To remove hard water stains on quartz countertops, it is recommended homeowners use Soft Scrub Liquid Gel, a non-abrasive cleaner. This gel should be applied to a damp cloth or paper towel – not applied to the countertop directly. The stain should then be wiped up in a circular motion.
Warm Water + Dish Soap
This is the preferred method of cleaning most messes on quartz countertops. Combine a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water into a bowl or bucket. Using a microfiber cloth or soft rag, use the soapy water solution to wash off as much of the mineral deposit as possible.
A glass cleaner and a non-abrasive nylon scrub pad are used to scrub off the stain. Glass cleaners work perfectly in instances where the stain is mild and only on the surface of the counter. You can also use a magic eraser to remove a red wine stain from a quartz countertop.
If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
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.
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.
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.
Use baking soda for stubborn stains
Even natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon can be too harsh to use on Quartz or Granite, as they are highly acidic, so they could damage the surface. If you do encounter a stubborn stain, consider using baking soda as a gentler alternative.
Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.
Dealing with stubborn stains
Rather than trying to scrub too hard, a non-abrasive gel and a damp cloth will do the trick. Bar Keepers Friend is perfect for any Caesarstone quartz countertop.
If you spill any coffee, fruit juices, tea, or wine on your countertop and it sits for a while, leaving a stain, then try mixing baking soda and warm water together. Lightly scrub the surface with the paste and a soft cloth.
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.
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.
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.
For stains that harden as they dry (food, gum, nail polish, paint) remove by gently scraping the surface using a razor blade or putty knife, holding upright so as not to scratch the surface. Then clean using warm water and 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.
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.
Avoid acidic, abrasive, or harsh cleaners.
These can discolor or scratch the surface of your countertops. Avoid bleach, acetone, oil-based soaps like Murphy's Oil, or abrasive cleaners like Soft Scrub.
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.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion. Clean the area thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel after. For tough to fight grease residue, you may use degreasing cleaners.
Vinegar-based spray cleaner is another option to keep quartz countertops glistening. In a clean spray bottle, mix one-quarter vinegar with three-quarters water and shake it up. Just as with regular countertop cleaning, keep spraying and wiping across the counter, cleaning a few feet at a time.
Windex, or other window and mirror shining products, are excellent for polishing quartz countertops. Spray from a distance and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. A few cleaning products in your home are not suitable for quartz countertops. Anything with high acidity or alkaline levels can cause etching.
Mixing a mild detergent (like shampoos, or dish soap) with warm water is the most effective, easy option for cleaning quartz countertops since harsher detergents can damage the surface. Then, you dip a soft cloth into the mixture and apply it to the stain.