August 15, 2025

How to Clean & Care for Quartz Countertops

Industrially-made quartz became a popular design choice for kitchen countertops, and for a good reason. It boasts remarkable durability and a luxurious gleam of natural stone, while being less expensive and much easier to maintain. Nonetheless, cleaning and taking care of quartz counters has its caveats, and in this guide, we will tell you about all the dos and don’ts of quartz countertop cleaning.

Proper Maintenance of Quartz CountertopsWhile quartz countertops are water-, bacteria- and mildew-resistant, you have to take care to properly clean them. Using the wrong cleaning supplies can accidentally damage the surface and dim the sparkling sheen of your quartz countertops.  

Don’ts of Maintaining Quartz Countertops  

Quartz is incredibly durable, but that doesn’t mean it can withstand everything. Some daily activities can put wear and tear on your counters, preventing them from looking their best. 

• Don’t use harsh, abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Quartz is scratch-resistant when it comes to regular use, but not when you scrub it intentionally with hard objects and force. If you need to remove stuck, hardened food, first soak it with soapy water and then mildly scratch it with a dull knife (better use a disposable plastic or wooden one) to remove dirt.
• Don’t use acid, bleach, or vinegar on or around your countertops. Everything that is at the extremities of the PH grade can cause discoloration and dull your quartz counter surface. So avoid using Clorox wipes, bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, turpentine, dishwasher rinser, and other aggressive chemicals. If you have to use them on other surfaces in your kitchen, ensure the product does not get on the counter. Otherwise, these can strip and damage your counters. Even citrusy drinks can have a negative impact if spilled on your counters, disintegrating the bonds between polyresins and quartz, causing permanent damage to the countertop surface.
• Don’t expose your counters to direct sunlight without protection. If you have big windows or skylights in your kitchen, too much sunlight can make your quartz counters yellow with time. Consider using a special cleaner with UV filters for quartz surfaces.
• Don’t put hot pots directly on quartz counters. Direct contact with hot objects (over 300 degrees Fahrenheit) can change the chemical state of poly resin binders, which may lead to surface discoloration. Instead, use silicon trivets and other types of hot pads to help protect your gorgeous counters.
• Don’t cut food directly on the surface. Even though quartz counters are durable and scratch-resistant, prepping food directly on the quartz surface is not recommended. Sharp objects like knives can dull the surface, and cutting on the hard quartz surface can dull a knife.

Dos of Maintaining Quartz Countertops

Now that you know what not to do to maintain your counters, what should you do? 

• Clean up all messes immediately. Even though liquids like wine, tea, coffee, ketchup, or soda are unlikely to leave permanent stains on quartz counters, they can cause quartz discoloration if left to dry for too long.
• Use gentle cleaners. Most of the time, wiping the surface down with warm water is enough to keep your counters sparkling. You can also use specific quartz cleaners or even diluted dish soap for stubborn stains. 
• Keep a soft sponge or microfiber cloth nearby. Soft fabrics and cleaning materials can prevent your quartz from scratching. Regularly polishing your countertops can keep them shining. 
• Disinfect regularly. Kitchens can be breeding grounds for bacteria, so it’s a good idea to keep your countertops sanitized and fresh with a disinfectant spray or gentle alcohol-based cleaner. 

If you follow these care tips and avoid using harsh cleaners, you can avoid damaging the surface of your quartz countertops and increase their lifespan. 

How to Keep Quartz Countertops Clean

Counters made of quartz are absolutely water-friendly, which makes them very easy (and cheap) to clean. Most of the time, you won’t need any special cleaning supplies. Here are several cleaning options for quartz counters.

Cleaning with Dish Soap

Daily kitchen mess on quartz counters can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. 

1. Apply a small amount of dish soap on a wet sponge, make some foam, and squeeze out the excess. 
2. Wipe down the countertop, paying particular attention to any caked-on items. Do not use the abrasive side of the sponge. 
3. Remove soapy residue with a clean microfiber cloth. 

If you clean your counters this way every evening, your counters will shine happily and won’t need anything stronger than dish soap.

Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) is a safe and effective cleaning option for quartz counters. 

1. Mix rubbing alcohol with water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. 
2. Spray it over the surface and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Wipe the counter with a microfiber cloth to remove the residue. 

You can use rubbing alcohol as a regular counter cleaner for more difficult buildups, as a stain remover, or as a countertop polish whenever you want to give your counters a luster boost. It will not disturb your counter’s finish.

Degreasing Quartz Countertops

Frying meat or cooking something using fats may leave your quartz counter near the stove top all covered with greasy splashes. 

Feel free to use kitchen degreasers (such as Krud Kutter or similar) to restore your counter’s uncompromised sheen. Before buying a degreaser, carefully read the label to ensure it doesn’t contain bleach, which is harmful to quartz counters. 

Even though most degreasers are safe for quartz cleaning, do not leave them spread on the surface for a long time, and always rinse your counter with pure water right after cleaning.

Cleaning Stains off Quartz Countertops

Troubles happen, and sometimes you find your counter covered with stains of non-organic nature where mild dish detergent falls short. 

• Coffee: Place a baking soda paste over the stain and let it sit for up to 20 minutes. Wipe it off and use a wet cloth to remove additional residue. 
• Ink and permanent marker: Scrub the affected area with rubbing alcohol on a soft cotton ball or cloth. Do not use harsh clothes. 
• Oil: Degreasers and melamine sponges can remove oil stains from quartz. 
• Nail polish: Use alcohol or dish soap and rub the area. Do not use nail polish remover as it is acidic and could damage the counter surface. 
• Glue: Most glue is water-soluble and can be removed with warm water and dish soap. 

If the more gentle methods do not work, consider tackling stubborn stains with Goo Gone cleaner or a similar product. Just apply it to the stain, let it soak for several minutes, and wipe the product off with a microfiber cloth. 

Don’t forget to rinse the counter with clean water and wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth. 

Quartz Countertop Maintenance Tips 

No matter how beautiful your countertops are, they can be difficult to keep clean. Consider the following tips to help you with daily maintenance and routine deep cleans.

• Keep your countertops clutter-free. Put things away as you walk into rooms rather than letting them sit on the countertop.
• Wipe up spills immediately. Letting them sit can discolor your surface, make them harder to clean, and attract insects. 
• Wipe down your counters at the end of every night, right before bed, to prevent mess from building up. You wake up with a fresh start every day. 
• Use UV protection. If your countertops are exposed to light, make sure to use UV protection to prevent discoloration. You do not need to reseal quartz, but the spray can stop the counters from fading over time. 

Quartz countertops are relatively low-maintenance, which is why they make great kitchen surfaces. With the right care, your counters can last more than 30 years. 

Conclusion 

Knowing how to take care of luxury quartz kitchen countertops can save you from accidentally ruining the expensive interior you love so much. If you are not into cleaning chemistry, or you are simply too busy for everyday cleaning, you can always rely on White Glove Cleaner for your regular cleanups. Contact us today to schedule a kitchen cleaning, deep cleaning, or routine cleaning service in New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Clorox wipes on quartz?

If the wipes do not contain bleach, you may be able to use them. However, they often contain citric acid, which can cause damage with long-term use.

Can I use Windex on quartz? 

It is not recommended to use Windex to clean quartz countertops because of its high alkaline PH value. This can damage the surface over time. 

Can water stain my counter?

Any liquid, like water and coffee, can potentially stain or discolor your counter. It’s best to promptly remove spills from your countertop. 

Do I need to use specialty cleaners?

No, often water and mild dish soap are enough to clean quartz. 

Do I need to reseal my counter?

No. Unlike other countertops, quartz does not need to be resealed. If it is exposed to sunlight, you can use specialty UV sprays to prevent the surface from fading.  

Writer’s Note: This post was originally published on December 7th, 2022, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.