Quartz countertops are elegant and stylish and will add that luxury appearance to any home. They are used in the kitchen, bathtub, and many other areas. Quartz is a low-maintenance material, but there’s always something you can do to keep it looking new. In case you are wondering if you can use Clorox wipes on them, here is everything you need to know.
Can I use Clorox on Quartz Countertops?
Clorox wipes are not suitable for prolonged quartz cleaning use because there is citric acid present in them. In the long run, it will lead to discoloration and damage to your quartz countertop. Instead, you should only use Clorox wipes occasionally for disinfecting and cleaning.
Are Clorox Wipes Safe for Quartz Countertops?
Clorox wipes are known for disinfecting nonporous surfaces as they can remove 99.9% of viruses and germs. Unlike marble, granite, or quartzite, the quartz slabs are manmade and is non-porous. The most exciting part is that these wipes don’t contain bleach, which is why using them on quartz is not harmful.
However, that does not mean it should be a standard cleaning method as it is not suitable for quarts in the long run.
What Is in Clorox Wipes (Ingredients)?
Before purchasing, it is best to understand what goes in Clorox® wipes that makes it a good cleaning and disinfecting solution. Here are some of the main active ingredients in Clorox wipes:
- Water and substrate
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Alkyl dimethyl
- Benzyl ammonium chloride
- Ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
- Alkyl polyglucoside
- Disodium EDTA
These ingredients are safe to use on quartz countertops. You might be wondering about ammonium chloride since most people recommend against using products that contain ammonia.
Ammonia and ammonium are different compounds. While ammonia is hazardous, ammonium chloride is safe to use on your countertop. However, use the Clorox wipes sparingly as there are better methods to clean your kitchen counter.
How to Disinfect Quartz Countertops?
Here are some of the best ways you can use to disinfect and clean quartz countertops:
1. Clean the Countertop Using Mild Soap and Water
One tried and tested method is to use water and mild soap. You have to take a sponge or cloth and dip it in mild soap water. After that, take a cloth or sponge and begin wiping the countertop.
Keep in mind that you should not put too much pressure on the stone while wiping. Maintain a gentle but firm touch to see the most effective results. You can wipe with this method as often as you like because it will not damage your quartz.
2. Remove Grease with Degreaser
Do you have grease on your quartz countertops, and you have tried all ways to remove it? If you have, then this method will help you clean it effectively. First, you should take a degreasing agent, which is safe to use in quartz.
The degreasing agent shouldn’t contain bleach as it is the worst ingredient for quartz. Once you have a degreasing agent, spray a generous amount on the countertop. Clean it with a cloth, and it will remove all the grease from the surface.
3. Scrape off Dried Gunk
Even quartz countertops are not safe from food or dirt that can get stuck. For this, you will need a putty knife to scrape off the dried gunk. Keep your touch gentle because putting too much pressure will damage the quartz.
Any time you notice an excess buildup of dried gunk, you need to follow this method.
4. Use Isopropyl Alcohol to Disinfect Quartz
Isopropyl alcohol is one of the active ingredients in many cleaning solutions, but you can use it individually. All you have to do is take a rag and dip it in some isopropyl alcohol. After that, you can rub the counter with this cloth until the quartz is clean.
If you want effective results, you can wipe the counter once more with just a cloth and warm water. The process will get rid of any stains and disinfect the entire countertop in no time.
5. Using a Glass Cleaner
Using a glass cleaner such as Windex on quartz countertops is an underrated method because it works like a charm. Keep in mind that the glass cleaner should be safe on quartz without any harmful ingredients. Spray some glass cleaner on the stone and let it sit for a few minutes.
After that, take a wet cloth and wipe the entire quartz countertop with it.
Keep in mind that many professionals don’t recommend it using on countertops. This is because most countertops such as marble and granite are porous and need to be sealed and glass cleaners can damage the sealant. Most high-quality quartz doesn’t need to be sealed although some of the cheaper versions may be sealed. That is why you should call your countertop supplier and ask if a glass cleaner is safe to use.
Tips to Clean Quartz Countertops
Here are the top cleaning tips to maintain the quartz countertops in your home:
1. Have a Daily Routine
You don’t need to do much to keep quartz clean because it is nearly maintenance-free. However, it’s always a good idea to look after it and have a daily cleaning routine.
All you have to do is clean the countertop with the proper cloth and a mix of water and mild soap. Keep the soap to a minimum if you are going to clean daily. You can also wipe your countertop with water and a clean cloth to keep it shining.
2. Wipe off Immediately
If you spill any food or beverages on your countertop, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe them off immediately. This is the key to maintain your kitchen counter in pristine condition. If you leave the coffee spill, oil, grease from your air fryer, soda, energy drinks such as Gatorade, hot chocolate, red wine etc. on your countertop for too long they will start staining.
3. Use the Right Cleaner
Whether you are cleaning or disinfecting the quartz, you need the right product. You should never use strong chemicals on the quartz, such as hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, paint stripper, bleach, etc. All of them will damage your quartz, mainly if used for a long time.
You can always call your quartz supplier and ask them for the right cleaner. They have manufactured the product, and they will know what works best. If you can’t get an answer from them, then stick with mild soap water for cleaning and isopropyl alcohol for disinfecting.
4. Use an Appropriate Cloth
Many people grab a random kitchen cloth for this purpose, but you shouldn’t. If you want the best results, you need to use a microfiber cloth on your quartz countertops. That is because these clothes are absorbent and will not leave any marks on the quartz.
There are also specially designed polishing clothes available in the market. They are manufactured for cleaning purposes, and they don’t leave behind any product. You can also get one of those if need be.
5. Use Quartz Cleaner Solution
In case you have stubborn stains on your countertop consider one of the commercial cleaning products specifically made for quartz.
Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner – Click to buy from Amazon
The Weiman Quartz cleaner is a very good choice. They also come with a Cleaner and Polish combo which will help you restore the shine of your kitchen.