Last updated June 1st, 2025 at 10:14 am
If you’ve recently invested in quartz countertops, knowing how to care for quartz countertops is essential to maintaining their beauty and durability. Let’s dive into some simple tips to keep your quartz surfaces looking stunning for years to come!
I’m so excited to share some insights on how to care for quartz countertops—a topic that’s become super relevant in our household after our recent home renovation. If you’ve been following along, you know that we just wrapped up a major home addition, transforming our space into a more functional and beautiful place we LOVE. One of the most exciting parts of our reno was the kitchen remodel, where we added stunning quartz countertops. If you’re considering quartz or already have it, here’s everything you need to know about maintaining that pristine surface. Tips for everything from everyday cleaning to dealing with tough stains.
The Beauty of Quartz Countertops
When planning our kitchen remodel, we knew we wanted something that was not only beautiful but also practical for our busy lifestyle. Quartz countertops stood out as the perfect choice. Unlike natural stone countertops like granite or marble, quartz is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria. This makes it an excellent choice for families, especially with a little one like Theo running around!
Quartz counters come in various colors and patterns, often mimicking the look of natural stone. We chose a light, clean white color that brightens up the kitchen and complements the new family room we added during the renovation. I especially love the warm gold veining in the slab we found. The result? A stunning countertop that ties the entire space together. But as with any investment, proper care is crucial to keep it looking brand new.
Daily Cleaning: The Foundation of Quartz Care
Let’s start with the basics—daily cleaning. Quartz countertops are low maintenance, which is one of the reasons we fell in love with them. For everyday cleaning, you’ll want to use a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge. I prefer using a microfiber cloth because it’s gentle on the surface and picks up dust and crumbs effortlessly.
Best practice: Use warm water mixed with mild dish soap. This combination is gentle yet effective in removing everyday grime without damaging the quartz surface. Simply dampen your cloth with this soapy water and wipe down your counters in circular motions. Follow up with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture, and you’re good to go!
If you’re in a hurry, a paper towel works too, but be sure to follow up with a damp cloth to ensure no residue is left behind. While quartz is scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch-proof, so avoid using abrasive tools or steel wool, which can dull the surface.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Residue
Even with regular cleaning, sometimes you’ll encounter stubborn stains or residue on your quartz countertops. The first thing to remember is not to panic! Quartz is incredibly resilient, but using the wrong cleaning products can cause damage.
For tough stains, you can create a paste using a gentle cleaner and baking soda. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
If you’re dealing with permanent marker stains, you can try isopropyl alcohol, a magic eraser, or barkeepers friend. Just be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the color. After treating the stain, wipe the area with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any residue. I also read some people have used hair spray – but I’ve yet to try it!
Expert tip: For stubborn residue from things like glue or paint, use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape it off. Goo Gone will also help! Avoid using metal tools as they can scratch the surface.
Shopping List for Cleaning Quartz
Keep these items on hand to clean your quartz. You’ll use different things depending on the stains:
- microfiber cloth
- Simple Green
- Vinegar
- Bar Keepers Friend
- Baking Soda
- Magic Eraser
- Isopropal Alcohol
- GooGone
Avoiding Heat Damage: Protecting Your Investment
One of the things I love most about our quartz countertops is how durable they are. However, they’re not immune to damage from extreme heat. Quartz surfaces can be sensitive to thermal shock, which occurs when there’s a sudden temperature change. To avoid heat damage, always use hot pads or trivets under hot pans, slow cookers, and electric skillets. This simple habit can prevent cracks and discoloration on your beautiful countertops.
Never place hot pots or pans directly on the countertop surface. Quartz can withstand a fair amount of heat, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage. And while it might be tempting to set that fresh-out-of-the-oven dish on the counter, grabbing a trivet or hot pad is always the best way to protect your investment.
Cutting and Chopping: Why a Cutting Board Is Essential
Quartz countertops are incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Using a cutting board is essential to prevent scratches and maintain the surface’s stunning appearance. Sharp objects like knives can leave marks, and over time, these small scratches can accumulate, dulling the countertop’s finish.
Plus, using a cutting board is better for your knives! Quartz is a hard surface, and repeatedly cutting directly on it can dull your blades faster than you’d like. So, save yourself the trouble and reach for that cutting board whenever you’re prepping meals.
What to Avoid: Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners
While quartz countertops are tough, they’re not impervious to damage from certain cleaning products. Harsh chemicals, such as oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and furniture strippers, can cause permanent damage to the quartz surface. These products often contain methylene chloride or hydrofluoric acid, which can break down the bond between the quartz and the resin, leading to discoloration or even cracking.
Best practice: Stick to gentle cleaning products like mild detergent, Simple Green, or a non-abrasive household cleaner. A spray bottle filled with a mix of water and mild soap is perfect for daily cleaning. Avoid using glass cleaner regularly as it can leave streaks and dull the surface over time.
Abrasive cleaners, including those with bleach or ammonia, should also be avoided. These can damage the resin that binds the quartz, leading to dull spots or scratches. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive sponge or cloth when cleaning to maintain the countertop’s shine.
Handling Difficult Stains: From Grease to Permanent Markers
Despite your best efforts, sometimes difficult stains happen—whether it’s a splash of grease during dinner prep or an accidental swipe of a permanent marker. The key is to act quickly and use the right products.
For grease stains, a mild detergent mixed with warm water should do the trick. Apply the solution to a soft sponge and gently clean the affected area. If the stain persists, try using a degreaser that’s safe for quartz surfaces. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent any residue from lingering.
Permanent marker stains can be a bit trickier. try isopropyl alcohol, a magic eraser, or barkeepers friend. Always follow up with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any residue and protect the countertop from damage.
For paint stains or other sticky residues, your best friend is a plastic putty knife. Gently scrape off the residue without applying too much pressure. If needed, you can soften the residue with warm water before scraping. Never use steel wool or abrasive materials, as they can leave permanent marks on your quartz countertops.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: The Secret to Longevity
One of the things I appreciate most about quartz countertops is how easy they are to maintain. Regular cleaning is the key to keeping them looking as good as new for a long time. Even with their low-maintenance nature, a little extra care goes a long way.
In addition to daily cleaning, make it a habit to deep clean your countertops once a week. This involves using a gentle cleaner and warm water to remove any buildup that might not be visible to the naked eye. A soft sponge or microfiber cloth is ideal for this task. After cleaning, dry the surface with a dry cloth to ensure no water spots are left behind.
Protecting Your Quartz Counters: A Few More Tips
Aside from regular cleaning, there are a few additional steps you can take to protect your quartz countertops and ensure they stay beautiful for years to come:
- Use hot pads and trivets: Always use hot pads or trivets under hot pans, pots, and electric skillets to prevent heat damage.
- Avoid heavy objects: While quartz is durable, avoid placing heavy objects on the countertops, especially near the edges, to prevent cracking or chipping.
- Keep away from sharp objects: Always use a cutting board to protect the surface from scratches caused by knives or other sharp objects.
- Avoid extreme heat: Don’t place hot items directly on the quartz surface. Quartz is heat resistant but not heatproof, so always use a protective barrier.
- Clean up spills promptly: While quartz is stain resistant, it’s still a good idea to clean up spills as soon as they happen, especially if they’re from strong chemicals or acidic substances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a few mistakes when caring for your quartz countertops. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using abrasive tools: As tempting as it might be to grab that steel wool for a tough spot, resist the urge. Abrasive tools can leave scratches that are difficult, if not impossible, to repair.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals: Be mindful of the cleaning products you’re using. Strong chemicals, such as paint removers or furniture strippers, can cause permanent damage. Always check labels to ensure they’re safe for quartz.
- Placing hot items directly on the counter: Quartz can handle heat, but not without limits. Always use a trivet or hot pad under hot pots, pans, or electric skillets to prevent thermal shock and heat damage.
- Skipping the cutting board: Although quartz is scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch-proof. Always use a cutting board to protect both your countertop and your knives.
- Using acidic cleaners: Cleaners containing vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic ingredients can break down the resin in quartz countertops over time, leading to dulling and discoloration. Stick to mild, pH-neutral cleaners instead.
Final Thoughts: Why We Love Quartz
After living with our quartz countertops for a while now, I can confidently say that they were one of the best decisions we made during our renovation. Not only do they offer a sleek, modern look that ties our kitchen and new family room together, but they also provide the durability and ease of maintenance that fits perfectly with our lifestyle.
From daily cleaning to tackling tough stains, the care and maintenance of quartz countertops are straightforward and simple—exactly what we needed as busy parents. Whether you’re in the middle of a renovation, considering an upgrade, or just looking to maintain the beauty of your existing quartz counters, I hope these tips help you keep your kitchen looking stunning for years to come.
Proper care and a little bit of attention go a long way in preserving the beauty and functionality of your quartz countertops. With the right approach, you’ll continue to enjoy the elegance and resilience of quartz in your home for a long time.
Here’s to beautiful, clean, and well-maintained quartz countertops in your kitchen!
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