How to clean quartz countertops: Avoid these surprising mistakes

Are your cleaning methods sabotaging your countertops? Keep reading to discover common mistakes you want to avoid while also learning how to clean quartz countertops correctly.

How to clean quartz countertops

Keeping your quartz countertops in top shape

Proper care of kitchen favorites like cast iron skillets and stainless steel pans is important for extending their longevity. But what about countertops? Is there more than meets the eye when caring for these surfaces? 

Not all countertops are equal, and some materials need more attention than others. For example, marble is notoriously soft and reacts poorly with acid cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice. These can eat away at the stone or leave difficult-to-remove stains.

How does a popular choice for modern homeowners like quartz stack up?

Quartz countertops have a beautiful Instagram-worthy aesthetic and are generally pretty durable and able to withstand regular kitchen use. While considering important durability qualities like hardness, heat resistance, and stain resistance, The Spruce ranks quartz countertops as a top choice for the kitchen.

While it’s a relief not to worry about culinary mishaps damaging a quartz countertop, cleaning them the right way still makes a big difference in preserving their original glossy finish and long-lasting qualities.

How to clean quartz countertops: Common mistakes

If you plan to remodel your kitchen or bathroom with quartz countertops or already have them installed, you’ll want to know how to take care of them correctly.

Here are the most common mistakes people make when cleaning quartz counters:

1. Not cleaning up spills immediately
2. Using abrasive cleaning solutions
3. Using the wrong cleaning tools
4. Overlooking regular maintenance

Mistake 1: Not cleaning spills immediately

Always be attentive to spills and wipe them up right away.

If not cleaned immediately, red wine, tea and coffee spills can stain the quartz, particularly light-colored hues. So be careful next time you make a Starbucks copycat recipe at home. Keep all the coffee in the cup.

Acidic foods like vinegar, citrus juice, and tomato sauce are common culprits for staining quartz because they can penetrate the stone and stain.

When a spill happens, simply wipe it up quickly with a soft dishcloth and warm, soapy water.

Mistake 2: Using abrasive cleaners

Using the wrong cleaning solution to clean quartz countertops can degrade the stone. Both overly acidic and alkaline cleaners are considered abrasive and potentially damage the countertop.

Common cleaners you’re better off avoiding include:

• Clorox wipes
• Windex
• Bleach

Instead, making a soapy mixture of dish or antibacterial soap and warm water will be sufficient. Alternatively, buying a cleaning formula made specifically for quartz surfaces is another safe option. 

Furthermore, avoid homemade recipes that include vinegar and lime or lemon juice. Instead, a DIY all-purpose cleaner without vinegar is just what you need.

Mistake 3: Using the wrong cleaning tools

Using the wrong cleaning tools to clean quartz countertops can yield detrimental results.Be careful when selecting your cleaning tools. Extra-strength scrubbers can be too intense.

Microfiber clothes are better than abrasive cleaning pads that risk leaving tiny scratches behind. These minor scratches build up over time and eventually cause the countertop to become matte and lose its shine.

Avoid steel wool and metal scrapers. If you ever need to scrape material off the quartz, do so with a silicon, plastic or wooden utensil instead.

Understandably, you might be tempted to apply extra force to scrub out pesky stains. For this, use an alternative approach from Gina Matsoukas of Running to the Kitchen. Her simple kitchen hack suggests, “A magic eraser will be your best friend if you have quartz countertops, especially light-colored quartz. It takes off scratches and stains with ease.”

Marble’s Ultimate Guide advises that all you need to do is “wet the magic eraser and apply it in gentle, circular motions. Clean the area thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean towel after.”

Mistake 4: Overlooking regular maintenance

Even when house cleaning feels like a drag, regular maintenance is important to keep your place nice and tidy.

With short but frequent cleaning sessions, you can stay on top of your counters and preserve their pristine condition without a lot of work.

“To keep clean quartz countertops clean, wipe them down with a damp cloth daily or after each use. Then, wash the surface with a soapy water mixture and rinse clean at least three times a week. Your countertops will look amazing if you start this routine!” 

— Gena Lazcano, Ginger Casa

How to clean quartz countertops: Final thoughts

Even though quartz countertops are generally very durable, poor maintenance may subject them to unwanted scratches or stains.

Learning how to clean quartz countertops is worth your time and effort. With these simple tips and practical advice, you can take good care of your quartz countertops, avoid common mistakes, and preserve their luster for years to come.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.