How to Clean Quartz Countertops: Complete Guide

Written by Granite Guy Inc., Southborough, Massachusetts

Updated: January 13, 2026

Look, I've been fabricating and installing countertops in MetroWest for over 30 years. You know what the number one phone call I get is? It's not about installation. It's about cleaning.

"My quartz looks cloudy."

"I used a Magic Eraser and now there's a dull spot."

"I think I ruined it."

Here's the thing—most of the information out there is written by people who've never actually fabricated stone. They'll tell you quartz is indestructible. It's not.

Don't get me wrong—the quartz crystals (about 90-95% of the slab) are super hard. But the resin—that's the polymer glue holding everything together—is sensitive. It doesn't like chemicals, heat, or abrasives.

So let me tell you exactly how to take care of your quartz the way I'd tell a customer in my showroom.

🧽 Daily Cleaning: The "Cloudy" Trap

You don't need those expensive "Quartz Cleaner" bottles. Honestly, a lot of them just leave a waxy film that makes things worse.

Here's what actually works:
Warm water, a few drops of dish soap (like Dawn), and a soft microfiber cloth. That's it.

Why does my quartz look cloudy?

If you're seeing smears or a haze on your countertop, don't panic. You haven't damaged the stone. What you've got is soap scum.

Most dish soaps have oils and fats in them to protect your hands. When you don't rinse thoroughly, that oil stays on your quartz. Over time, it layers up just like wax builds up on a car. It traps dust, and boom—your countertop looks dull and dirty.

The Fix:

1. Wash with soap and warm water.
2. Rinse with a fresh, wet cloth—water only, no soap.
3. Buff dry with a clean microfiber towel.

This is especially important here in New England because we have hard water. If you let water air-dry on quartz, you'll get mineral spots. The secret? You've gotta dry it completely. That's what gives you that streak-free shine.

A Note on "The Shine"

One thing I want you to understand—quartz doesn't shine like natural stone. The polymer resins used in manufacturing mean you're not going to get that deep, mirror-like gloss you get with polished granite. If you switched from granite to quartz and think "this doesn't look as shiny," that's normal. It's not a defect.

🧹 Deep Cleaning: The Escalation Ladder

When soap and water doesn't cut it, here's exactly what you do. Follow this order—don't skip ahead.

Step 1: Soak and Scrape (For Dried Food)

Let water do the work first.

Take a paper towel, soak it in hot soapy water, and lay it over whatever's stuck (sauce, egg, jelly). Let it sit for 5 minutes.

The Tool: Take a plastic putty knife, hold it at a low angle, and just pop the food off.

Pro tip: Never use a metal razor blade unless you really know what you're doing. One slip and you scratch the resin.

Step 2: The "Wet Sponge" Rule (For Grease and Grime)

This is important—you need friction, but you have to be smart about it.

The Tool: A blue non-scratch sponge.

The Rule: If you use a green (heavy duty) sponge, it must be SOAKING WET.

Why? Never scrub quartz with a dry scouring pad. A dry green sponge acts like sandpaper. Water is the lubricant that protects the finish.

Step 3: Mineral Spirits (The Fabricator's Secret)

If soap didn't work, you've probably got something chemically stuck—adhesive residue, tape marks, ink, or stubborn oil.

The Solvent: Mineral Spirits (found in the paint aisle, costs about $10).

The Method: Pour a little on a soft cloth and rub the spot. It dissolves adhesives instantly without hurting the quartz.

Crucial: Rinse thoroughly with soap and water to remove the oily residue.

This is the trick we use in the shop. It works extremely well for cloudiness and stubborn buildup.

Step 4: Bar Keepers Friend (Only When You Really Need It)

If you've got metal marks—those grey lines you get from dragging a pot—and nothing else worked, then use Bar Keepers Friend.

The Product: Get the liquid (soft cleanser) version only. The powder is too gritty.

The Method: Put a dime-sized amount on a soft cloth, rub gently for 10 seconds, then rinse immediately.

Warning: This product is mildly abrasive. If you use it every day, you will eventually dull the polish. Save it for emergencies.

🚫 What to Avoid (The "Do Not Use" List)

Chemicals to Avoid:

• Vinegar and Lemon Juice: These are acidic and eat away at the resin binders.
• Bleach: Can cause permanent yellowing or discoloration.
• Oven Cleaner / Drain Cleaner: Highly alkaline; causes thermal shock and cracking.
• Windex: Occasional use is fine, but daily use will dull the resin over time.

Tools to Avoid:

• Steel wool.
• Dry scouring pads.
• Metal razor blades (unless you're a pro).

🔥 The Heat Warning (This Is Critical)

Quartz is heat resistant, not heat proof. There's a big difference.

The resin binders in your slab can handle temperatures up to about 300°F. A hot pan coming off your stove is usually 400°F+.

If you put a hot pan directly on quartz, you risk quartz countertop cracking or permanent damage:

1. Scorch Marks: A brown/yellow burn ring deep in the resin (permanent).
2. Thermal Shock: The rapid temperature change can crack the slab instantly. I've seen this firsthand in the shop—when we bring cold slabs in from winter and cut them on the saw, the cold stone hits the water cooling system and cracks instantly.

I've seen air fryers left running on quartz cause cracks. I've seen people set down a hot baking sheet and ruin a whole section.

The Rule: Always use a trivet or hot pad. No exceptions.

🏷️ A Note on Brands (Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone)

Not all quartz is the same. If you buy premium quartz, you are paying for higher quality resin and warranty support that actually matters.

• Cambria: American-made (Minnesota). They have excellent quality control and a real customer service line (1-866-CAMBRIA).
• Caesarstone: Excellent color selection. In my experience, they are very rigorous about verifying warranty claims.
• Silestone (Cosentino): Known for antimicrobial protection options and great patterns.

Regardless of the brand, the care instructions are the same.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use Windex or glass cleaner on quartz?

A. Occasionally is fine, but don't use it regularly. The ammonia will dull the finish over time. Stick with dish soap and water.

Q. Why does my quartz show water spots and streaks?

A. Mineral deposits from water evaporating on the surface. Dry your counters completely after cleaning and they disappear.

Q. Can I put hot pans on quartz?

A. No. The resin can't handle the heat. Always use a trivet or hot pad.

Q. Does quartz need to be sealed?

A. No, never. It's non-porous, so sealing is a waste of money and can actually damage the finish.

Q. Should I choose natural stone or quartz?

A. Quartz: Consistent pattern, no sealing, stain-resistant, heat-sensitive. Natural Stone: Unique character, heat-resistant, requires sealing.

Related Articles

• How to Clean Granite Countertops: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Complete Comparison Guide
• Quartz vs. Quartzite: What's Better for Countertops?

🏠 Visit Our Countertop Store

Ready to upgrade or dealing with damaged countertops? We can help.

The best way to choose quartz is to see it in person. Visit our countertop store, compare different brands and colors, and take a sample home to see how it looks in your kitchen lighting. Learn more about our process to understand how we help you choose the right material.

Granite Guy Inc.
43 Turnpike Road (Route 9)
Southborough, MA 01772

📞 508-460-7900
📧 Info@graniteguyinc.com

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