How To Clean Quartz Worktops: Daily Care And Stain Removal

One of the main reasons homeowners choose quartz is how little maintenance it needs. There is no sealing to schedule and no special polish to buy. That said, the right cleaning routine makes a real difference to how a worktop looks after years of daily use. This guide on how to clean quartz worktops is based on the AKG Surfaces Care & Maintenance guidance and covers everyday cleaning, dealing with stubborn marks and the products worth keeping away from your worktop.

How To Clean Quartz Worktops Every Day

For daily cleaning you only need three things: a soft cloth, warm water and a mild liquid or spray detergent.

1. Wipe away crumbs and food residue with a damp cotton cloth.
2. Apply a small amount of liquid or gel detergent with a neutral or near neutral pH and wipe the surface.
3. Rinse with clean water to remove any detergent residue, then dry with a soft cloth for a streak free finish.

The rinsing step is easy to skip, but it matters. Detergent left to dry on the surface can leave a dull film over time, particularly on polished and darker colours.

Why Quick Wiping Makes The Biggest Difference

Quartz has very low water absorption, which is why most spills sit on the surface rather than soaking in. Even so, it is always easier to wipe up a fresh spill than to remove a dried one. Getting into the habit of wiping up coffee, wine, oil and sauces as they happen will keep a quartz worktop looking new with almost no effort.

Removing Stubborn Marks From Quartz Worktops

Dried On Food And Spills

For marks that have dried, use a non abrasive kitchen spray and a soft scour sponge, such as the blue non scratch type, then rinse well with water.

Paint, Nail Varnish, Chewing Gum And Hardened Grease

Gently lift the residue with a plastic spatula or scraper rather than a metal blade. Once the bulk has been removed, clean the area with a mild detergent and rinse with water.

Limescale Around Taps And Sinks

Hard water is common across much of the UK, so limescale can build up around taps and draining areas. A lime removing gel applied directly to the mark can help. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards and never leave the product sitting on the worktop.

Grease Residue

A degreasing kitchen spray applied to the affected area, followed by a thorough rinse, will deal with most grease build up near the hob.

Products To Avoid When Cleaning Quartz Worktops

Most damage to quartz worktops comes from the wrong cleaning product rather than from everyday use. The AKG Surfaces guidance recommends avoiding the following:

• Scouring powders and cream cleansers containing abrasive granules, which can dull the surface over time.
• Bleach based cleaners, which may harm some surfaces with long term use, especially special effect materials.
• Strong alkaline products containing active hydroxides, such as drain unblockers.
• Chlorinated solvents found in paint thinners and paint strippers.

If one of these products comes into contact with the worktop by accident, wipe the area immediately and rinse with plenty of clean water. Repeat if necessary.

Protecting Your Worktop From Heat And Scratches

Quartz can tolerate brief exposure to moderately high temperatures, but every surfacing material, including stone, can be damaged by extreme or sudden temperature changes. Always place hot pans, trays, slow cookers and other heat generating appliances on a trivet or heat pad rather than directly on the worktop.

Quartz is a very hard material that resists everyday scratches well, yet strong force or sharp blades can still leave a mark. Use a chopping board for food preparation and avoid dragging heavy cast iron pans or appliances across the surface.

A Simple Weekly Routine For Quartz Worktops

• Every day: wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent, then rinse.
• Once a week: give the whole worktop, including upstands and edges, a thorough clean and dry buff.
• As needed: treat limescale around the tap and remove any dried marks with a soft scour sponge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use antibacterial spray on quartz worktops?

A mild, non abrasive kitchen spray is generally suitable. Check that it does not contain bleach, then rinse the surface with water afterwards.

Do quartz worktops need sealing?

No. Quartz does not need the periodic sealing that many natural stones require.

How do I get a streak free shine?

Rinse away any detergent with clean water and dry the surface with a soft microfibre or cotton cloth.

Will the wrong cleaner affect my warranty?

Following the manufacturer care guidance helps protect both the surface and your warranty. You can download the full AKG Surfaces Care & Maintenance guide from our support pages.

Enjoy A Worktop That Stays Beautiful

With a simple daily wipe and the right products, a quartz worktop will look as good years from now as it does on installation day. Now that you know how to clean quartz worktops, download the AKG Surfaces Care & Maintenance guide and register your warranty from our support section. Still choosing a surface? Our guides to white quartz worktops, grey quartz worktops and quartz kitchen worktops are a good place to start.