How to clean quartz countertops without damaging them

• Regular cleaning with lukewarm water and gentle soap will keep your counters looking good as new.
• Stains can be spot-treated with soapy water or even window cleaner.
• Protect your countertops long term by using hot pads and cutting boards.

Quartz countertops provide the sleek modern look that many people like in their kitchen. At first glance, quartz countertops look similar to granite or marble, but they're quite different. Quartz countertops are made from a mixture of crushed stone and resin, rather than a slab of naturally-occurring stone, so they often have a more uniform color and pattern throughout, giving your kitchen a streamlined look.

The manufacturing process gives quartz another perk: it's even more durable than granite because the surface is non-porous and resistant to staining. Despite their durability, quartz countertops still require a bit of TLC.

"Quartz is durable but not immune to damage," says Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids and A Mop.

Cleaning your quartz countertops regularly and addressing stains promptly can keep your counters looking pristine for years to come.

What you'll need

• Soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
• Mild dish soap
• Luke-warm water
• Bowl for mixing soap and water
• Putty knife (optional)

How to clean quartz countertops

To keep your quartz looking great, wipe it with soap water daily. This is best done daily after you've finished your cooking. Consistent cleaning and taking care of spills immediately will keep stains from getting stuck on to your countertops, says Cohoon.

1. Clear the countertop. Remove any papers, glasses, or dishware on the countertop. You don't need to move appliances like coffee pots and toasters every time, but you should wipe under them about once a week.
2. Remove any crumbs. Using a dry soft cloth, wipe away any lingering debris.
3. Mix your cleaning solution. Combine 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap with 1 cup of lukewarm water in the sink or in a bowl. Add your sponge or cloth to the water and ring it tightly before using.
4. Wipe counters. With a damp, soapy cloth or sponge, rub the counters. The cloth or sponge should be damp, but not wet enough to leave large amounts of water behind with each pass.
5. Soak stuck-on grime. Let the soapy water sit for five minutes to help soften any stuck-on bits.
6. Scrape away gunk. If needed, use a putty knife to gently scrape away any stuck, stubborn pieces of grime. Be careful not to push into the countertop, which could cause scratches.
7. Wipe counters again, if necessary. If there is still leftover debris, repeat steps four through six again.
8. Check for water. There shouldn't be water left on the counters after cleaning, but if there is, wipe it away with a dry cloth.

Removing stains

When you have stubborn stains it's natural to turn to powerful cleaning materials like bleach, vinegar, or abrasive scrubs. But these can cause damage to quartz countertops by breaking down the resin and scratching the surface of the countertop, says Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids. Here's what you can use instead:

• Bar Keepers Friend: Sprinkle a bit of the cleaning solution over the stain scrubbing lightly with a damp sponge. Rinse well with a damp cloth.
• Glass cleaner: Saturate the stain with a commercial glass cleaner, such as Windex. Let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth. Repeat as necessary.
• Rubbing alcohol: Mix one part rubbing alcohol with three parts dish soap. Gently scrub the stain, then rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth.

Long-term maintenance

Quartz countertops are tough, but like any household material, they require some effort to keep them looking great. To keep your countertops in good condition, follow these recommendations:

• Clean spills immediately. Quartz is fairly resilient but can stain if spills are left uncleaned. When a spill occurs, clean the stain as soon as possible with mild dish soap and a soft cloth.
• Never place pots and pans directly on the countertop. This can discolor the quartz. Use a thick oven mitt or trivet when placing hot dishes on the countertop.
• Always use cutting boards. To avoid scratches or chips from knives, always use a cutting board as a protective layer.
• Avoid acidic, abrasive, or harsh cleaners. These can discolor or scratch the surface of your countertops. Avoid bleach, acetone, oil-based soaps like Murphy's Oil, or abrasive cleaners like Soft Scrub.
• Keep countertops dry. Other than targeting stain cleaning, don't let liquid linger on the surface, since there's always a risk of it permeating the countertop and causing discoloration or misshaping.

Insider's takeaway

Quartz countertops are easy to care for, making them an excellent option for your kitchen or bathroom. Despite their durability, they need to be treated gently to keep them looking their best. For daily cleaning, use mild soap and warm water. Tougher stains can be removed using special cleaners or rubbing alcohol. To help maintain your countertop, protect the surface from heat, scratches, harsh materials, and wipe away debris or liquid regularly.