How to clean and care for quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are popular in Fraser Valley kitchens for a simple reason: they are easy to live with. The surface is non-porous, so spills sit on top instead of soaking in, and it never needs sealing. But easy is not the same as indestructible. Here is how to clean quartz properly, what to avoid, and the few habits that keep it looking new.

Everyday cleaning

For daily cleaning, you need very little. Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge are enough for almost everything. Wipe the counter, then dry it with a clean towel so you don't leave water spots.

• Wipe up spills as they happen, especially coffee, wine, juice and oil
• Use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge
• Rinse with clean water if you used soap, then dry
• A plastic scraper lifts dried food or gum without scratching

That's it. Because quartz doesn't absorb liquids, you don't need special stone cleaners or sealers. Many people find that a simple routine is the best part of choosing quartz.

What to avoid

Quartz is made mostly of ground natural stone held together with resins. The stone part is very hard. The resin part is what you need to protect. A few things can dull or mark it:

• Harsh chemicals such as oven cleaner, paint stripper, bleach and drain cleaner
• Abrasive powders and scouring pads, which can dull the polish
• Strongly alkaline or acidic cleaners left to sit on the surface
• Permanent markers and nail polish remover on the counter itself

If something harsh does land on the counter, wipe it off right away and rinse with water. Quick action almost always prevents a mark.

Heat: the one rule worth remembering

The biggest risk to a quartz countertop is direct high heat. A pot straight off the stove, a hot baking sheet or a slow cooker running for hours can scorch or discolour the resin, and that kind of mark doesn't wipe away.

The fix is simple. Keep a trivet or a wooden board by the stove and use it every time. Put appliances that run hot, like slow cookers, air fryers and toaster ovens, on a board too.

Stubborn stains

Most marks on quartz are sitting on the surface, not inside it. For something that soap and water won't shift, try a non-abrasive household cleaner made for counters, or a paste of baking soda and water applied gently with a soft cloth. Rinse well and dry.

For dried-on paint, glue or food, let warm soapy water soften it first, then lift it with a plastic scraper. Avoid metal blades.

Cutting and chopping

Quartz resists scratches well, but it isn't a cutting board. Knives can leave fine marks on the surface, and the stone will dull your knives quickly too. Use a board for chopping. It protects the counter and your knives.

Quartz in the bathroom

Quartz vanity tops get the same simple care. Toothpaste, makeup and hard water spots wipe off with warm soapy water. Avoid leaving nail polish remover, hair dye or strong cleaners on the top for long. Hot styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners should rest on a heat mat, not on the quartz.

Seams and edges

On a long run, your countertop may have a seam. Clean it the same way as the rest of the counter, and avoid soaking it with water for long periods. The edge profile, especially around an undermount sink, can collect a little grime over time. A soft brush and soapy water keep it clean.

A simple weekly routine

Once a week, clear the counters and give the whole surface a proper wipe with warm soapy water, including the corners and along the backsplash. Pay attention to the area around the sink and faucet, where hard water can leave a film. Dry it with a soft towel and the polish will keep its shine.

When to call us

If you have a chip, a crack or a burn mark, don't try to sand or polish it yourself. That can make it worse. Take a photo and get in touch. Small repairs are often possible, and we'll tell you honestly what can be done.

Thinking about quartz?

If you're weighing up quartz against granite or laminate, our countertops page explains the differences in plain words. Cheam Sardis has been fitting countertops in Fraser Valley homes since 1995, from Langley and Abbotsford to Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope. Quotes are free, with no strings attached.