Quartz is completely nonporous and will not absorb liquids. However, the resin can react with some liquids, causing it to become discolored. For example, highly acidic liquids such as lemon juice or wine can damage quartz if left for an extended period. It is best practice to clean spills as soon as they occur.
Take a wet rag with some isopropyl rubbing alcohol and rub the stain using the wet towel or cloth. Next, you are going to want to wipe the counter again using just warm water. This will help with any tough stains that would not come off with a simple water and soap mix.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Like citrus juices, you'll also want to stay away from highly acidic or alkaline cleaners. Both will harm your countertops. As with lemon and lime juice, wipe up anything corrosive that drops on your quartz.
This will dull the finish of your countertop. Chemicals such as drain cleaners, paint strippers, or products containing Hydrofluoric acid, Methylene chloride, or trichloroethylene will also discolor quartz countertops. You can use the same sponge and circular scrubbing motions as you would for cleaning water stains.
Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
Some might notice stains on their white quartz countertop as a result of using the wrong cleaning products. Anything with harsh chemicals, including oil soaps, detergents, paint thinners, and any cleanser containing bleach, could stain or discolor your countertop instead of getting it sparkling clean.
Some stains may be impossible to remove with regular cleaners. The appearance of blotches, haziness, or discoloured patches may also be a result of permanent chemical reactions. In such cases, it's always advisable to reach out to the retailer where you purchased the quartz countertop.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion.
Windex has a high pH level, making it potentially damaging to a manmade material such as quartz. Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.
Removing stains
Bar Keepers Friend: Sprinkle a bit of the cleaning solution over the stain scrubbing lightly with a damp sponge. Rinse well with a damp cloth. Glass cleaner: Saturate the stain with a commercial glass cleaner, such as Windex. Let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.
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.
Highly acidic products—such as lemon cleaners or highly alkaline cleaners (e.g., oven cleaners and concentrated bleach)—can disintegrate the bonds between the quartz and resin. Although quartz is heat-resistant—up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit—prolonged exposure to heat can cause it to crack.
Citric acid can weaken the seal on your countertop, leaving it vulnerable to discoloration.
Lemon juice is acidic with a pH around 2; neutral is a pH of 7. So it is very acidic. The acidic lemon juice bleaches the marble leaving white spots, and it also etches the marble leaving a textured finish. The etching chemically alters the finish of the marble.
Overexposure To Sunlight
Overexposure to sunlight can turn your white quartz yellow, especially if the sunlight is hitting your worktops every day for long periods of time. Sunlight can be one of the most common causes of your white quartz turning yellow and is one of the easiest to prevent.
If you have a quartz countertop, you should be able to use Dawn Dish Soap without any issues. However, if you notice any discoloration or staining, you might need to switch to another brand of dish soap.
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.
While quartz is one of the most durable stones, you must avoid using acidic or harsh cleaners. Don't clean your counters with vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or acid-based products.
Can I use baking soda on quartz countertops? Yes, baking soda is a great product for cleaning quartz countertops, as it's less abrasive than most other options.
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.
Conclusion. 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.
This is primarily because it is more resistant to stains, but this does not mean that it's impossible to stain. Just like every other countertop, quartz is vulnerable to stains, including water stains.
Quartz countertops can stain if they are exposed to alkaline cleaners, high pH detergents, certain acids, nail polish, wax, makeup, and even some foods.
The Best Way to Clean Quartz Countertops
To disinfect your quartz countertops, we recommend adding isopropyl alcohol to your mixture. Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is the same type of alcohol found in first aid kits. It is an effective disinfecting agent solution for stone surfaces when added to your cleaning solution.