Quartz FAQs How To Clean Quartz Countertops Quartz is one of the easiest worktop surfaces to clean. Here is the complete guide to daily care, deep cleaning and the products you should never use. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » How To Clean Quartz Countertops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop […]
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Quartz FAQs How Thick Are Quartz Worktops Quartz worktops come in 20mm and 30mm as standard. Here is how to choose the right thickness for your kitchen and budget. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » How Thick Are Quartz Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 08:20:272026-04-17 06:44:39How Thick Are Quartz Worktops
Quartz FAQs How To Clean Quartz Countertops Quartz is one of the easiest worktop surfaces to clean. Here is the complete guide to daily care, deep cleaning and the products you should never use. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » How To Clean Quartz Countertops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 08:26:432026-04-17 06:44:21How To Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz FAQs How Thick Are Quartz Worktops Quartz worktops come in 20mm and 30mm as standard. Here is how to choose the right thickness for your kitchen and budget. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » How Thick Are Quartz Worktops PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 08:20:272026-04-17 06:44:39How Thick Are Quartz Worktops
Clean quartz countertops with warm water and washing-up liquid on a soft microfibre cloth. That is all you need for daily care. For stubborn marks use a bicarbonate of soda paste left for 10–15 minutes. Never use bleach, oven cleaner or scouring pads. Quartz requires no specialist cleaning products and no sealing. It is genuinely one of the lowest-maintenance worktop surfaces available.
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
Mark Type
Best Cleaning Method
Difficulty
Coffee/Tea rings
Warm soapy water
Easy
Red wine
Warm soapy water (if fresh) or bicarb paste
Easy
Turmeric/Curry
Bicarbonate of soda paste (15 mins)
Moderate
Beetroot juice
Bicarbonate of soda paste (15 mins)
Moderate
Dried food/Cheese
Plastic scraper then soapy water
Easy
Water spots/Limescale
Equal parts water and white vinegar
Easy
Permanent marker/Ink
Isopropyl alcohol on soft cloth
Moderate
Adhesive/Label residue
Isopropyl alcohol or WD-40 then soapy water
Easy
Grease/Cooking oil
Washing-up liquid (degreasing formula)
Easy
Metal scuff marks
Non-abrasive cream cleaner (Cif Original)
Easy
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.
Never Use These Products on Quartz
Bleach and bleach-based cleaners (Domestos, Cillit Bang Power, bleach sprays). Bleach degrades the polymer resin causing permanent yellowing and haziness.
Oven cleaner. Extremely alkaline and will strip the resin finish permanently.
Drain unblocker. Sodium hydroxide-based products are devastating to quartz resin.
Scouring pads and steel wool. These scratch the polished surface creating permanent dull patches.
Nail varnish remover (acetone). Can discolour and damage the resin surface.
Stone sealant. Quartz does not need sealing and applying sealant causes yellowing and haziness.
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.
Precious Marble Cleaning Tip
Keep a dedicated microfibre cloth near your sink specifically for worktop cleaning. Having it always within reach means you will wipe up spills immediately which is the single best habit for keeping quartz pristine. If a mark ever stumps you call us on 01234 348590. We are always happy to talk you through the right approach at no charge.
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.
Want a Worktop That Practically Cleans Itself?
Explore our full range of low-maintenance quartz worktops with free templating and professional installation.
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
What is the best way to clean quartz countertops daily?
The best daily cleaning method is warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid on a soft microfibre cloth. Wipe the surface, rinse the cloth and wipe again with clean water to remove any soap residue, then dry with a clean cloth.
Can you use bleach to clean quartz countertops?
No. Bleach and bleach-based cleaners should never be used on quartz countertops. Bleach is highly alkaline and can degrade the polymer resin binders causing permanent discolouration and a dull hazy appearance. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners.
How do you remove stubborn stains from quartz countertops?
Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water (two parts bicarb to one part water). Apply to the stain, cover loosely with cling film and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. For ink or marker stains use isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth.
Do you need special cleaning products for quartz countertops?
No. Quartz countertops do not require any specialist cleaning products. Warm water and standard washing-up liquid is the ideal daily cleaner. For deeper cleaning a non-abrasive cream cleaner works well. Specialist quartz cleaners exist but offer no advantage over household products.
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.
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 08:26:432026-04-17 06:44:21How To Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz worktops come in 20mm and 30mm as standard for kitchen use (plus 12mm for splashbacks). The 20mm thickness is the most popular choice in the UK and is perfectly strong enough for any kitchen. The 30mm option provides a chunkier look and costs 40–50% more. Both thicknesses have identical performance for hardness, stain resistance and durability. The choice is purely visual.
Available Thicknesses in the UK
Quartz manufacturers produce slabs in three standard thicknesses. The availability of each option varies slightly between brands but the three main thicknesses are consistent across the UK market.
12mm (ultra-thin). Primarily designed for vertical applications such as splashbacks, wall cladding, bathroom vanity panels and shower enclosures. Some manufacturers also offer 12mm for worktops in lightweight or commercial applications. It is not commonly specified for residential kitchen worktops due to its thinner profile though it is structurally sound when properly supported.
20mm. The standard and most popular thickness for kitchen worktops in the UK. It provides a sleek modern profile that works with contemporary, transitional and minimalist kitchen designs. At approximately 50 kg per square metre it is lighter and more cost-effective than 30mm while being more than strong enough for any normal kitchen use.
30mm. The premium thickness option that delivers a more substantial, chunky appearance. Popular with traditional, farmhouse and luxury kitchen designs where a thicker worktop edge makes a visual statement. At approximately 75 kg per square metre it is significantly heavier and costs 40–50% more than 20mm.
20mm vs 30mm Comparison Table
Feature
20mm
30mm
Weight per m²
~50 kg
~75 kg
Price (relative)
Standard (baseline)
40–50% more
Hardness (Mohs)
7
7 (identical)
Stain Resistance
Excellent
Excellent (identical)
Heat Resistance
~150°C
~150°C (identical)
Appearance
Sleek, modern profile
Chunky, substantial feel
Best Suited To
Contemporary, handleless, Scandi
Traditional, farmhouse, luxury
UK Popularity
Most popular (~70%)
~30% of orders
Colour Range
Full range available
Some colours limited
How to Choose the Right Thickness
Since both thicknesses perform identically the decision comes down to three factors: the visual look you prefer, your budget and which colours are available in your chosen thickness.
Choose 20mm if you prefer a contemporary slim profile, you want to keep costs down, you are fitting quartz to standard depth cabinets in a modern kitchen or you want the widest possible colour selection.
Choose 30mm if you want a chunky traditional look, your kitchen design calls for a substantial worktop edge (Shaker, farmhouse or period-style kitchens), you are creating a large island where a thicker edge adds visual impact or budget is not a primary concern.
Choose a built-up edge if you want the appearance of a thick worktop without the extra weight and cost of a full 30mm slab. This is an increasingly popular option that our team at Precious Marble recommends to many Bedford customers.
Built-Up Edges: The Best of Both Worlds
A built-up edge (also called a mitre edge or laminated edge) is a fabrication technique that bonds a strip of quartz to the underside of the worktop's front edge. This doubles (or even triples) the visible edge thickness without increasing the weight or cost of the entire slab.
For example a 20mm slab with a built-up front edge appears to be 40mm thick when viewed from the front. A more dramatic double build-up can create the appearance of 60mm. The join is carefully mitred and polished to be virtually invisible. The result is a worktop that looks substantial and luxurious from the viewing angle while remaining lightweight and cost-effective.
This technique costs less than upgrading the entire slab to 30mm because you are only adding material to the visible edge rather than the full worktop area. It also keeps the overall weight lower which is easier on your cabinets and easier for the installation team to handle.
Most Popular Choice at Precious Marble
Approximately 70% of our Bedford customers choose 20mm quartz. Of those about a third opt for a built-up front edge to add visual thickness. This combination delivers the best balance of appearance, weight and cost for most kitchen designs. Visit our showroom to see both options side by side.
Which Thickness Suits Which Kitchen Style
Contemporary handleless kitchens: 20mm. The slim profile aligns with the clean, minimal lines of handleless design. A thin edge emphasises the horizontal plane and creates a floating effect.
Shaker and traditional kitchens: 30mm or 20mm with built-up edge. Traditional kitchens benefit from a more substantial worktop edge that matches the heft of panelled cabinet doors and decorative mouldings.
Kitchen islands: 30mm or built-up edge. Islands are often the visual centrepiece of a kitchen. A thicker edge adds presence and draws the eye.
Waterfall edges: 20mm is most common. The thinner profile creates a more elegant waterfall effect where the worktop cascades down the side of the cabinet. A 30mm waterfall can look heavy unless the island is very large.
Bathroom vanities: 20mm or 12mm. Bathroom worktops are smaller and lighter so the thinner options work well and keep costs down.
Structural Considerations
The thickness you choose affects the weight of your worktop which has practical implications for cabinets, delivery and installation.
A 30mm slab weighs 50% more per square metre than 20mm. For a 3.5m² kitchen that is roughly 260 kg of 30mm quartz compared to 175 kg of 20mm. Both weights are within the capacity of standard quality cabinets. However the extra weight of 30mm makes delivery and manoeuvring through the house more challenging and may require a larger installation team.
For unsupported overhangs (breakfast bars and peninsulas) the 30mm thickness does provide marginally more rigidity than 20mm. However both thicknesses still require support brackets for overhangs exceeding 300mm. The 10mm difference in thickness does not eliminate the need for proper structural support.
Visit our quartz worktops Bedford showroom to see 20mm and 30mm samples side by side. Feeling the difference in hand helps many customers make a confident decision.
See Both Thicknesses in Our Bedford Showroom
Compare 20mm and 30mm samples in person. Free advice on which thickness suits your kitchen.
Whether you choose the sleek 20mm profile or the chunky 30mm look our team can fabricate and install either option to perfection. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the full range and request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness do quartz worktops come in?
Quartz worktops are available in three standard thicknesses in the UK: 12mm, 20mm and 30mm. The 20mm thickness is the most popular choice for kitchen worktops. The 30mm option provides a chunkier look. The 12mm thickness is primarily used for splashbacks and wall cladding.
Is 20mm quartz strong enough for a kitchen worktop?
Yes. A 20mm quartz worktop is more than strong enough for all normal kitchen use. Quartz scores 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and has a flexural strength that exceeds granite at the same thickness. The 20mm option is the standard in most European kitchens and is used in commercial settings.
What is the difference between 20mm and 30mm quartz worktops?
The difference is purely aesthetic. Both 20mm and 30mm quartz have the same hardness, stain resistance and durability. The 30mm option looks chunkier and more substantial. The 20mm option gives a sleeker contemporary profile. The 30mm slab weighs approximately 50% more and costs 40 to 50% more than 20mm.
Can you make a 20mm quartz worktop look thicker?
Yes. A technique called a built-up or mitre edge bonds a strip of quartz to the underside of the worktop edge to create the appearance of a thicker slab. A 20mm worktop with a built-up edge can look like 40mm or even 60mm at the visible front edge while keeping the weight and cost lower than a solid 30mm slab.
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.
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 08:20:272026-04-17 06:44:39How Thick Are Quartz Worktops
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