The Right Way to Clean Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a popular countertop material for its beauty and because it's easy to maintain. The manmade stone's biggest draw is that it is heat-resistant and non-porous, which means it doesn't need to be re-sealed like other materials. Though it's easy to care for a quartz countertop, proper cleaning is essential to ensure that it continues to look its best. The best part? All it takes is a little soap and water to make your quartz countertops look as good as new again, according to these tips from our cleaning experts.

Why Cleaning Quartz Countertops Is Important

The beauty of quartz countertops can dwindle if it isn't taken care of. "It's also important to keep them clean if they're in your kitchen or bathroom for sanitary reasons and to prevent contamination," says Warren Weiss of Scrub! Residential Cleaning. Additionally, neglecting quartz countertops can make it harder to remove stains and spills later on.

Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Quartz Countertops

While quartz is a highly durable and heat-resistant material, there are some dos and don'ts when it comes to cleaning the surface.

• Do: Clean your quartz countertops after each use. "If you prepare a meal on your countertop, clean it up when you're done. If you spill something on there, clean it up," says Weiss. "Another big do for me is going over the countertop with a dry microfiber cloth after cleaning to make the countertop shine."
  
• Don't: Avoid abrasive cleaners or sponges to prevent scratches on your quartz countertop. "Also, bleach and other harsh chemicals that can dull the countertops should be avoided," says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, A Neighborly Company.

How Often to Clean Quartz Countertops

Cleaning your quartz countertops every day is a best practice, especially if they're located in the kitchen or bathroom. However, if they're in a low-traffic area of your home, cleaning them after each use is recommended, as well. Here's what to do.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Microfiber cloth(s)
• Dish soap
• Water
• All-purpose cleaner
  
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional)

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are easy to clean using a little soap and water. Alternatively, you can clean them using an all-purpose cleaner as long as it doesn't contain harsh chemicals.

1. Use a microfiber cloth to remove any hardened food or liquid.
2. Apply a dab of dish soap and warm water to a microfiber cloth.
3. Wipe away any food residue, grease, crumbs, or other debris.
4. Squirt an all-purpose cleaner on your countertops to remove any remaining streaks and smudges.
5. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Stains From Quartz Countertops

The best way to remove stains from quartz countertops is to act quickly when spills occur, which will prevent any discoloration. "If you do see a bit of discoloration, you can try a basic cleaning solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water," says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home. Spray the stained area with the cleaning solution and scrub it clean with a microfiber cloth. Once the stain is gone, remove any remaining residue with a damp microfiber cloth, then wipe dry.

Tips for Maintaining Quartz Countertops

The most important step when it comes to maintaining a quartz countertop is to clean it immediately after use and buff it regularly with a clean microfiber cloth. Additionally, you should always wipe it dry after cleaning. "Quartz, if left to air dry, can leave streaks, but if you immediately wipe the surface dry after cleaning, the results are perfection," says Poepping.