What cleaners cannot be used on quartz?

Author: Dr. Jacques Schultz PhD  |  Last update: Friday, May 23, 2025

Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. 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.

What should you not clean quartz with?

Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time. This will make the surface more likely to stain.

What cleaning products are safe for quartz?

For quartz countertops, always choose mild dish soap and water or cleaners specifically designed for quartz. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar, which can damage the surface. A soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge is ideal for wiping down your counters.

Can anything ruin quartz countertops?

While quartz may be highly heat-resistant, prolonged exposure will damage the resin causing it to discolor. Temperatures above 300° F can spell bad news for your countertop. Besides, sudden extreme changes in temperature may lead to slab cracking. Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the countertop's surface.

What chemicals should not be used on quartz countertops?

Bleach, ammonia, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and quat based sanitizers will damage the finish of quartz over time. That sanitizer is quat based, it is great for other surfaces to sanitize but not for quartz. It will degrade your countertop finish overtime.

Are You Cleaning Quartz Countertops Wrong?

Is Dawn dish soap safe for quartz countertops?

Here are all the types of surfaces you can clean with Dawn® Powerwash: Stainless steel appliances, pots, handles, and fixtures. Light and dark granite countertops and backsplashes. Quartz countertops and backsplashes.

What stains the worst on quartz?

Food & drink spills: Red wine, coffee, tea, and tomato-based sauces are notorious culprits. Blot spills immediately to avoid stains setting in.

Can I use Windex on quartz?

Many people use Windex® or similar cleaners to help shine their countertops, while this is okay for most quartz, you should avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia. Windex®, for example, comes in an ammonia-free version. The real key to caring for quartz is to be gentle.

Can I put a toaster on my quartz countertop?

Quartz worktops are durable enough to withstand the heat generated by most kitchen appliances, cookware, and crockery. But, anything that comes off the stove or out of the oven should be used on a trivet or heat-resistant mat because anything over 150C (302F) can damage the worktop.

Do and don'ts with quartz countertops?

  • Do Use Soap and Water for Regular Cleaning.
  • Do Use Other Gentle Cleaners.
  • Do Clean Spills Promptly.
  • Do Use Soft Cloths and Sponges to Clean.
  • Don't Use Harsh Cleansers.
  • Don't Cut or Chop Directly on the Counter.
  • Don't Place Hot Dishes on the Countertop.

Is magic eraser safe on quartz?

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.

What is the best method cleaner for quartz?

Pearson recommends rubbing alcohol and water to create a safe cleanser and stain remover to get rid of any buildup without having to resort to abrasive cleaners. This method will provide that extra kick of cleanliness without risking damage to the quartz surfaces.

Can I use Clorox wipes on quartz?

Can Clorox Wipes Clean Your Quartz Countertop? The harsh truth is that Clorox wipes are not an effective way for cleaning quartz countertops. While using them gives the appearance of cleanliness, it actually causes unintentional damage to the countertop after prolonged use.

Can I put my microwave on my quartz countertop?

So, can you put a microwave on a quartz countertop? Absolutely. Quartz countertops are incredibly strong and can easily support the weight of a microwave, making them a practical and stylish choice for your kitchen.

Can I use Lysol on quartz?

Do NOT use Lysol, Clorox or any products containing bleach or vinegar on quartz countertops, as they can cause permanent damage.

Can you use a knife on quartz countertops?

So, can you cut food on quartz countertops? Sure you can, but that doesn't mean you should. While cutting food on quartz countertops may not cause a lot of damage, we don't recommend it. The stone is strong but so are your knives, so to keep both intact, we recommend using a cutting board.

Can you use paper towels on quartz?

Yes you use paper towels on quartz, paper towels are generally safe for quartz countertops, especially if they're high-quality and lint-free. However, using a microfiber cloth is often a better option for everyday cleaning as it provides a streak-free finish without risk of scratching.

Can I put a hot cup of coffee on quartz?

Yes, you can place a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop, but with caution. Here are some considerations to keep in mind: Short Duration and Moderately Hot: A freshly poured cup of coffee, which is typically around 160-185°F (71-85°C), is unlikely to damage the quartz surface if it is placed for a short duration.

What can chip a quartz countertop?

How Does Chipping Occur with a Quartz Countertop?
  • Dropping heavy objects on the countertop such as heavy pots, bowls, etc.
  • Carrying something heavy to the side of the countertop and knocking into the countertop.
  • Using knifes without a cutting board and instead cutting directly on the quartz surface.

Can you use Dawn to clean quartz?

For stubborn dried spills use a soft cloth and gentle common kitchen liquid cleaner such as, Dawn Ultra Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid. Green Works Dish Soap.

Can you put a coffee maker on a quartz countertop?

They don't scratch easily and don't need to be resealed. When it comes to heat, proceeded with reasonable caution. Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces. It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter.

Is it OK to clean quartz with vinegar?

While quartz countertops are resistant to stains, they can still be damaged by acidic solutions such as vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic solution with a pH level of around 2.5, which can etch and dull the surface of your quartz countertops.

What destroys quartz countertops?

Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. 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.

What is the best cleaner for quartz countertops?

While resistant to scratches, countertops from quartz can still be dulled or etched by harsh chemicals. Opt for mild dish soap mixed with warm water for routine cleaning. Avoid highly acidic cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or any other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface and leave it looking dull.

Why am I getting stains on my quartz countertop?

Prolonged Exposure to Substances: The non-porous nature of quartz counters generally prevents substances from penetrating the surface. Yet, if spillages like coffee, wine, tea, or oily substances are left unattended for an extended period, they can leave superficial stains.

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