AD It Yourself

How to Clean Quartz Countertops In Less Than 10 Minutes

We tapped experts for essential advice on keeping quartz like new—and important info on what not to do

By Audrey Lee, Sarah Madaus, Julia Mitchem, and Maria Sabella

October 7, 2025

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If you know how to clean quartz countertops, the humble material can quickly transition into the star of the kitchen. Picture smudge-free, dazzling surfaces topping your cabinets, the perfect backdrop for your designer appliances. As far as countertop materials go, quartz is trendy, and easy for designers and contractors to work with during remodels because of its uniform shape and design. Plus, it’s a fairly resilient, scratch-resistant natural stone. Commonly confused with quartzite, its naturally occurring counterpart, quartz is actually engineered stone. Out of all the kitchen countertop options, quartz is high up on our list as a low-maintenance favorite.

Richard Pearson, a professional cleaner near Liverpool, England, and presenter for Filthy House S.O.S., is a big fan of the material. “Quartz countertops are lovely,” he says. “I have one myself, but they must be looked after and cleaned correctly.” Below, your all-in-one guide to sparkling quartz countertops.

In this article

How to clean quartz countertops

What you’ll need

Mild dish soap
Warm water
Bucket or sink
Microfiber cloths

Our top picks for cleaning:

Best all-in-one cleaner: Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish ($20)
Best budget quartz cleaner: Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, 2-Pack ($17)
Best cleaning cloths: Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths ($13)
Best soft sponges: Greenth Pro Coconut Fiber and Wood Cellulose Dish Sponge, 10-Pack ($10)

Estimate time

5 to 10 minutes

Step 1: Fill a container with warm water and dish soap

Start by filling the sink or a bucket with warm water, then add a couple drops of dish soap. For a quick and effective clean, Morgan Eberhard, principal scientist at P&G, recommends using a liquid dish soap that’s formulated that lift food residue and cut through grime and grease without being abrasive.

Step 2: Wipe down the quartz surface

Next, wipe down the countertop surface. “Dip a soft microfiber cloth into the soapy water, wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping, and wipe down the entire countertop,” Eberhard says. She advises focusing on any spills and sticky spots as you wipe the surface.

Step 3: Rinse with water

To remove any soap residue, rinse the quartz surface with water. Grab a clean, dry microfiber cloth and dampen it with water, then wipe the countertop to remove remaining residue. “This is a crucial step to prevent a streaky finish,” Eberhard says.

Step 4: Dry the quartz counter

Dry the countertop immediately after rinsing it with water. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth and buff the countertop material to a shine. “This will prevent water spots and leave the surface looking pristine,” Eberhard explains.

How often should you clean quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are known to be durable and low-maintenance, but Eberhard says they benefit from a consistent cleaning routine to maintain their luster and prevent residue buildup. A combination of daily cleaning, a weekly deep clean, and immediate cleanup of spills is the best way to maintain quartz.

Daily cleanup: To prevent buildup, regular cleaning either daily or after every use is key. “A soft cloth with a pH-neutral cleaner is all it takes to preserve their sheen and keep the surface feeling as polished as it looks,” says Lindsay Droz, cofounder of L’AVANT Collective, a cleaning products brand. Although you can use paper towels or a non-abrasive sponge, microfiber cloths are the gentlest and most sustainable option.
Weekly deep clean: For weekly kitchen cleaning, use dish soap and follow the four-step method outlined above. This ensures food particles, stubborn stains, grease, and residue are removed from your quartz kitchen.
Immediate cleanup after spills: Although quartz is highly stain-resistant, Eberhard says prompt action is the best way to prevent long-term issues. Wipe spills as soon as they happen and avoid letting moisture linger. “If anything acidic or abrasive—like vinegar, citrus juice, wine, coffee, or similar—comes into contact with the surface, clean it up right away to prevent staining and keep your countertops looking flawless,” Dros says.

What not to do when cleaning quartz countertops

The biggest quartz countertop cleaning mistake is using the wrong cleaning products. Stay away from abrasive cleaners that contain harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia, as well as cleaning tools like scouring pads and steel wool. “These can dull the finish and damage the protective resin that gives quartz its shine,” says Kristi Lord, the other cofounder of L’AVANT Collective. While quartz is considered scratch-resistant, the engineered stone is not scratch-proof.

Dish soap is safe to use on the stone countertop and backsplash, but Eberhard says a little goes a long way. “Using too much soap can leave a filmy residue that dulls the shine and attracts dirt,” she explains. The expert also cautions against using extremely hot or cold water to clean the nonporous material. “Sudden temperature changes can cause ‘thermal shock,’ which may lead to cracking or discoloration,” Eberhard warns. “Gentle care is what keeps quartz looking flawless for years,” Lord concludes.

Are quartz countertops difficult to maintain?

No, quartz countertops are not difficult to maintain. Stephanie Booth, a full-time realtor and associate broker in Canton, Georgia, notes that quartz countertops are actually quite low-maintenance. “It’s an engineered material, not 100% natural stone like quartzite, marble, and granite,” she says. “It’s engineered to resist scratching and staining.”

As long as you keep up with regular cleaning and follow the recommended maintenance tips we’ve rounded up here, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Is it expensive to maintain quartz countertops?

According to Booth, not in the slightest. “Quartz is nonporous,” she says. “So there is no need to routinely seal the surface.” In comparison, countertops such as quartzite, granite, and marble do need to be routinely sealed to maintain their appearance. That being said, you may face some hefty costs if you don’t follow the general recommendations for preventing long-term damage to your countertops, like avoiding extreme heat or scratching them with knives or other sharp objects.

Can you use Clorox wipes on quartz countertops?

The short answer? Probably not. The long answer? Many Clorox wipes are actually bleach-free. You can use them occasionally for deep cleaning, but they shouldn’t be the first thing you grab. You shouldn’t be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.

Can I use Windex on quartz countertops?

Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some professionals say it’s okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.

In general you should be very careful when using this cleaner. Some Windex formulas rely on the cleaning agent ammonia, which can create very harmful mixtures when combined with bleach—like sodium hypochlorite. This combo can create chloramine vapor, a noxious fume that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and airway. In some cases, large quantities can even be fatal.

What should you not clean quartz countertops with?

In addition to avoiding Clorox and Windex, you shouldn’t use anything with abrasive or harsh chemicals to clean your stone countertops. That means skipping bleach, degreaser, oven cleaner, scouring pads, or other alkaline cleaning solutions or disinfecting formulas with high pH levels. These highly acidic cleaners will damage the countertop and ruin its integrity. If you‘re using them on other items, make sure the spray doesn’t land on the stone surface.

To prevent stubborn gunk from building up, it’s best to stick to mild detergents, soapy water and gentle cleaning products. Keep up with a daily maintenance routine rather than trying to address the dirt with a deep cleaning method or harsh cleaners later on. If you happen to have accidents involving nail polish or permanent marker stains, try DIY methods, like using watered-down lemon juice or a dose of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.

It’s also important to keep quartz surfaces safe from hot pans because they are sensitive to extreme heat. You can use trivets and hot pads to protect granite countertops (which have quartz) from off-the-stove dishes. For food prep that uses sharp objects, especially knives for chopping, cutting boards protect the surface from scratches and divots. And it’s always best to keep coasters around for hot mugs.

How to remove stubborn stains from quartz countertops

To prevent stubborn gunk from building up on quartz countertops, it’s best to stick to mild detergents, soapy water, and gentle cleaning products. Keep up with a daily maintenance routine rather than trying to go back in with a deep cleaning method or harsh cleaners later on. As a general rule of thumb for any stains you come across, Booth recommends first trying mild cleaning solutions before reaching for the stronger, harsher options; it’s better to start slow than risk causing irreversible damage. “I suggest starting with mild dish soap and a microfiber cloth,” she says. “Rub the stain in circular motion and then rinse with clean water.”

But when it comes to tough stains that aren’t going away with a little mild dish soap and warm water, try using a surface cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge. Pearson recommends rubbing alcohol and water to create a safe cleanser and stain remover to get rid of any buildup without having to resort to abrasive cleaners. This method will give stains the boot without risking damage to the quartz surfaces.

Likewise, if you happen to have accidents like nail polish or permanent marker stains on your quartz countertops, try DIY methods like using watered-down lemon juice or a dose of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. In general, avoid harsh ingredients—even within DIY methods like the commonly used vinegar-and-citrus-peel solution. Acidic cleaners and products with ammonia or other abrasive ingredients can cause more harm than good.

Beware: Your strongest cleaning options should be last resorts only

Booth says Soft Scrub gel cleanser with bleach, Cif Cream Cleanser, or Bar Keepers Friend foam spray cleaner work well to remove stains, if you need a stronger option. The most abrasive options—which should be your last resort—are poultice powders or the Magic Eraser. Before reaching for either of these, keep in mind that these products have the potential to remove the sheen and damage the countertop finish.

“I’ve seen this happen in person,” she says. “There was a large black mark across the white kitchen quartz countertop in my clients’ $1 million new-construction home. The builder took out a Magic Eraser and proceeded to try and buff the mark out. He did remove the mark [but] left behind an even larger dull streak across the countertop, creating further damage. The countertop had to be replaced.”