As long as you keep up with regular cleaning and follow the recommended maintenance tips we’ve rounded up here, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Is it expensive to maintain quartz countertops?
According to Booth, not in the slightest. “Quartz is nonporous,” she says. “So there is no need to routinely seal the surface.” In comparison, countertops such as quartzite, granite, and marble do need to be routinely sealed to maintain their appearance. That being said, you may face some hefty costs if you don’t follow the general recommendations for preventing long-term damage to your countertops, like avoiding extreme heat or scratching them with knives or other sharp objects.
Can you use Clorox wipes on quartz countertops?
The short answer? Probably not. The long answer? Right this way. Many Clorox wipes are actually bleach-free. You can use them occasionally for deep cleaning, but they shouldn’t be the first thing you grab. You shouldn’t be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.
Can I use Windex on quartz countertops?
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some professionals say it’s okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
In general you should be very careful when using this cleaner. Some Windex formulas rely on the cleaning agent ammonia, which can create very harmful mixtures when combined with bleach—like sodium hypochlorite. This combo can create chloramine vapor, a noxious fume that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and airway. In some cases, large quantities can even be fatal.
What should you not clean quartz countertops with?
In addition to avoiding Clorox and Windex, you shouldn’t use anything with abrasive or harsh chemicals to clean your stone countertops. That means skipping bleach, degreaser, oven cleaner, scouring pads, or other alkaline cleaning solutions or disinfecting formulas with high pH levels. These highly acidic cleaners will damage the countertop and ruin its integrity. If you‘re using them on other items, make sure the spray doesn’t land on the stone surface.
To prevent stubborn gunk from building up, it’s best to stick to mild detergents, soapy water and gentle cleaning products. Keep up with a daily maintenance routine rather than trying to address the dirt with a deep cleaning method or harsh cleaners later on. If you happen to have accidents involving nail polish or permanent marker stains, try DIY methods, like using watered-down lemon juice or a dose of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
It’s also important to keep quartz surfaces safe from hot pans because they are sensitive to extreme heat. You can use trivets and hot pads to protect granite countertops (which have quartz) from off-the-stove dishes. For food prep that uses sharp objects, especially knives for chopping, cutting boards protect the surface from scratches and divots. And it’s always best to keep coasters around for hot mugs.
How to remove stubborn stains from quartz countertops
To prevent stubborn gunk from building up on quartz countertops, it’s best to stick to mild detergents, soapy water, and gentle cleaning products. Keep up with a daily maintenance routine rather than trying to go back in with a deep cleaning method or harsh cleaners later on. As a general rule of thumb for any stains you come across, Booth recommends first trying mild cleaning solutions before reaching for the stronger, harsher options; it’s better to start slow than risk causing irreversible damage. “I suggest starting with mild dish soap and a microfiber cloth,” she says. “Rub the stain in circular motion and then rinse with clean water.”