How to Disinfect Quartz Countertops Safely

Quartz countertops are an excellent option for your home, especially in the kitchen and bath areas. They can be found in a variety of colors and patterns to match any design style. 

Additionally, they are an engineered stone, made up of a combination of natural quartz and durable resin. As a result, they are resistant to stain, bacteria, mold, and other microbial agents.

One of the most common questions asked about quartz countertops is how to keep them clean. The truth is, they are relatively low maintenance and easy to care for.

All of Caesarstone’s quartz countertop materials, such as the 5151 Empira White, require no sealants and minimal maintenance to remain safe and clean. In this article, we’ll explore how to disinfect your quartz countertops safely.

Cleaning Routine for Quartz Countertops  

Following, you will find some tips on cleaning your quartz countertops with ease. Caesarstone’s care and maintenance guide offers additional information on how to keep your countertops beautiful for years to come. 

Wipe with a soft rag and mild dish soap  

To start take a soft cloth/sponge and dip it in a warm soap and water mixture. Then firmly, but gently wipe down the countertops. This can be done as often as needed. Most people do it at least once a day, especially when cooking.  

Clean grease with a degreaser  

If you spill grease on your quartz countertops, use a safe, non-abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub Liquid Gel. Be sure to spray it on a cloth or paper towel for proper use – not directly on the countertop. Additionally, if you choose to use disinfectant wipes, make sure they are safe for granite/quartz. After using the degreaser/cleanser, rinse with a clean, damp sponge or cloth immediately.  

Remove Tough Stains from Quartz Countertops  

In some cases, a standard cleaning routine isn’t enough. Stubborn stains may appear on your quartz countertops. Read on for tips on removing those tough stains.  

Beware that while certain cleaning products may specify on the label that they are safe for quartz countertops, this is not necessarily the case. Using just any product on your Caesarstone quartz and causing damage as a result can void the warranty.  

When dealing with dried spills, rather that scraping the area or using any abrasive tools, it is recommended homeowners saturate the mark with water and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it up with a damp cloth. 

While a cleaner like Soft Scrub will work on a number of other tough stains, addressing any rust marks on your quartz countertops may require some extra attention and care. For these types of stains, Caesarstone recommends using Bar Keepers Friend Powder as a spot treatment only. This powder should be placed on a damp cloth in small amounts and gently used to remove the stain by rubbing in light, circular motions.  

How to Prevent Damage to Your Quartz Countertops  

We mentioned that quartz is pretty easy to maintain- and it is. There are just a few things to keep in mind to prevent damage to your naturally beautiful quartz countertops.  

Immediately clean spills  

While it’s true that quartz is a stain-resistant material, you should never let a stain sit for a long period. As soon as a spill happens, it should be cleaned as soon as possible. Simply use warm water and mild soap to wipe up the stain. Special care should be given to spills of tea, coffee, or wine, as these stains could become permanent.  

Protect countertops from high temperatures  

If your quartz countertops are exposed to high temperatures for any length of time, it can cause damage. In order to keep your countertop protected, use a mat or trivet for your electric skillet, hot pans, or crockpot. 

Protect countertops from acidic liquids  

If you plan to be drinking acidic drinks such as orange juice or fresh-squeezed lemonade, make sure to use a coaster. Acidic, citrus drinks are not kind to quartz countertops.  

Always use a cutting board  

While some people feel that cutting food directly on their quartz countertops is perfectly fine because it’s such a durable surface, experts caution against it, and so do we! When you’re cutting, use a cutting board to avoid scratching your countertop. After all, they are scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Using a cutting board is also a great way to protect your knives from dulling so quickly.  

Avoid harsh cleaners  

Major damage can be caused to quartz countertops if a highly acidic or alkaline cleaner is used. If you end up spilling a highly alkaline or acidic liquid onto your countertops, grab a wet cloth dipped in water and mild cleanser and quickly clean up the spill. Additionally, make sure to keep things like methylene chloride, drain cleaners, oven cleaner, nail polish, bleach, turpentine, and other harsh chemicals away from the countertops. 

Bottom Line  

Quartz countertops are trendy because of their durability and ease of maintenance. They are easy to take care of and don’t require any resealing or waxing of the surface. If you take a little time to take care of your Caesarstone quartz countertops, they will continue to look like new for many years to come!