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Cleaning Quartz Countertops Is a Breeze—Here's How to Do It, According to the Pros

quartz countertops with black base

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Tramp

Move over, marble: We're all about quartz countertops these days. A manmade material that is generally made from quartz chips or dust as well as resin, it strikes the perfect balance between form and function.

Quartz countertops are non-porous, which means they're durable enough to keep stains and bacteria buildup at bay. And, since quartz countertops are available in plenty of colors and veining styles, you're bound to find an option that suits your bathroom or kitchen. However, just because quartz countertops are stain-resistant doesn't mean you can forgo a regular cleaning session. Just like everything else in your home, they deserve some TLC.

Want to know how to clean quartz countertops? We tapped two cleaning services to share their expert tips.

Meet the Expert

How to Clean Quartz Countertops with Cleaning Spray

If you want to tend to your quartz countertops during your weekly cleaning session, few sprays of a multipurpose solution can work wonders. However, you want to make sure that you're extra diligent about what's in your formula.

"It’s best to stay away from aggressive cleaners that are highly acidic or alkaline," Madeleine Ross, a cleaning expert at Pro Cleaning London, explains. "This may lead to irreversible damage to the quartz."

When cleaning your quartz countertops, Ross recommends staying away from drain cleaners, dishwasher rinsing products, or formulas that contain trichloroethane or methylene chloride. So, what can you use? To err on the side of caution, consider busting out your non-toxic cleaning supplies.

How to Clean Grease from Quartz Countertops

quartz countertops

DBurns Interiors

Grease stains are inevitable, especially since many people are spending a lot more time in the kitchen these days. Fortunately, getting rid of grease is a lot easier than you'd think.

"If you want to remove greasy stains or oil from a quartz countertop, simply apply degreasing cleaner and rinse off using a wet microfiber cloth when ready," Ross shares.

Though you can always use a cleaning spray for extra oomph, it's important to do your research—and rinse it off thoroughly.

"When you set out to buy such a degreasing agent, make sure that it is specially designed for cleaning quartz and doesn’t contain any bleach," Dean Davies, a cleaning specialist at Fantastic Cleaners, adds.

Once you’ve bought the right detergent, Davies says you should spray it over the countertop and let it sit for a few minutes. When the time is up, use a wet microfiber cloth to rinse it off.

How to Clean Food Particles from Quartz Countertops

kitchen counter

Getty Images/Cavan Images

Whether you were overseeing multiple pots and pans at once or simply missed a spot, you might encounter some dried sauce blobs or sticky food particles that require some extra elbow grease. According to Davies, "dried gunk" can easily be removed with putty knives.

"They're lightweight and will in no way damage your top," he explains.

Scrape off pesky particles with a putty knife and remove any remnants of the mess with warm water and a microfiber cloth. But if your stubborn spills won't budge, Davies recommends breaking out the caramel. Yes, you read that correctly.

Since caramel has sticky qualities, it helps in pulling off gooey, hard-to-remove stains, Davies explains. He suggests applying it over the stain, letting it sit for around 20 minutes, and using a wet cloth to wipe it off along with the stain.

Once you finish cleaning your quartz countertops, go ahead and whip up a delicious dessert. Turns out, your sweet tooth is finally paying dividends.

How to Maintain Quartz Countertops

bathroom quartz countertop

Ursula Carmona of Home Made by Carmona

Unless you created a Top Chef-style mess in the kitchen—or accidentally spilled your favorite serum all over your bathroom— you probably won't have to deep-clean your quartz countertops on the regular. Instead, it's all about keeping your quartz in tip-top condition.

Fortunately, a little soap and water is a low-maintenance way to do so. In fact, Davies recommends you use this unstoppable duo whenever you use the counter.

"Take a clean bucket and fill it with warm water and a dash of dish soap," he says. "Mix the two well together. Then take your microfiber cloth, dip it in the mixture and use it to gently yet firmly wipe the surface of your quartz countertop."

Quartz countertops might be known and loved for their durability, but they're not indestructible. To keep your countertops scratch free, always use a cutting board when slicing your produce. "Avoid placing hot pots and pans on quartz countertops," Ross adds. "Always use protective mats or trivets."

If you maintain your quartz counters, you can spend less time cleaning them and more time admiring your gorgeous setup.