Quartz Countertop Maintenance: Simple Habits That Actually Work

Quartz countertops tend to impress right away. Clean lines, consistent color, that “new kitchen” look. The good news? Keeping them that way doesn’t require a complicated routine or a shelf full of specialty products.

Quartz is known for being low-maintenance, but “low” doesn’t mean “no.” Spills still happen. Mistakes still happen. Knowing what to do — and what not to do — makes all the difference.

Quartz looks like natural stone, but it behaves a little differently. It’s engineered, which means crushed quartz is bound together with resins. That resin layer is what makes quartz resistant to stains — and also what makes it sensitive to certain things.

So yes, quartz is durable. But it still appreciates a bit of respect.

Short answer: usually, yes.

Quartz doesn’t need sealing. It doesn’t absorb spills the way some natural stones do. Everyday messes wipe up easily, which is why many homeowners choose it in the first place.

That said, quartz isn’t a fan of extreme heat. Unlike some natural stones, it doesn’t love hot pans straight from the stove. Trivets and hot pads aren’t optional — they’re part of the deal.

If you’ve lived with other stone surfaces before, the adjustment is simple. Just trade heat tolerance for easier cleaning.

For daily cleaning, keep it simple. Warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a soft cloth will handle most messes. Wipe it down, dry it if you want to avoid streaks, and move on with your day.

That’s it. No special rituals.

1. Don’t Put Hot Cookware Directly on the Surface

Quartz can handle a lot — heat shock isn’t one of those things. A hot skillet on a cool surface can cause discoloration or even cracking over time.

Is it inconvenient to grab a trivet? Slightly. Is it easier than dealing with damage later? Absolutely.

2. Skip the Harsh Chemicals

If a cleaner sounds aggressive, it probably is. Bleach, oven cleaner, paint remover, heavy degreasers — all bad ideas.

A good rule of thumb: if the label doesn’t clearly say it’s safe for quartz, don’t use it. This includes cleaners made specifically for other types of stone. Quartz plays by its own rules.

3. Be Gentle — Quartz Doesn’t Need Scrubbing

Quartz resists scratches better than many surfaces, but it’s not indestructible. Abrasive pads, scouring powders, and sharp tools can damage the resin layer.

Use cutting boards. Use soft cloths. Save the heavy-duty tools for places that actually need them.

And yes — cutting directly on quartz will dull your knives faster than it damages the counter. Either way, nobody wins.

4. Keep Permanent Markers Away

Permanent ink and quartz are not friends. If a marker leaves a mark, start with soap and water. If that doesn’t work, a small amount of adhesive remover on a cloth can help.

Rinse thoroughly afterward. Leaving residue behind causes more problems than it solves.

5. Clean Spills Before They Get Comfortable

Quartz resists staining, but it’s not magic. Bright spices, tomato-based sauces, and food coloring can leave marks if they’re ignored long enough.

Most of the time, quick action is enough. Wipe, rinse, done. Let it sit overnight, and you’ll have more work in the morning.

If you want a reliable routine, here’s what actually works:

Clear the surface. Spray with warm water and dish soap. Let it sit for a minute. Wipe from back to front so crumbs don’t get pushed around. For stubborn spots, a gentle scrub with a sponge is fine.

No need to overthink it.

Even careful people spill things. If a stain sticks around:

• Soap and water should always be your first move
• Baking soda paste can help lift surface discoloration
• Rubbing alcohol works well for ink or greasy residue

Apply gently. Give it time. Wipe clean. Repeat if needed.

If you want extra shine — or your counters have started to look a little tired — a quartz-specific cleaner can help. These products are designed to clean without damaging the surface.

Just make sure the label says quartz. Not stone. Not granite. Quartz.

Common sense goes a long way here. Most permanent damage happens when someone uses something clearly meant for cars, paint, or drains. Kitchens don’t need that kind of energy.

Quartz countertops are forgiving, but they’re not careless-proof. Treat them reasonably, clean them regularly, and avoid obvious mistakes, and they’ll hold up beautifully for years.

No complicated routines. No special skills. Just a few good habits — and maybe a trivet or two.

If you want a reliable routine, here’s what actually works:

Clear the surface. Spray with warm water and dish soap. Let it sit for a minute. Wipe from back to front so crumbs don’t get pushed around. For stubborn spots, a gentle scrub with a sponge is fine.

No need to overthink it.

If you want a reliable routine, here’s what actually works:

Clear the surface. Spray with warm water and dish soap. Let it sit for a minute. Wipe from back to front so crumbs don’t get pushed around. For stubborn spots, a gentle scrub with a sponge is fine.

No need to overthink it.