How to Clean Quartz Countertops: Different Types of Stains & The Best Way to Clean Quartz Countertop

Quick Takeaways:

• Identify whether the mark is raised or smooth before choosing a cleaning method
• Start with the least aggressive option to reduce the risk of permanent surface damage
• Follow the care instructions for the specific quartz brand rather than relying on general advice
• Stop cleaning immediately if the gloss, color, or texture begins to change
• Contact the fabricator when approved methods fail or the stain affects a seam

I'm Iurii Pirogov, CEO and owner of Perfect Stones, a local fabrication and installation company with showrooms across the Lowcountry. Today, I’m going to explain the best way to clean quartz countertops without damaging the surface.

Quartz is an engineered stone, not a solid piece of natural stone like granite. Manufacturers mix quartz minerals with resin and pigments, then shape the mixture into slabs. Quartz is non-porous, so it does not require sealing like granite. However, the resin and pigments can still react to heat or strong chemicals, so the surface is not completely stain-proof.

I recommend that homeowners considering a new surface explore our quartz countertops in Charleston, SC and view the quartz slabs currently featured by Perfect Stones.

Drying the full surface helps keep quartz sparkling clean without polish or heavy scrubbing. For most kitchen countertops, this cleaning routine is enough for everyday care:

1. Remove crumbs with a dry, soft cloth.
2. Add a small amount of mild dish soap to warm water.
3. Wipe the countertop with a clean microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge.
4. Rinse with a second cloth dampened with clean water.
5. Dry the full countertop, including the area behind the faucet and around the seams.

You do not need to polish or scrub the countertop every day, and cleaning it too hard may cause more damage than the mess itself.

I like to be honest with customers. The truth is that there is no universal quartz cleaner, no matter what someone may try to sell you. The right method depends on the type of mess.

Use warm water and a soft cloth for crumbs and light everyday dirt. Start with mild dish soap. If some residue remains, use a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth, but only if the quartz manufacturer allows it. Wipe it off right away and never let it collect around the seams. Keep in mind that grease or a cloudy film requires more careful cleaning.

Use mild dish soap and a soft cloth for sticky marks or hard-water residue. Rinse the area, then dry it with a second soft cloth to prevent streaks.

Dried food needs a different method. Soften it with warm water first, then gently remove it with a plastic scraper held almost flat against the countertop. Do not use a knife unless the quartz manufacturer clearly says it is safe, because it may scratch or damage the surface.

Take your time with stubborn colored marks. Test a manufacturer-approved cleaner in a hidden area first, then clean a small spot and rinse it well. Stop immediately if the shine changes, because too much rubbing can permanently dull the resin finish.

Use only a method approved by the quartz manufacturer if mineral buildup does not come off. Some brands allow brief contact with diluted vinegar, while others recommend their own cleaner for hard-water deposits.

Quartz topped the countertop material list in the NKBA | KBIS 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, with 78% of surveyed kitchen and bath professionals expecting it to remain popular over the next three years. This popularity makes it important to understand how to care for quartz countertops so they last longer.
Caesarstone, for example, allows a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar for hard-water spots on its quartz surfaces. I would still rather walk a homeowner through the process than have them improvise with whatever is under the sink.

Gently wash the stain with a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use cold or very hot water. Warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap works best. Do not forget to dry the surface, or the dish soap may leave new stains.

If the ring feels slightly rough, it is probably mineral buildup sitting on the quartz. If it feels perfectly smooth but looks dull, do not keep escalating. The finish may have been affected by heat, a chemical, or previous scrubbing.

Can you clean quartz with vinegar? Sometimes. Caesarstone currently allows a water-and-vinegar solution for certain hard-water spots, followed by rinsing. That does not make vinegar a universal quartz cleaner for every brand. Quartz formulas and finishes differ, and your warranty follows the manufacturer of your slab, not a general cleaning article.

When cleaning quartz counters with vinegar is permitted, use it as a brief spot treatment. Do not soak the surface. Do not combine vinegar with another cleaner. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately.

If the mark remains after an approved treatment, send a photo to the fabricator. A five-minute conversation can prevent permanent dulling from an abrasive product.

Preventing stains is much easier than removing them. Wipe up spills right away, dry the countertop after cleaning, and use coasters, cutting boards, and trivets when needed. Keep strong chemicals away from the surface, and save the quartz brand name and care guide in case you need them later.

You can see the full quartz kitchen island countertop project here. We fabricated and installed light-colored quartz countertops around the kitchen sink and range, as well as a large island with seating. The quartz brightened the room, but the sink cutout and nearby fixtures required a precise fit. The island also had to handle daily family use and remain easy to maintain. We completed the project successfully and explained how to properly care for the countertop.

I've fabricated countertops for kitchens and job sites all over this part of the state, and Perfect Stones serves the Charleston-area Lowcountry and the coastal counties around it.

On the ground, that means Charleston, Beaufort, Summerville, Walterboro, Bluffton, Mount Pleasant, Hanahan, Ladson, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Ridgeland, Ravenel, Folly Beach, James Island, Round O, Hollywood, Georgetown, Johns Island, Edisto Island, and Edisto Beach are all places where I've either sent a crew or measured a countertop myself.

If you're looking at a new kitchen counter, a bathroom vanity, a commercial installation, or a repair on quartz that's already in your home, reach out to us directly. We handle the measurement, the fabrication, and the installation in-house, with quartz available through our Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and Beaufort showrooms.