Best Cleaners for Quartz Countertops Reviewed

One of the main reasons people choose quartz over natural stone is for its durability and lower maintenance requirements compared to other options. However, while it is low maintenance, it is not maintenance-free. If a homeowner wants to ensure that their quartz countertops remain looking shiny and new for many years, there are a few things to keep in mind, including finding the best cleaners for quartz countertops. 

Homeowners must be careful about the cleaner they use on their quartz. There are several popular chemicals that can cause damage to the countertops or leave them looking hazy. If a quartz cleaner is too acidic or too basic, it can cause the polymers that hold the quartz together to break down. This can appear as a light stain, watermark, or dulled finish — but it is actually damage.  

Additionally, while it’s true that quartz is tough, it can be scratched, dulled, or scuffed if it is scrubbed too hard with an abrasive object. In this article, we’ll look at a few quartz cleaners and tools that will keep your counters looking amazing for years to come.  

Please note that Honed, Concrete and Rough finishes require more cleaning than Polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with these finishes, metal marks, fingerprints and other signs of daily living will show. Most of these marks can be removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel. Caesarstone offers several tips for quartz countertop care and maintenance.  

Protecting Your Quartz Countertops  

Choose a cleanser that is streak-free and pH-balanced. 

When it comes to what products to use to clean quartz countertops, there are many different opinions. However, if a homeowner is not careful about what they choose, they can cause damage to their beautiful quartz.  

One of the most popular tips is to clean counters with dish soap, but the truth is that most dish soaps contain organic compounds that can leave streaks or cause the quartz to become cloudy or hazy. This will not only be unattractive, but it can also be a frustrating problem to resolve.  

The best option is to find a quartz cleaner that is also safe for use on natural stone, as well as other fixtures and appliances that are near the countertop that the cleaner might touch.  

Take the time to do your research and ensure that the quartz cleaner you choose does not contain phosphates or ammonia. 

A cleaner like Soft Scrub Liquid Gel can be used regularly to remove food stains and help keep quartz countertops looking beautiful.  

Get a microfiber cloth and stone-safe sponge 

Many people choose paper towels for cleaning as they can be discarded when the cleaning is done. While this might seem convenient, it’s not the best option for preserving the beauty of the stone.  

Since it’s possible to scratch quartz by using the wrong tools, homeowners should consider getting a good microfiber cloth and a stone-safe sponge.  

The microfiber cloth is a soft fabric that is not going to dull the surface of the quartz and does an excellent job of not leaving behind streaks. Even water can leave streaks, which are especially obvious on countertops made from darker quartz. Countertops like Caesarstone’s 5100 Vanilla Noir may especially benefit from being cleaned with a microfiber cloth.  

It’s also handy to have a microfiber cloth within reach to wipe up fresh spills. This is a good habit to prevent acidic liquids from coming in contact with the quartz, as this can also cause damage. Things such as citrus, vinegar, and wine should be wiped up and the area should be cleaned immediately to avoid causing damage to the countertop.  

If a homeowner needs something a little more heavy duty than a microfiber cloth, especially for cleaning soap scum or stains, they may reach for a scouring pad. This is inadvisable as it can end up scratching the surface of the counters and cause significant damage. Instead, invest in a scrub sponge made for cleaning quartz and stone surfaces. 

As mentioned above, it’s important to avoid using steel wool, the edge of a knife, or a razor blade, as this can scratch up the surface of the quartz countertop. While a plastic putty knife or stone-safe nylon brush may seem like better options for removing tough stains, these also should be avoided to prevent damage.  

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Quartz Countertops 

Use trivets for hot pans 

Like other stone countertop materials, Caesarstone quartz risks being damaged when exposed to heat for more than a brief period of time. As a result, when using high-temperature cooking units or dealing with hot cookware, it is recommended homeowners use trivets to prevent damage and discoloration to Caesarstone surfaces. Trivets are inexpensive and can be purchased online or at many stores that sell cookware. 

Use a cutting board  

When in a hurry, it’s tempting to not take the time to pull out the cutting board and cut directly on the countertop. This can scratch the surface, leaving it dull and damaged. Though it may not be noticeable right away, the damage will build up over time and may reach a point beyond repair.  

Avoid standing on your countertops  

If possible, always use a stepladder or stool to reach things that are above your head instead of standing on the counter. While it’s true that quartz is a tough material, it’s also true that dirt and small debris can damage the countertop. Additionally, depending on the support under the counter, it may not support your weight which could result in a broken counter.  

Bottom Line  

Quartz countertops are a beautiful addition to any home. While this is a low maintenance option, it is not maintenance-free. With the best quartz cleaner and a little effort to prevent damage, they’ll maintain their beauty for many years to come.