How to clean quartz countertops is an excellent question to ask, especially if you’re thinking of installing them in your home. The countertops are pretty simple to care for, and cleaning them well can have them looking their best for so long.
Quartz countertops are stain-resistant; however, they are not stain-proof. Therefore, it would help if you wiped up liquids as soon as possible. Read on for some insights on how to clean your quartz countertops to ensure they look their best.
How to Clean Quartz Countertop Stains
Quartz countertops are made by blending crushed quartz, pigments, polymers, and various resins. The end product is an excellent material that most homeowners prefer. However, it’s worth noting that no material is perfect; they all have their pros and cons. The resins used in making quartz countertops help make them non-porous, but they can be damaged by traditional cleaners, heat, and chemicals.
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Most people assume that quartz countertops cannot stain because quartz is non-porous. However, they may tarnish due to the following:
- A chemical reaction may occur within the resins used to make the countertops.
- When a chemical, cleaner, food, or drink discolors the resin.
White quartz countertops are more susceptible to stains from food; however, all quartz countertops can be damaged by cleaners or chemicals. Cleaning stains on quartz countertops do not have to be a hassle; here is how you can do it:
What You Need
- An adhesive remover
- A wet cloth or rag
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- A glass cleaner
- Warm water
Removing Tough Stains Using an Adhesive Remover
An adhesive remover will help rub away any tough stains from your quartz countertops. Here is how you can do it:
- Pour your cleaner directly on the tough stain, and leave it there for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off with the wet cloth or rag.
- Wipe off the counter again using some warm water.
Use Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
- Pour some isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a wet rag or cloth and use it to rub the stain.
- Wipe the countertop using some warm water to help remove any tough stains that did not come off.
Use a Glass Cleaner
- Get a safe glass cleaner and spray it on your quartz countertops.
- Let the liquid sit for a few minutes on the countertop before wiping it down using a wet rag or cloth.
It’s worth noting that some quartz companies say you can use glass cleaners when cleaning the material, while others advise that you stay away from them. Therefore, it is advisable to call your quartz company to determine if you can use a glass cleaner when cleaning quartz countertops.
How to Clean White Quartz Countertops
Cleaning white quartz countertops is not a complicated procedure. Depending on your countertops’ size, investing 5 to 10 minutes for cleaning after each use will help keep them looking new.
What You Need
- A bowl of soap and water mixture
- A microfiber towel or sponge
Procedure
- Dip the towel or sponge in the soap and water mixture, and wring it. This process may result in a few suds.
- Gently wipe the sponge or towel on the entire countertop as you inspect your work. Please focus on the greasier areas, and wipe them appropriately.
- You may need to repeat the above process at least 2 to 3 times because some grime or dirt might not come off after a single wipe.
- Dry off any water and soap residue using a dry microfiber towel.
- Do not leave any wet spots because standing water can result in watermarks. It also provides an excellent environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria.
It would be best to clean the white quartz countertops as soon as you are done prepping food on them because residue on the countertops can harden and stick. If any dried messes do not come off quickly, use a damp towel to soak over the spot until it becomes loose.
How to Shine Quartz Countertops
You cannot have shiny countertops without cleaning them frequently. It is best to avoid oil-based soaps when cleaning your quartz countertops with a soap and water mixture because they can dull the shine. Standard dish soap will help you maintain the luster.
Here are some other tips to help you have shining quartz countertops:
Apply Some Polish
Using some polish on your countertops will help them have a shiny look. The best thing is that you can always make the polish at home; hence, you won’t spend a lot of cash. Add 25% vinegar to 75% water and mix it in a spray bottle to make the polish. If you have some money to spare, you can buy a vinegar-based spray cleaner instead of making it.
Spray and polish the countertops to help keep them looking excellent. If you want an extra sparkle, give the quartz countertops a final polish using some spray and a microfiber cloth.
Rinse the Countertops Thoroughly to Eliminate Food Residues
Sometimes all you need to keep your countertops shining is to rinse them. Use a spray bottle to get your quartz countertops as wet as you can. Quartz is non-porous; hence, nothing will get absorbed into the countertops. This feature might leave a film on your surfaces, which you won’t see in other materials.
How Do You Keep Quartz Countertops Shiny?
Your quartz countertops may not shine if they have a lot of stains on them. Likewise, they may look dull if you haven’t cleaned them in a while. Keeping your quartz countertops clean is the best way to ensure that they remain shiny and retain their lovely look.
Cleaning the stains can be a difficult task; hence, you should try to prevent them as much as possible by doing the following:
- Wipe off any spills as soon as they occur to ensure that the countertops remain clean all the time.
- Inspect the countertops regularly and eliminate any flaws or stains that you might note.
What Should You Not Use on a Quartz Countertop?
Quartz manufacturers advise against using a quartz countertop cleaner with a high PH. This means that you should avoid ammonia, degreasers, bleach, oven cleaners, and acetone.
You should also avoid using acids such as CLR, hydrofluoric acid, or any cleaner with a low PH.
Although you might need an abrasive cleaner or a pad to remove some stains on a quartz countertop, some of them may also dull some brands of quartz. Therefore, it is best to test them first on a small surface before proceeding with other surfaces.
Can You Use Clorox Wipes on Quartz Countertops?
Undiluted citric acid is the primary ingredient of Clorox wipes; therefore, you cannot use them on your quartz countertops. In addition, using Clorox wipes to clean your quartz countertops will weaken the seal on the countertops’ surface, making them vulnerable to permanent discoloration.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe to Use on Quartz?
Experimenting with cleaners is risky on any countertop material, including quartz. It is best to test a new cleaning product in a more hidden area to ensure that it won’t damage your surfaces when you use it for stain removal.
Here are some cleaning products that can help in stain removal on quartz countertops:
Bar Keeper’s Friend Original Stain Remover
Bar Keeper’s Friend has an impressive success rate in removing tough stains on quartz countertops. It contains powerful degreaser agents, which help remove grease stains on the countertops. In addition, the active ingredient in Bar Keeper’s Friend helps dissolve grime and grease, leaving your quartz countertops clean.
Although Bar Keeper’s Friend is abrasive, it doesn’t harm quartz countertops because they are tough to scratch, unlike granite.
Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish
Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish is specially formulated to help in the cleaning of your quartz countertops. It protects the resins found in quartz from darkening or fading due to sunlight exposure.
It has a neutral PH, which helps to safely remove stains, grease, soil, and other watermarks. Its supreme polishing power helps keep quartz countertops shiny without damaging them.
Stone Care International Quartz Cleaner and Polish
Stone Care International Quartz Cleaner and Polish is specially formulated to help clean and polish quartz surfaces. It is an excellent pick because it helps protect resins found in quartz countertops from darkening or fading due to sunlight exposure.
The cleaning product also shines quartz countertops; therefore, you are guaranteed shiny surfaces. In addition, its neutral PH means that it can safely remove watermarks, surface stains, and grease from your countertops.
Keeping your quartz countertops clean and shiny is an excellent way of increasing their lifespan. Take good care of your quartz countertops by cleaning them regularly, and they will last a lifetime!