How to Clean and Care for Quartz Countertops
Published •5 min read
Quartz is one of the easiest countertops to look after. For everyday cleaning, warm water and a little soap or a pH-balanced household cleaner is all it needs, and it never needs sealing. The main things to avoid are harsh chemicals, repeated abrasive scrubbing and direct heat. The tips below follow Silestone's U.S. care guide; check your own brand's guide for specifics.
Everyday Cleaning
- Wipe with soap and warm water, or any pH-balanced general-purpose household cleaner.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge.
- Wipe up spills promptly.
Tougher Messes
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Grease | Apply a common household cleaner, rub with a non-scratch scouring pad, rinse with water. |
| Hard water and lime scale | Apply a paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar, leave 10-20 minutes, remove with cold water and a non-scratch pad; repeat if needed. |
| Dried-on food, gum, paint or nail polish | Gently scrape with a razor blade or putty knife held upright, then clean with warm soapy water. |
| Difficult stains | Spray a household cleaner, wait about 2 minutes, scrub with a non-scratch pad and rinse well. |
What to Avoid
- Bleach and strong solvents.
- Oven and grill cleaners and other products with a high pH; Silestone advises against anything above pH 10.
- Paint strippers and products containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride.
- Repeated abrasive scrubbing, which can dull the finish.
- Waxes, sealants and water repellents; they leave an artificial shine that fades.
- Hot pans and appliances directly on the surface; use trivets and hot pads.
- Cutting directly on the counter; use a cutting board.
Protecting Quartz Day to Day
Silestone warns that hot pans, pots and small electrical appliances such as crock pots, electric skillets and griddles can cause scorching, dull areas and cracks, and that sudden temperature changes can damage stone, especially near the edges. Keep trivets handy, use cutting boards, and keep quartz out of strong sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean quartz countertops?
Soap and warm water or a pH-balanced household cleaner with a soft cloth. For tougher spots, use a non-scratch pad.
Can I use vinegar on quartz?
Silestone's guide lists a baking soda and white vinegar paste for hard water stains, followed by a cold-water rinse.
Can I use bleach on quartz?
No. Silestone advises against bleach for maintenance.
Do quartz countertops need sealing?
No. Silestone advises against applying sealants or water repellents.
Planning Quartz Countertops? Get a Quote from Mega Solutions
Mega Solutions installs quartz, granite, quartzite and marble countertops, and also sells and installs cabinets. Request a personalized quote based on your measurements.
Sources
- Cosentino, "Silestone Care & Maintenance" (U.S. care guide): cosentino.com
- Natural Stone Institute, "Natural Quartzite and Engineered Quartz: What's the Difference?": usenaturalstone.org
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