How to Clean Quartz Countertops Like a Pro

Quartz counters serve a purpose way beyond aesthetics—they’re an impressive countertop surface that is built to withstand daily wear and tear. Knowing how to clean quartz countertops is crucial to maintain their original shine and luster. As far as countertop materials go, quartz is trendy and easy for designers and contractors to work with during remodels because of its uniform shape and design. Plus, it’s pretty resilient. Commonly confused with quartzite, its naturally occurring counterpart, quartz is engineered stone. Out of all the kitchen countertop options, quartz is definitely up there as a low-maintenance favorite.

Richard Pearson is a professional cleaner near Liverpool, England, and presenter for Filthy House S.O.S. “Quartz countertops are lovely,” says Pearson. “I have one myself, but they must be looked after and cleaned correctly.”

How do you clean quartz countertops?

Cleaning quartz and other engineered stone tops is simple. It’s important to avoid staining, scratching, or disintegrating your stone. Quartz surfaces are made from resin-bound quartz crystals, so they don’t require the same maintenance as other naturally occurring countertop materials. To get them looking beautiful again in no time, the best way to clean them is to use dish soap, warm water, nonabrasive glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, and nonabrasive sponges. Maintain clean quartz countertops daily and you won’t have to worry about any damage to your quartz countertop down the road.

For a quick clean, dish soap, warm water and a microfiber cloth are the best way to clean quartz countertops. Wipe the soapy mixture in circular motions and be sure to remove any residue with warm water and a dry cloth.

For tough stains that aren’t going away with a little mild dish soap and warm water, try using a surface cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge. Pearson recommends rubbing alcohol and water to create a safe cleanser and stain-remover to get rid of any buildup without having to resort to abrasive cleaners. This method will give that extra kick without risking damage to the quartz surfaces.

How do you keep quartz countertops clean and shiny?

Quartz is stain-resistant, but, according to Pearson, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bother wiping down your quartz surfaces, or ever risk discoloration. “Always clean up any spills immediately,” he says. “This is especially true if the spill has an acidic base, as this can discolor the stone.”

Quartz countertops don’t require resealing, but if you‘re looking to add a little zhush, buff them up with a soft cloth. For an “extra special shiny finish,” Pearson likes Zoflora (a disinfectant) and water. “All you need to do is spray this on and wipe it clean,” he says. “Be careful not to use too much.”

Quartz cleaners, like Weiman’s quartz countertop cleaner, work great for a kitchen drenched in natural light or with skylights. This cleaner has added UV protection to help the stone from fading or turning yellow from sunlight exposure. The goal is to use gentle cleansers to help spruce up the surface without exposing quartz to anything abrasive or too oily.

Can you use Clorox wipes on quartz countertops?

Now, many Clorox wipes are actually bleach-free. You can use them occasionally for deep cleaning, but they shouldn’t be the first thing you grab. You shouldn’t be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.

Can I use Windex on quartz countertops?

Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it’s okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.