Learning how to clean quartz countertops is easier than you think. Whether you chose quartz over granite or are still deciding, proper maintenance is key to protecting your investment This will help you understand the maintenance differences.
For daily cleaning, use warm water and mild dish soap with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Quartz countertops are beautiful because they are non-porous. They never need sealing, which makes maintenance easy and stress-free.
Quality can differ between manufacturers. However, knowing how to clean quartz countertops will keep them looking great for years. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, and harsh chemicals that can dull the surface over time.
For stubborn stains or cloudiness, use mineral spirits - a fabricator trick available at any hardware store. The most important rule when you clean quartz countertops? Never place hot pots or pans directly on quartz because heat damage remains permanent and you cannot repair it.
Manufacturers create quartz countertops from about 90-95% ground natural quartz crystals. They are mixed with polymer resins and pigments. This manufacturing process makes a non-porous surface. It resists stains better than most natural stone and other countertop materials.
We have been making and installing stone in Greater Boston and Metro West Massachusetts since 1995. We have a lot of experience with quartz installation.
One significant advantage of the manufacturing process is that it can create almost any color. This is not possible with natural stone, where you are limited to what nature provides in each quarry. Quartz can come in many colors. However, it still cannot match the natural depth and beauty of real stone.
The non-porous nature of quartz is its biggest advantage - liquids simply cannot penetrate the surface. This means no sealing, ever.
Unlike natural stones such as granite, marble, quartzite, travertine, and limestone, you won’t need to test absorption rates. You also won’t have to maintain a protective barrier.
However, quartz has one significant vulnerability: heat sensitivity. While people often consider quartz a heat resistant material, it’s not heat-proof.
High heat and temperatures over 300°F can harm the polymer resins that hold quartz crystals together. This is why many homeowners choose quartzite countertops for better heat resistance. However, quartzite needs sealing, unlike quartz.
Putting hot pots, hot pans, or other hot items directly on the surface can cause stains, cracks, or permanent white marks. No one can fix these marks. This is the most common mistake we see homeowners make when they clean quartz countertops.
We have seen cases where air fryers left on quartz for a long time caused cracks. The heat from below can damage the surface.
The resin binders can also be affected by certain harsh chemicals over time. Stay away from paint removers, furniture strippers, oil soaps, and permanent markers. Also, avoid products with high pH levels, like oven cleaners and drain cleaners.
Keep in mind that quartz has less shine than natural stone. This is because of the polymer resins used in making it. The resins aren’t as hard as the quartz crystals themselves, so they can’t achieve the same level of polish. If you’re switching from granite or other natural stone, the quartz may look less lustrous - this is normal, not a cleaning issue.
To clean your quartz countertops daily, use warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Wipe with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then immediately dry with a clean cloth, microfiber cloth, or paper towels.
This easy cleaning routine stops water spots. It keeps your quartz countertops clean and looking great. Clean quartz surfaces regularly for the best results.
Pro Tip: Clean spills right away when you clean quartz countertops. Quartz counters resist stains better than natural stone.
Coffee, wine, and cooking oil won't soak into the non-porous surface. However, they can leave residue. This residue becomes harder to remove if it sits for too long.
To clean quartz well, you need to wipe away all moisture. Quartz shows water spots and streaks more than darker stones. This is especially true for lighter colors, like white quartz countertops.
New England Considerations: Hard water is common throughout Metro West Massachusetts and Greater Boston. The minerals in our water can leave spots on quartz surfaces. This makes the drying step crucial.
You need to deep clean when you notice buildup, grease spots, streaks, or overall dullness. This often occurs in busy places. For example, it happens near the stove, where cooking residue collects. It also happens around the sink, where food preparation and washing create buildup.
Understanding how to clean quartz countertops for deep cleaning doesn’t require expensive specialty products or harsh cleaners. Every household is different. Some people cook often with oils and spices, needing more attention. Others use their kitchen less.
For stuck-on food or grease buildup, use more dish soap and warm water with a non-abrasive sponge. Apply more pressure and elbow grease - quartz can handle it. This cleaning solution should remove most buildup without any special products.
For stubborn stains or cloudiness that soap and water won’t remove, use mineral spirits. This is a trick we use often. Cheap, easy to find at any hardware store, and effective at removing cloudiness and tough residue.
Use mineral spirits on a soft cloth. Wipe the affected areas. Rinse them well with soap and water before any food contact.
Professional Tip: If you have a remnant piece from your installation, test any specialized cleaning method on it first. Different quartz brands can have subtle differences in resin formulations, and what works for one may affect another differently.
For tough marks like metal scratches, knife scratches, or stuck-on residue, use Bar Keepers Friend if needed. This cleaner is slightly abrasive. Use it sparingly, only when necessary. Using it too much can dull the finish and may cause scratches if used too hard.
Alternative Cleaning Solution: For a gentler approach, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently rub with a soft cloth and rinse. This baking soda cleaning solution works well for many stubborn stains without the abrasiveness of commercial cleaners.
To clean after handling raw meat, use a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water. Spray, let sit 3-5 minutes, then wipe clean and dry.
Unlike natural stone, you don’t need to worry about breaking down a sealer since quartz has none.
When to Contact a Professional: If you find stains or damage that these cleaning methods don’t fix, reach out to your fabricator. We have specialized knowledge about different quartz brands and access to professional-grade restoration products.
## How to Fix Cloudy or Streaky Quartz Countertops
Based on 30 years of fabrication experience in maintaining quartz countertops
Residue buildup from cleaning products, hard water minerals, or soap film causes most cloudiness and streaking on quartz countertops. Don’t panic - this isn’t damage or a defect, just surface buildup that cleans right off.
The non-porous surface means nothing penetrates, but buildup is highly visible, especially on darker colors. Black and dark brown quartz shows every water spot, streak, and fingerprint.
In Metro West Massachusetts, our hard water contains higher mineral content than many regions. This means water spots and cloudiness can appear more quickly on quartz surfaces.
This is a major advantage over granite's durability requirements, which include regular sealing.
Expensive quartz cleaners aren’t necessary. Here’s the proper escalation method for cleaning quartz countertops:
Start with soap and water - Clean with dish soap and warm water, rinse completely, buff dry with a microfiber cloth or paper towels.
If cloudiness remains - Use a non-abrasive sponge with extra soap and more pressure.
For stubborn stains - Apply mineral spirits to a soft cloth and wipe affected areas. This fabricator trick works extremely well and costs under $10 at any hardware store. Rinse thoroughly with soap and water.
Last resort only - Bar Keepers Friend for exceptionally stubborn marks. This product has a mildly abrasive quality, so you should NOT use it regularly. Test on a remnant piece if available.
Professional Note: The secret to streak-free quartz is complete drying. Most streaking happens because people stop at the wet rinse stage. Always buff with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or paper towels until completely dry.
Manufacturers create all quartz countertops using ground quartz and resin binders. However, different manufacturers use different types of resin, quartz amounts, and production methods. Some brands use higher quality resins that resist heat and chemicals better than others.
Unlike natural stone, quartz manufacturers can offer warranties. This is because they control the production process and can guarantee against defects. However, warranties don’t cover damage from heat, cutting, improper care, or improper fabrication.
Important: Always check your specific brand’s care guidelines on their website. Each manufacturer has its own recommendations, and following them ensures you maintain your warranty coverage.
Cambria - American-made in Minnesota, known for quality and consistency. Higher quartz content (93% versus the industry standard 90-92%) makes it exceptionally durable. Cambria offers a direct customer service line (1-877-CAMBRIA) and stands behind their warranty with real support.
Caesarstone - Israeli-manufactured, one of the original quartz brands. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns. In our experience, Caesarstone will send someone in person to verify warranty claims.
Silestone - Spanish-made by Cosentino, available with antimicrobial protection. Extensive color selection including bold patterns.
All quartz brands require the same basic care regardless of price point or manufacturer. The primary difference between premium and value brands is color consistency between slabs, pattern authenticity, warranty coverage, and customer service.
Learn more about why quartz is growing in popularity and see our full quartz countertop selection.
Never place hot pots, hot pans, baking sheets, or heat-generating appliances directly on quartz. Temperatures over 300°F (150°C) can harm the resin binders. This can lead to permanent discoloration, cracking, or white marks.
Always use hot pads, trivets, or cutting boards under hot items. Air fryers, Instant Pots, slow cookers, electric griddles, and coffee makers can all damage quartz. This happens if someone places them directly on it.
Heat damage appears as white or yellowish spots. This damage is permanent. It affects the resin binders and you cannot clean it away.
Avoid harsh cleaners and harsh chemicals including highly acidic or alkaline cleaning products. Do not use oven cleaners, drain cleaners, paint strippers, or furniture strippers on your quartz countertops. Avoid oil soaps and products with bleach or ammonia as well.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh scouring pads on quartz. Stick with soft cloths, microfiber cloths, or non-abrasive sponges for regular cleaning.
Vinegar Warning: Never use vinegar or other acidic cleaners on quartz countertops. Vinegar is a common natural cleaner for many surfaces. However, its acidity can harm the resin binders in quartz over time. Avoid acidic cleaning products including lemon juice, vinegar, and citrus cleaners.
Glass Cleaner Warning: You can use glass cleaner like Windex sometimes for special cleaning tasks. However, do not use it as your main cleaning solution. The ammonia in glass cleaner can dull the finish over time with frequent use.
Never cut directly on quartz countertops. Cutting on the surface will dull your knives rapidly. The constant pressure and movement can damage the resin binders. This can also create tiny scratches that dull the finish over time.
Always use cutting boards to prevent scratches, protect both your knives, and preserve your investment in quality countertops.
Quartz countertops are an excellent investment that combines beauty, durability, and remarkably low maintenance requirements. The main benefit is knowing that quartz is non-porous and made for consistency. You won’t have to worry about sealing, and staining is extremely rare with good care.
Most quartz “problems” aren’t actually problems. Cloudiness is usually just soap residue or hard water deposits. “Stains” are typically surface residue that cleans right off with soap and water or mineral spirits. Water spots are simply mineral deposits that disappear when you buff the surface dry.
The single biggest vulnerability is heat damage. Always use trivets, hot pads, or cutting boards under anything that generates heat.
Keep your quartz countertops clean with regular cleaning using mild dish soap and warm water. Always dry completely with a microfiber cloth or paper towels. This is the key to streak-free quartz and preventing water spots.
Use hot pads for hot pots and pans without exception. Use cutting boards to prevent scratches, protect your knives, and preserve the surface. Clean daily spills promptly to keep your quartz looking new, though staining is rare thanks to the non-porous quartz surface.
For stubborn stains or cloudiness on your quartz, use mineral spirits or a baking soda cleaning solution. If you are unsure, look at your manufacturer’s care guidelines. You can also contact your fabricator for cleaning advice on quartz countertops.
We operate from Southborough, Massachusetts. We serve Greater Boston, Metro West, and all Massachusetts. We have 30 years of experience in the stone industry, starting in 1995. Visit our Route 9 showroom to explore
We know the special challenges of caring for stone surfaces and quartz counters in New England's climate. We are here to help you keep your investment looking beautiful for many years.