best overall advice we can give is to never use anything you’re unsure about trying.
Homeowners love quartz countertops for their looks and toughness, but there are some important guidelines to follow if they wish to retain their strength and appearance long-term. Following these tips will ensure that you keep your quartz looking great for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about how to clean quartz, we encourage you to contact us for more information. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, over the last two decades and we’d be thrilled to assist with your next project!
