Quartzite is a natural stone that can mimic the look of marble. It’s affordable, durable, and has an elegant finish that can really transform your kitchen. However, because it’s porous and absorbent, you have to be careful about how you clean your quartzite countertops.
This guide can help you know the right and safe way to clean quartzite countertops, to maintain their beauty while making sure that your kitchen surfaces are always sparkling and sanitary.
If you want to keep your quartzite countertops looking new and free from stains or etching then I recommend that you follow this entire guide as best you can.
Cleaning quartzite is not hard but there are some things you should never use on your quartzite countertops. I will cover that in a moment but first, let me give you step-by-step instructions on how to clean your quartzite countertops from an experienced countertop professional.
Step 1: Remove all countertop appliances from your quartzite countertops. You want to make sure you can see the entire surface so that hidden spills will be seen.
Step 2: Use a Countertop Advisor recommended quartzite cleaner to clean your countertops. I recommend Granite Gold or Marble Life to clean your quartzite countertops.
Step 3: Dry your quartzite countertops using a clean dry microfiber cloth. These cloths are the best to use because they are extremely soft and soak up liquids very well. Your countertops must be dry or you risk water stains. Water can cause harm to any countertop surface if left to sit.
It is also important to mention that you should always seal your quartzite countertops at least once per year but I recommend every six months to be safe.
One reason why quartzite is such a valued decorate stone is that it comes in many colors—from the white and gray shades in “pure” quartzite to an entire spectrum of shades that come from different minerals in the stone: pink, red, green, yellow, blue, and more.
Some minerals—like iron oxide, carbonate, and clay—can also cause quartzite to form the beautiful streaks and bands that make it look like marble. Sometimes, resins are also added during the manufacturing process to increase durability and shine.
However, with all the minerals in quartzite, and the fact that it’s a porous material, you have to be careful about the chemicals you use on it. They can react to highly acidic compounds, which lead to those “ghost etchings” that are difficult to remove.
Some cleaners to avoid are:
That doesn’t mean that quartzite is high maintenance! Some types of quartzite are not as porous and are thus less prone to stains. Just talk to your countertop supplier to find out more about your countertop’s particular properties, and any special instructions on sealing and cleaning.
If quartzite sealed properly, the protective layer will make it just as safe and easy to clean as any other counter material. Some of the best sealants can last for many years and even remove stains.
Counters will need to be resealed. While your supplier can tell you the best maintenance cycle, watch for signs of wear and tear: darkening near the sink, or if water droplets don’t pool on the surface of the counter.
Quartzite actually doesn’t need a lot of complicated cleaning tools. Just use water, a soft cloth or paper towel, and a gentle cleanser with a low PH level. After cooking or washing dishes, wipe them down to remove dirt and wick away any moisture.
It’s inevitable for sauces or condiments to sometimes leak or spill. The trick is to wipe them up immediately with a damp sponge and dry off the area with a soft rag. That will save you the trouble of having to scrub off hardened sauce residue!
The best sponge to use for cleaning quartzite countertops is the ones that are sold for non-stick pans. You can also use a soft plastic putty knife to scrape off food bits or other residues that tend to become very thick and hard as it dries.
There are specific cleaners for natural stone counters, but in most cases, you can just use diluted dishwashing soap. That will already get rid of grease, oil, and even sticky sauces.
Many cleaning experts recommend preparing a diluted cleaning solution in a spray bottle. This will distribute a fine mist over the counter area you want to clean, rather than soaking the counter in a lot of product.
By using a small amount of cleanser at a time, you are able to rinse it off well—which will prevent residue that can damage the quartzite—and dry it off completely, too.
Many commercial stain removers are too harsh to use on natural stone. You’ll find these DIY alternatives to be much more effective!
You can try applying a poultice. I recommend Mangia Macchia. Apply a thick layer of this product about 1/4 thick and cover it with plastic that you can see through. Any kitchen plastic will work. Let it sit until it dries and then remove it.
If you want to buy a quartzite stain remover, make sure it is PH neutral, and check the label to see if it is specifically safe for use on quartzite and natural stone. As with all cleansers, do a spot test before using it on a large or visible area of your counter. I recommend asking your countertop fabricator for a sample piece of your specific material for tests like these.
This cleaning hack may work for areas around faucets, where limescale stains and water stains tend to accumulate no matter how careful you are. Just take a small razor and gently scrape the surface at an angle. This will prevent scratching the quartzite countertops. Then, apply a quartz cleaner on top and clean the surface.
Quartzite countertops may need a little more care and precautions, but once you get into a cleaning routine you’ll soon see that it’s actually very simple to maintain—just wipe spills right away, use gentle products and soft rags or sponges, and make sure you get a good seal. No mess, no stress!
