How To Clean Quartz Countertops

Daily Cleaning Routine

The daily cleaning routine for quartz countertops is refreshingly simple. You do not need specialist products, expensive stone cleaners or any particular technique. Here is the method our team at Precious Marble recommends to every Bedford customer.

Step 1: Prepare your cloth. Use a soft microfibre cloth dampened with warm water. Add a small drop of standard washing-up liquid. You do not need much. A single drop is enough for the entire worktop surface.

Step 2: Wipe the surface. Work across the worktop wiping away any crumbs, spills and residue. Pay extra attention to areas around the sink and hob where food splatters accumulate.

Step 3: Rinse. Rinse the cloth in clean warm water (no soap) and wipe the surface again. This removes any soapy residue that could leave a film on the quartz.

Step 4: Dry. Use a dry clean cloth to buff the surface. This step is optional but it prevents water spots from forming as the surface dries. It is particularly worthwhile on dark quartz colours where water spots are more visible.

That is the entire daily routine. It takes about two minutes and keeps your quartz looking showroom-fresh indefinitely.

Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Marks

Occasionally you may encounter a mark that warm soapy water alone will not shift. This is normal and does not mean the quartz is stained. Because quartz is non-porous the mark is sitting on the surface rather than absorbed into the material. It just needs a slightly stronger approach.

Method 1: Bicarbonate of soda paste. Mix two parts bicarbonate of soda with one part water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the mark. Cover loosely with cling film to keep the paste moist. Leave for 10–15 minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and rinse. This method works well for turmeric, beetroot, dried coffee and most food-based marks.

Method 2: Non-abrasive cream cleaner. Apply a small amount of Cif Original (not the bleach version) to a soft damp cloth. Rub the mark gently in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. This method works for water marks, light scuffs and general dullness in high-use areas.

Method 3: Plastic scraper. For dried-on food (melted cheese, hardened sauce, candle wax) use a plastic scraper or the edge of a credit card to gently lift the residue before cleaning with soapy water. Do not use a metal scraper or knife blade.

Method 4: Isopropyl alcohol. For permanent marker, ink or adhesive residue (from labels or tape) apply rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth and wipe the affected area. Rinse thoroughly with water afterwards. This is the only situation where a solvent-based cleaner is appropriate for quartz.

Stain-by-Stain Cleaning Guide

Safe Cleaning Products for Quartz

You do not need expensive specialist products. Everything you need to keep quartz countertops spotless is already in your kitchen or available for a few pounds at any supermarket.

Washing-up liquid. Your everyday go-to. Any standard brand works. Use sparingly with warm water.

Bicarbonate of soda. A gentle natural abrasive that is safe for quartz. Perfect for paste-based stain removal.

White vinegar (diluted). Equal parts water and white vinegar is effective for limescale and water spots. Do not use undiluted vinegar regularly as prolonged acid exposure can affect the resin over time.

Cif Original (cream cleaner). The non-bleach version is a useful occasional cleaner for deeper marks and general freshening up. Use sparingly with a soft cloth.

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). For ink, marker and adhesive removal only. Rinse thoroughly after use.

Microfibre cloths. Soft, non-abrasive and highly effective at picking up residue. These are the best cloth choice for quartz. Avoid rough sponges and scouring pads.

Products to Never Use on Quartz

Using the wrong cleaning product on quartz can cause more damage than the stain you were trying to remove. Here are the products that should never touch your quartz countertop.

Cleaning Tips by Finish Type

The surface finish of your quartz affects which marks are most visible and how to keep it looking its best.

Polished (gloss) finish. Shows water spots and fingerprints most readily especially on dark colours. The drying step in your daily routine is particularly important. A quick buff with a dry microfibre cloth removes all marks. Polished surfaces look their best with regular drying.

Matte (honed) finish. Hides fingerprints and water spots much better than polished quartz. However matte surfaces can show oily marks more visibly. A degreasing washing-up liquid is slightly more effective than standard formulas on matte quartz.

Leathered (textured) finish. The textured surface can trap crumbs and residue in the slight dimples of the texture. A slightly firmer wipe with a damp microfibre cloth picks up everything. Avoid using too much liquid cleaner as it can pool in the texture and leave residue.

The ease of cleaning is one of the top reasons Bedford homeowners choose quartz. No sealing. No special products. No professional maintenance visits. Just warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Browse the full range on our quartz worktops Bedford page.

Quartz makes kitchen cleaning a breeze. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to see colours and finishes and request a free no-obligation quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This article is part of our growing Quartz FAQs hub where we answer the most common questions Bedford homeowners ask about quartz worktops. If you cannot find the answer you need feel free to call us on 01234 348590 or email info@preciousmarble.co.uk.