How To Clean Quartz Countertops: Pro & Simple Steps

Cleaning quartz countertops does not require special tools. Follow these steps for routine care:

1. Clear the surface. Remove items from the counter and wipe loose crumbs and debris into the trash with a soft cloth.

2. Mix a mild cleaning solution. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to warm water. A spray bottle works well for daily use.

3. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth and gently scrub the surface in a circular motion. Apply light pressure only.

4. Rinse with clean water. Wipe the countertop again with a clean cloth and plain water to remove soap residue.

5. Dry with a dry microfiber cloth. This step prevents water spots and keeps the surface streak-free.

This cleaning process takes about 10 minutes and is enough for daily maintenance on most kitchen countertops. For a deeper clean, repeat the process once a month, paying closer attention to areas around the sink and stove.

If you’re weighing quartz against other materials before your next remodel, see our guide on how to care for quartz countertops for a broader maintenance routine beyond daily cleaning.

Basic cleaning supplies are all you need:

• Mild dish soap or a pH-neutral stone cleaner

• Warm water

• Microfiber cloth or soft cloth

• Non-abrasive sponge

• Spray bottle (optional, for daily touch-ups)

• Baking soda (for stain removal)

• Paper towel (for blotting spills)

Quartz resists staining better than most countertop materials, but spills that sit too long can still leave a mark. Here’s how to remove stains from quartz depending on the type.

Water Stains and Hard Water Stains

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a damp cloth and rinse with clean water.

Dry with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent new water spots from forming. Water spots show up faster on darker surfaces; if you’re still choosing a color, our black quartz countertops guide covers which finishes hide them best.

Oil-Based Stains

Oil-based stains from cooking grease respond well to mild dish soap and warm water applied with a non-abrasive sponge. For a stubborn stain, let the soapy water sit on the area for a few minutes before you gently scrub.

Red Wine, Coffee, and Tough Stains

For tough stains, apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide directly to the stained area. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Rinse and dry as usual. Test any stain-removal method on a small, hidden section first. If a stain won’t lift after repeated attempts, it may have gone past the surface; at that point, our countertop replacement options guide is worth a look.

Streaks and Dull Spots

A standard glass cleaner can restore the glossy finish and remove streaks left behind from cleaning. Spray it on, wipe with a clean cloth, and buff dry. This matters most on polished, marble-look finishes, like the ones in our marble-looking quartz countertops guide, where streaks are more noticeable.

Quartz is highly durable, but a few habits will damage quartz over time:

• Abrasive cleaners and abrasive tools. Steel wool, scouring powders, and magic erasers scratch the surface and dull the finish.

• Harsh chemicals. Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and paint strippers can break down the resin binder and cause permanent damage.

• Acidic substances. Lemon juice, citrus juice, and undiluted vinegar left on the surface too long can etch and dull quartz.

• Concentrated bleach or denatured alcohol left standing. Small, diluted amounts used briefly and rinsed off are generally fine; leaving them on the surface for hours is not.

• Hot pans placed directly on the surface. Quartz is heat-resistant, but direct contact with hot pans can still cause heat damage. Use hot pads or trivets.

• Heavy objects and cutting directly on the surface. Quartz is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Always use a cutting board to prevent scratches.

Proper maintenance is mostly about consistency, not extra products:

• Wipe spills immediately, especially wine, coffee, and oil.

• Clean spills promptly rather than letting them sit overnight.

• Use a cutting board and hot pads as standard practice, not just for accidents.

• Stick to a regular maintenance schedule: daily wipe-downs, monthly deep cleaning.

• Avoid installing quartz outdoors or in direct sun, since UV exposure can fade the color over time.

These preventive measures are the same whether your counters are in the kitchen or a quartz bathroom countertop setup, where water spots and toiletries add their own cleaning demands.

Quartz, granite, and quartzite look similar but clean differently:

• Quartz is engineered from crushed quartz and a resin binder, which makes it non-porous. It never needs sealing. See our full quartz vs. granite countertops comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.

• Granite is a natural, porous stone that needs periodic sealing to resist stains. Our guide on how to care for granite countertops covers its cleaning routine in detail.

• Quartzite is a natural stone often confused with quartz because of the name, but it behaves more like granite and requires sealing.

If you’re planning a full countertop swap rather than just a cleaning routine, our how to install countertops guide is a good next step.

For granite specifically, see how to install granite countertops.

Quartz countertops are incredibly resilient, but they still need consistent, correct care. If you follow the steps above, mild soap and water for daily cleaning, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide for stains, and cutting boards and hot pads for prevention, you now know how to clean quartz countertops without risking damage to the surface.

Can you use vinegar to clean quartz countertops?

Occasional light use of diluted vinegar is generally tolerated, but it’s acidic, and frequent use can dull the surface over time. Mild dish soap and warm water are the safer daily choice.

Does Windex damage quartz countertops?

A standard glass cleaner used occasionally to remove streaks is fine on quartz. It shouldn’t replace mild soap and water as your main cleaning method.

How often should you clean quartz countertops?

Wipe quartz countertops daily with mild soap and water, clean spills immediately, and do a deeper clean once a month.

Can you disinfect quartz countertops with rubbing alcohol?

Yes. Denatured or isopropyl alcohol applied with a soft cloth disinfects quartz without leaving residue. Quartz is non-porous, so it resists bacteria on its own, but disinfecting is a reasonable precaution after handling raw food.

Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?

No. The resin binder in quartz makes it non-porous, so sealing isn’t necessary, unlike granite or quartzite.