What is the Best Quartz Countertop Cleaner?

Thinking of investing in quartz countertops? This is an excellent idea. Quartz countertops, purchased from a reputable manufacturer such as Caesarstone, are one of the most recommended countertop materials. Their durability tops any other countertop material, not to mention their aesthetic appeal and wide colour and design options.  

Quartz countertops are not hard to care for. However, this does not mean that they should not be cleaned regularly. Letting spills sit on the surface of your quartz slab is not the best practice for this exquisite countertop material. 

The availability of different simple and easy-to-follow quartz cleaner options makes maintenance quite the simple task. Still not sure how to clean your quartz countertops? Follow this simple guide that details how to clean the countertops and the best quartz cleaner that should be used.  

For more Caesarstone quartz care tips, visit our countertop maintenance page.  

What is the routine for cleaning quartz countertops?  

Whether you opt for a crisp white countertop like Caesarstone’s 4600 Organic White, or a smoky rich colour like 4120 Raven, all quartz countertops will require only a small amount of maintenance. Here is what to know about quartz cleaning.  

Use a solution of mild dish soap and water 

A solution of mild dish soap and water is the perfect quartz countertop cleaner for daily care and maintenance. Either cold or warm water works well. However, be sure to use a soft cloth as opposed to brushes with tough brittles. This solution can be used to wipe the countertops as often as needed. A 50/50 mix of water and vinegar also works perfectly for regular cleaning. It is important to note that while all quartz countertops are low maintenance, natural stone, honed, concrete, and rough finishes will require additional cleaning compared to polished finishes.  

Dealing with stubborn stains 

Even after using the mild soap and water solution, some food stains may be more difficult to remove. Rather than trying to scrub too hard, a non-abrasive gel and a damp cloth will do the trick. Bar Keepers Friend is perfect for any Caesarstone quartz countertop. Using an abrasive quartz countertop cleaner and polish will only dull the surface shine. To avoid stubborn stains, it is recommended for you to clean the quartz countertop immediately after liquids spill on the countertop.  

Dealing with rust or metal marks 

Rust or metal marks are not a beautiful sight on quartz countertops. The Bar Keepers Friend Powder can be used to spot clean this. However, only a small amount of the powder should be used with a damp cloth. The affected area should be wiped using circular motions and thoroughly rinsed with warm water. A dry soft cloth or paper towel should then be used to dry the countertop.  

What chemicals should be avoided when cleaning quartz?

When selecting the best cleaner for quartz countertops, it is important to note which cleaners and chemicals should be avoided. When exposed to harsh cleaning agents, quartz countertops may sustain permanent damage or discolouration. For instance, exposing quartz countertops to chemicals such as floor strippers, towel bowl cleaners, oven grill cleaners, drain products, battery acid, and tarnish removers is detrimental to the countertop material. These are examples of damage that likely will not be covered under warranty. 

How can homeowners prevent damage to quartz countertops? 

• Cleaning spills immediately – While this is a no-brainer, it is a simple task that is often overlooked. Quartz countertops are non-porous. While this is a fact, quartz countertops are not entirely resistant to stains. As such, when liquids are left to sit on the countertop for extended periods, the result could be a damaged countertop surface. Permanent stains, when not cleaned immediately, can occur as a result of wine, coffee, or even tea spills.  

• Always use a cutting board – Quartz countertops are resistant to cuts and scratches, but are not indestructible. Once installed, most homeowners may ignore cutting boards and use the countertops for food preparation. The result? Cracks and scratches that are difficult to repair.  
• Always use heat protectors when placing hot items – Quartz is a heat-resistant material but is still susceptible to heat damage if hot cookware or appliances come into contact with the surface more than a brief period of time. Once installed, investing in trivets or heat mats is vital. Also, coasters go a long way in preventing acidic spills on the countertop.
• Never use harsh cleaning products – No matter how stubborn that stain is, using harsh cleaning products only worsens the situation. Only the recommended quartz countertop cleaner. Harsh cleaning products and chemicals such as turpentine, nail polish remover, bleach, and even drain cleaners will only dull the countertop.
• Avoid standing on the countertop – While quartz is a hard countertop material, it should not be used as a ladder when reaching hard-to-reach areas.
• Always use a good microfibre to clean the countertop – Not only do soft microfibre fabrics do a stellar job, they also do not dull the countertop surface. Quartz isn’t impervious to marring or scratching. As such, cleaning with tough fabrics may do more harm than good.
• Avoid the use of metallic objects to scrape off gunk that accumulates on the countertops – Regardless of how careful anyone is, spills still happen. And they can sometimes go unnoticed, leading to the build-up of gunk. Scraping this with metallic objects, or any scraper or putty knife can be detrimental to quartz countertops.

What factors should be considered when choosing a quartz countertop cleaner?  

• Safety with food contact – Most cleaners are gentle on countertops. But are they safe for food contact? Ensure that the countertop cleaning products you have chosen are safe for use near foods. Luckily, most quartz countertop cleaners are safe for food contact.  
• Scent – Some quartz countertop cleansers have good scents while others do not. Why should this even be a consideration? No one wants to use a countertop cleaner only for the entire kitchen to have a horrible chemical smell.  
• PH neutrality – This is a feature that most quartz cleaning brands take seriously, with almost all quartz cleaning products being PH neutral. However, this does not mean that any PH-neutral cleaning product is good for quartz countertops.  

Cleaning your quartz countertops is key to maintaining their longevity but choosing the right quartz countertops in the first place is just as important. When you purchase a Caesarstone quartz countertop, you invest in incredible appearance, quality, and craftsmanship. See our selection online or in one of our showrooms today.