How to Care for Your New Quartz Countertops

There’s something deeply satisfying about the clean, polished look of new quartz countertops. But to keep that showroom shine, it’s important to know how to care for quartz countertops properly. From daily cleaning to avoiding heat damage, a few simple habits will protect your investment and keep your kitchen looking fresh.

Quartz may be tough, but it’s not bulletproofed. One careless move with a hot pan or an overzealous cleanser, and suddenly your investment looks worn, tired, and dull. Fortunately, quartz is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain, as long as you understand the rules.

Skip the bleach, avoid the heat, and keep your quartz countertops shining for the long haul. In this guide, we cover how to care for your quartz countertops the smart way, with tips that are clear, clever, and designed for real life (not just Instagram kitchens).

What Makes Quartz Special?

Quartz countertops are engineered stone, which is 90 to 95% ground quartz mixed with resin and pigments to give it strength, shine, and marble-like patterns without the maintenance headache. Unlike natural stone, like marble or granite, quartz is non-porous. This means it won’t stain easily, it resists bacteria, and you don’t have to seal it every six months.

Because of the resin content, quartz is more flexible and chip-resistant than natural stone. However, it’s not indestructible. The resin can react poorly to high heat or harsh chemicals, and the surface can scratch if you get too rough with your chopping knives. That’s why understanding how to care for quartz countertops is essential.

Daily Care: The Lazy Genius Way

You don’t need a fancy cleaner or complicated routine. Here’s the golden formula for daily quartz care:

• Wipe down with warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap.
• Use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, nothing abrasive.
• Dry with a clean cloth to avoid streaks.

Soap buildup can dull your quartz countertops’ shine over time. If your countertop looks cloudy, try a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar once weekly, followed by a good wipe down with warm water.

Avoid harsh all-purpose cleansers, like bleach, ammonia, or anything labeled disinfectant. These can break down resin and cause fading or scarring over time.

What NOT to Do (Because You’ll Regret It Later)

• Don’t put hot pans directly on the surface. Quartz is heat-resistant, not heatproof. A pot of boiling pasta can cause thermal shock, which can crack the resin. Use trivets or heat pads, always.
• Don’t cut directly on the surface. Sure, it’s hard like stone, but your knives can still scratch it, and it’s terrible for your blades. Use a cutting board.
• No harsh chemicals. Bleach, oven cleaner, nail polish remover, and degreasers are bad news. They can discolor or weaken the resin.
• Avoid UV exposure. Quartz doesn’t love direct sunlight. Over time, especially in very sunny kitchens, UV can cause fading or yellowing.

Stain and Spill Situations

Quartz resists staining, but it’s not invincible. Spills like wine, coffee, or tomato sauce won’t sink in immediately. However, if you let it linger for hours, it’s going to leave a mark.

For dried or sticky messes:

• Use a plastic scraper or spatula to lift dried gunk gently.
• Wipe with warm water and gentle dish soap.
• For stubborn spots, like ink, nail polish, or dried paint, use a dab of isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth, but follow up with soap and water.

Avoid abrasive powders or steel wool. Those don’t belong anywhere near your quartz countertops.

Shine On: How to Maintain a Gorgeous Gloss

Contrary to what Instagram may suggest, quartz countertops don’t need special polish or wax. Most polishes can cause buildup or cloudiness over time. The shine comes from the finish itself, not the coating.

Want that gleam?

• Stick to your microfiber cloth and dish soap routine.                                                                      
• Buff dry after cleaning.
• Don’t use products labeled “shiny finish enhancers.” They’ll dull the surface.

If you’ve got persistent cloudiness, you may be dealing with residue. In that case, do a deep clean with a vinegar solution, then rinse thoroughly and buff with a soft cloth.

Seasonal or Deep Cleaning Tips for Quartz Countertops

Every few months, it’s worth giving your quartz countertops extra TLC:

• Take everything off—appliances, canisters, and random spice towers.
• Do a complete wipe-down with warm, soapy water.
• Inspect for damage like chips near sink edges or stove corners (these are your countertop’s weak spots).
• Reapply caulk or sealant around the edges if necessary, not for the quartz itself, but to prevent water damage where it meets the wall or sink.

Don’t worry about sealing the quartz—you never need to. That’s one of the most significant perks to caring for a quartz countertop.

What About Disinfecting?

Quartz’s non-porous surface naturally resists bacteria and viruses, so daily soap and water usually do the trick. However, if you want a deeper disinfection:

• Mix 70% isopropyl alcohol with water (roughly 1:1).
• Spray on the surface, let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then wipe clean with a soft, gentle cloth.

Skip the bleach and Lysol wipes, no matter how convenient and tempting. They can break down your countertops’ resin.

Kids, Pets, and Life in General

Life happens. Someone spills red juice, the dog jumps up to grab your burger with muddy paws, or your toddler decides Sharpies belong on every surface. The good news is that Quartz is tough enough for real life, as long as you act quickly.

• Wipe away spills as they happen.
• Store pens, makeup, or cleaners in trays or containers to prevent residue.
• You spent good money on your quartz countertops. Protect them like you would any significant investment.
  

  The Bottom Line on Quartz Countertop Care

  Quartz countertops are the perfect blend of beauty and brawn—easy to maintain if you know how. Keep the heat off, avoid harsh chemicals, and stick to gentle daily cleaning. A little effort goes a long way, and your countertops will keep sparkling for years. Understanding how to care for your new quartz countertops is the first step in getting the most out of your renovation upgrades.