Maintain a Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are composed of ground quartz stone, pigments and resin. These popular, granite-like countertops are naturally glossy and do not require polishing. Some care is needed to ensure they maintain their luster. However, they are harder to damage than other countertops, like laminate and Corian. In order to care for quartz countertops, use non-abrasive cleaners, and avoid hard pressure and quick changes in temperature.

Steps

Cleaning Countertops Routinely

1. Wipe down with a soft rag and mild detergent. Clean the counter with soap and warm water daily, if possible. Wipe them down more frequently, as needed, for honed surfaces.
   • Honed surfaces tend to make common signs of use, such as fingerprints, more visible.
2. Scrape away dried gunk. Use a blunt, plastic scraper such as a putty knife. Scrape gently to remove hardened spills or buildup such as gum, grease, nail polish or paint.
   • It’s a good idea to keep a plastic putty knife in a nearby drawer for quick access, so that you can use it when you notice dried spills.
3. Wipe away grease with a degreasing cleaner. Spray the counter with a degreasing and disinfectant cleanser that doesn’t contain bleach. Alternately, use disinfectant bleach-free wipes. Rinse immediately afterwards with a sponge or wet rag.
   • Look for cleaning products formulated for quartz counter tops.
   • Check with the brand of your countertops online or by phone if you’re unsure whether a specific cleaning product is safe to use on your countertops.

Removing Tough Stains

1. Rub tough stains with adhesive remover. Wet a cloth with a citrus cleaner like Goo Gone. Try pouring a bit of cleaner onto the stain and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes before wiping it up, if the stain is particularly tough. Follow up by cleaning the counter well with warm water.
   • Try this for gooey stains like sticker adhesive or caramel.
2. Use denatured/isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Wet a rag with rubbing alcohol. Rub the stain with the wet cloth. Follow up by cleaning the counter well with warm water.
   • Try this for stubborn stains that weren’t removed by water or soap. For example, ink, dye or permanent marker.
3. Use glass cleaner occasionally for a deep clean. Make sure the cleaner is compatible with your brand of countertop. Spray glass cleaner on your countertops. Allow it to sit for several minutes. Then wipe it clean with a wet cloth.
   • Although some brands of quartz counters recommend using glass cleaners, others advise against it.
   • Highly pigmented quartz may fade over a period of time if ammonia-based cleaner is left over.

Prevent Countertop Damage

1. Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Quartz resists some stains for a short period of time. However, you should clean spills as soon as possible to avoid stains setting. Clean up spills immediately with water and mild detergent.
   • Some spills that can permanently stain quartz are wine, coffee and tea.
2. Protect your countertops from extreme temperatures. Use trivets or mats below hot pans, dishes, crock pots and electric skillets. Place coasters under drinks in cold glasses, particularly if the beverages contain citrus juice or alcohol.
   • Although quartz can resist temperatures up to 300°F (150°C), it can be damaged by quick changes in temperature, known as "thermal shock."
3. Avoid using knives directly on the quartz surface. Use a cutting board placed on top of the counter when you want to slice or dice. Quartz countertops are highly scratch resistant, but they are not scratch-proof and can be damaged be damaged by sharp objects.
   • Using a cutting board will also help you to avoid dulling your sharp knives.
4. Avoid harsh cleaners. Don’t clean your countertops with highly acidic or alkaline cleaners. If one of these comes in contact with your counter, clean the counter immediately with a mild detergent. Then rinse with water.
   • For instance, don’t use nail polish remover, turpentine, oven cleaner, bleach, drain cleaners, dishwasher rinsing agents, trichloroethane or methylene chloride.
5. Avoid pressure or force on your countertop. Don’t drop heavy objects onto your counters. Transport your countertops carefully if you ever need to move them. Excessive force can chip and crack the countertop surface.
   • Violating this warning may void your warranty.

Tips

• Many quartz countertops come with a manufacturer's warranty for 10 years or more. This warranty may be voided if you violate certain warnings, such as using abrasive cleaners.

Things You'll Need

• Mild non-abrasive detergent
• Soft cloth (such as microfiber)
• Non-abrasive sponge
• Water
• Plastic putty knife
• Cutting board
• Trivets or mats
• Coasters
• Degreasing cleaner
• Goo Gone or rubbing alcohol
• Glass cleaner

Related Articles

• Choose a Quartz Countertop
• Buy a Kitchen Countertop
• Install Granite Countertops

Sources and Citations

See also

• Sanitize Kitchen Surfaces
• Clean Burners on a Stove
• Clean Greasy Kitchen Cabinets
• Clean Le Creuset
• Clean Your Kitchen Floor
• Clean Quartz Countertops
• Clean a Coffee Grinder
• Clean Moldy Grout
• Organize a Kitchen
• Remove Coffee Stains from a Stainless Steel Pot

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