Quartz is increasingly popular for its beautiful appearance in homes, sophistication, and is surprisingly low maintenance. You may be one of those people who believe Windex is to be used on literally everything, but do you want to risk damaging your beautiful new Quartz countertops? This is a must-read for any quartz countertop owner.
In this article, we will answer the question that is asked almost every single day "Is Windex safe for quartz countertops" and give you an in-depth guide on what cleaners are great for quartz and what cleaners you should avoid.
Yes, Windex, multi-surface sprays, glass cleaners, degreasing cleaners, and Clorox products are all safe on the highly durable countertop material of Quartz. Quartz will always respond better to a soft cloth instead of paper towels or rough scrubbers. Since Quartz is not porous, it will be stain-resistant, non-absorbent, and won’t require harsh chemicals to keep it clean.
If you have Quartz in your home or plan to install it, you will need to know the do’s and don’ts to preserve your countertop investment. Life happens around these countertops, and this is where you gab with family, do the children’s homework, cook the meals that sustain your family! Be sure it’s a clean countertop, and your quartz shines the way it deserves to!
Now that you know that Windex is safe for quartz countertops lets get a little deeper and see what other cleaning agents you can use that you may have sitting around at home. Let's also discuss what cleaning agents you should NEVER use on your quartz countertops. This is a must-read for any quartz countertop owner.
The products that will work well on your Quartz countertops and are okay to use include:
Quartz is very durable but not indestructible.
You need to understand the products made for your countertop material to avoid tarnishing, bleaching, or ruining your expensive countertops. The real trick is using tools that are not too abrasive and will treat your countertops gently.
Although quartz is durable, it should not be cleaned with scratchy sponges or abrasive paper towels. This can leave behind a residue, leave scratches, and soften the resin top-layer that protects your quartz.
Being patient and using softer, mild, and non-coarse cleaning materials will be the key to having quartz countertops that last for years to come.
Now that you understand the basis for what you should be using on your quartz countertops, it will be easier to understand why the next products are not recommended.
The products you should not use on your quartz countertops are:
Quartz is durable but not strong enough to fight off scratchy sandpaper, bleach, or extreme pH.
Quartz wants the mild sweet spot of a neutral pH and soft textures.
Yes, you absolutely can use vinegar to clean your kitchen and home.
Vinegar is such a fantastic cleaning product because
Be careful with white vinegar as sometimes it is more acidic and will be too potent or concentrated. Dilute it with water if you are concerned about sensitive materials or use a more mild-vinegar like apple cider vinegar.
Pro-Tip on the Smell: Many people would love to convert to a ‘greener’ way of cleaning, especially as they notice the long-term effects on their lungs, but they hate the fragrance of vinegar! If you are turned off by the odor, simply dilute with water, squeeze in some lemon juice, and add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil to the spray. Voila!
Yes, many of your multi-purpose countertop cleaners and glass cleaners such as Windex, will have a percentage of alcohol in the product.
Alcohol is a premium product for disinfecting and sterilizing. Quartz countertops will respond very well to alcohol, but it will most likely require dilution to avoid harming your quartz.
A great recipe you can reference if you plan to make your own cleaning solution is this one:
This will be ideal for harsher stains or tough grease messes. You may not need rubbing alcohol for all of your cleaning jobs but having some nearby is handy.
Do not overdo the rubbing alcohol and wipe it up quickly. A small amount of alcohol will do nothing to the countertop, but if left on for too long, it could cause fading, staining, or whitening on your Quartz.
Again, this would take a strong potency that is left behind, not wiped off, or diluted. So it would be quite hard to damage your Quartz countertops with rubbing alcohol.
There is a reason that millions of people are upgrading their real estate by enhancing the kitchen environment. The reason that many of these homeowners are selecting quartz over popular countertop materials like granite or limestone could be due to the benefits of quartz:
As you can see, it’s a product that sells itself. If you are seeking an upgrade to your household, research quotes in your local area and compare the benefits of Quartz against other costly competitors. It may give you the look you prefer, at the lower price.
No, Windex and products similar to Windex should never be used on granite or other natural stone countertops. It is best to use a suggested cleaning product on natural stone. If you prefer to use something you have at home then check out this article on using denatured alcohol to clean granite countertops. Always be sure to use cleaners that are nonabrasive and never use harsh chemicals on natural stone countertops.
Some final words of wisdom to get the most out of where your family will congregate include:
Yes, you can use Windex or a multitude of gentle cleaners. Unlike some countertop materials, quartz is non-porous, so most chemicals stay on the surface. Clean gently using mild cleaners, and then go back to enjoying your home!
