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.
Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
Lysol wipes may be acceptable for quick cleaning as long as they are bleach free but use them sparingly. The last thing you want to do is permanently damage your countertop when you're simply trying to deal with a temporary spill.
Even if the scent is nice, you'll be opening up your quartz countertop to other problems later. Other household cleaners such as Windex, Lysol, and even vinegar are also bad to use. These products contain a high pH level and are very acidic, which can damage your beloved kitchen counters.
They can cause damage
Believe it or not, Clorox wipes can actually damage certain surfaces in your home that you may not be aware of, such as granite countertops. Clorox wipes should only be used on hard, non-porous surfaces, MHM Properties explains.
Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface. Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time.
Create a simple disinfectant using 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and two cups water in a spray bottle. You may wish to add 1-2 drops of essential oils to add a nice smell to the mixture. Spray the countertops down, making sure to cover the entire surface. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 2-3 minutes.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion.
Disinfecting wipes are not suitable for quartz countertops as their primary ingredient, citric acid, is not diluted. If you use these wipes on your countertop surface it will weaken the seal and cause discoloration to occur. Therefore, avoid using them when cleaning quartz counters.
Everyday Cleaning – Just Use Water and a Paper Towel
For routine cleaning, simply wipe down your countertop with a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleanser.
Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is specially formulated for use on smooth, polished stone – including granite, marble, and quartz. Its pH-balanced formula won't scratch or mar stone finishes, and it's gentle enough to use every day.
We recommend using warm water and a mild detergent or quality spray, such as “Dettol Anti-Bacterial Surface Cleaner” or “CIF Cleaner” [white natural].
The main goal is to stay away from any cloth with a rough surface, which can damage the quartz countertop. My routine cleaning products on my countertop is Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner or Mrs Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner. These products are tough cleaners yet safe for the family.
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers such as Comet or Scotch-Brite are not recommended, as they can scratch the smooth surface of quartz. The best way to care for your quartz is to prevent damage before it occurs. Use trivets or potholders under hot pots and pans to avoid heat discoloration.
Quartz countertops are combined with acid-sensitive resins during their manufacturing, meaning they are vulnerable to chemical damage. This causes acidic products such as vinegar, lemon juice, or acidic cleaners to eat through the resins, "etching" the surface. As a result, quartz requires pH-neutral cleaners.
Quartz countertop care is remarkably simple. Just wipe the surface with water and mild soap or vinegar regularly. If you need to do more stringent cleaning (say, to remove stains), you can use Soft Scrub's gel cleaner, which contains bleach. Outside of that, you don't need to do much else.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners 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.
"To keep your quartz countertops clean, it's best to wipe down the surfaces a few times a day, typically after meals," says Ypma. "If you spill liquid, wipe it up immediately, and don't let it sit for too long. If it sits on the surface for too long, it can stain the countertop."
Daily cleaning for quartz is so simple. All that's needed is a soft cloth or sponge and a little warm water too keep surfaces neat and spotless. For bigger messes, adding a little gentle dish soap or cleanser to a rag or sponge will do the trick.
Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged. If you were to put such high heat on quartz, the resin is very likely to burn and the countertop's coloration would be significantly impacted.
Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.