How to Clean Quartz Countertops So They Sparkle Like New
Looking for an upscale vibe in your kitchen? While granite and marble certainly lend that luxurious look, they can be notoriously hard to clean because they’re softer and more porous than other materials. Quartz, on the other hand, is relatively easy to maintain because it’s non-porous.
“Most liquids do not penetrate the material, making it easier to clean,” says Chi Ip, owner of TidyHere, a Boston-based cleaning company. “It’s also stain-resistant, which gives you more time to completely remove liquid spills.” Another bonus? Unlike other stones, quartz counters don’t require sealant.
Still, you’ll want to follow a few key steps in order to effectively clean your quartz countertops. Here’s exactly how to do it, according to professional cleaners.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops
1. Clear your counters.
Before you wipe down your counters, clear them off. Set any small appliances aside, and clear away any crumbs or other debris. “This will help prevent any dirt or debris from being spread around as you clean,” says Prerna Jain, a professional cleaner with the Australia-based company Ministry of Cleaning.
2. Spot test your cleaner.
You won’t need any fancy (read: expensive) specialty cleaners to clean up your quartz counters. Instead, Ip recommends using a mild dish soap (ideally, one that’s labeled “neutral pH formulated”) and a microfiber cloth. The soap is gentle enough not to harm your counters, yet it’ll effectively cut through grease and crime, says Jain.
Ana Andres, founder of the cleaning company TidyChoice, recommends mixing a solution of warm water and soap in a bucket. Apply the soapy mixture to an inconspicuous area first, then rub it with a dry or damp microfiber cloth. If after a few minutes you don’t see any adverse effects, then you can apply it to the rest of the countertop.
3. Wipe the counter with your soapy solution.
Immerse your cloth in the soapy mixture, then wring it out over the bucket to remove excess liquid. Wipe the countertop in circular motions, working in sections until the entire counter is clean. “Avoid using too much pressure to prevent scratching the surface of the quartz,” Jain says.
4. If necessary, work out stains.
To tackle any stubborn stains, Jain recommends using a soft, non-abrasive scrubbing pad and a mild (non-abrasive) cleaner.
5. Rinse away excess soap.
Next, wipe the entire counter with a clean, wet microfiber cloth — that way, Jain says, you won’t end up with soapy residue, or streaks on your counter.
6. Dry the counters.
Wipe the damp counter with a paper towel or dry cloth to soak up any water. Allow the counter to air-dry before returning your appliances to their homes.
One important warning: Never apply harsh or abrasive cleaning products (even household cleaners like vinegar) or use abrasive tools like scouring pads on your quartz. It may be on the stronger side when it comes to stone, but it could still fall prey to etching and discoloration.
“If these products do come in contact with your countertop, immediately soak up the spill and clean it up with mild dish soap and a microfiber cloth,”suggests Ip.