Quartz countertops are fantastic because they’re durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. But if you’ve ever had the misfortune of spilling wine or coffee on your quartz countertop, you know that these counters can take a beating. This article will discuss whether it’s safe for you to use granite cleaner on your quartz countertops!
So can you use granite cleaner on quartz countertops? While granite is a natural stone you can be able to use granite cleaners for quartz countertops if the granite cleaner is also formulated for engineered stone like quartz. This is because quartz can be sensitive cleaners that are not specifically formulated for them.
To learn the pros and cons of using granite cleaner on quartz countertops, keep reading this article.
What Is A Granite Cleaner?
First, let’s talk about what granite cleaner is. Granite countertops are made of crystalline quartz and feldspar with a mixture of other minerals mixed in as well.
The combination makes them heat-resistant and somewhat stainproof so they don’t absorb everything you put on them — including oil, vinegar, and red wine (I’m sorry to anyone who has had this happen).
Granite cleaner is specifically designed for cleaning granite surfaces. It usually contains sodium hydroxide that will scrub away dirt and stains on the surface of your countertops. That includes soap scum buildup, oil stains, coffee (like when you spill your morning coffee), or even rust spots.
Granite cleaner can be purchased at any hardware store or big-box retailer that carries granite countertops. It’s not expensive and it will last for a long time because the bottles are usually pretty large.
However, there are also other cleaners on the market that aren’t as harsh. For example, there are natural stone cleaners that use lemon or orange oil to do the same job as a granite cleaner without any harmful side effects.
Can You Use Granite Cleaner On Quartz Countertops?
The simple answer is yes you can use a granite cleaner on quartz countertops. The results will be different depending on your specific stone, but it’s probably safe to say that there are a few ways quartz countertops can benefit granite cleaners, and here’s how;
The Pros Of Using Granite Cleaner On Quartz Countertops
1. Most Granite Cleaners Are Also Formulated For Quartz
To start with, it is safe to say you will often find granite cleaners that are also formulated for quartz.
This is because quartz countertops are made of similar natural stone as granite so it makes sense to create cleaners for both.
The difference though is that quartz countertops can be a little more sensitive to cleaners due to the resins used to bind the natural stones.
So you have to make sure the granite cleaner is designed for engineered stone. This will ensure you have a product that is safer for your quartz countertops.
2. If It Does Not Contain Ammonia
You can also use a granite cleaner for your quartz countertops if the cleaner does not contain ammonia.
Ammonia is a harsh chemical that can not only damage the quartz stone itself but also its resins over time. So if you read the ingredients and it does not contain ammonia, then feel free to use it.
If you’re not quite sure, look for cleaners that say they are safe on natural stone or engineered stone.
You should also look for granite cleaners that are not acidic. While most natural stones can handle acids, quartz is actually quite sensitive to them and will get damaged if the cleaner is too acidic.
3. If It Is An All-Purpose Cleaner
Another thing to look out for in a granite cleaner is if it is an all-purpose cleaner.
Again, quartz countertops are engineered stone and as such can be a little more sensitive to certain things such as cleaners.
So an all-purpose cleaning solution will be better for your quartz countertops than other kinds of stone cleaners that are designed specifically for a certain kind of stone.
This is because most all-purpose cleaners are usually formulated to be mild and very gentle of all stone types.
If it does not have any of these things listed, then you should definitely avoid using that granite cleaner on your quartz countertops.
If you feel like your granite cleaner is not doing the job, this might be what’s going on.
Granite is very porous and absorbs everything, so if the cleaner doesn’t have enough cleaning power then you might need to splash out on a better one.
Another thing to look for is if you have any kind of sealant or waxing done on your quartz countertops.
Most people get this done at the time of installation to protect their countertops from spills and stains, but you will need to take it off before cleaning.
Granite cleaner can remove certain sealants and waxes along with dirt, stains, or any other debris that might be on the surface.
4. If The Granite Cleaner You Choose Doesn’t Contain Bleach
Granite cleaners should not be used on quartz countertops if they contain bleach. Quartz is a natural stone that can be damaged by chemicals such as bleach, which contains chlorine.
Chlorine will not only damage your quartz countertops but can also damage other natural stones as well.
So if you read the ingredients and it contains bleach, then stay away from it.
You should also stay away from granite cleaners that contain acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, which can damage the quartz countertops over time.
If you are not sure of the ingredients in your granite cleaner, then look for new cleaners that are specifically formulated to be safe for engineered stone or natural stones.
5. If The Manufacturer States That Their Product Is Safe To Use On Quartz
Finally, you should look for granite cleaners that say they are safe to use on quartz countertops.
You can also read the manufacturer’s description if they state somewhere that their product is safe to use on quartz countertops.
Many manufacturers will include this information in the description or on the back of the bottle itself.
They may also have this information on their website, so make sure to check there as well before using the cleaner on your quartz countertops.
If you read the ingredients and it does not contain anything that has been mentioned in this post and beyond to be bad for quartz, then you should feel free to use that cleaner on your quartz countertops.
However, you should always do a small test patch first before using any kind of cleaner on your quartz countertops to be sure.
This is to make sure that the granite cleaner you choose will not cause any kind of damage to your quartz countertops.
The Cons Of Using Granite Cleaner On Quartz Countertops
There are also a few possible downsides to using granite cleaner on quartz countertops. So make sure you know and understand the possible consequences before using any kind of cleaner on your quartz countertops.
1. Granite Cleaner Can Build Up On Your Quartz Countertop
Because granite countertops are porous, granite cleaners are meant to sink in deep into the stone to clean it.
This penetrating feature of the granite cleaner may not work on your quartz countertop as it is non-porous.
Meaning, the cleaner you apply will simply sit on the surface of the quartz countertop and not sink causing the cleaner to build upon your quartz countertop over time.
What this means is that there will be dirt, bacteria, and gunk buildup on your quartz countertops over time.
2. Granite Cleaner Can Cause The Product To Lose Its Sealant Or Wax
Another downside to using granite cleaner on quartz countertops is that the sealant or wax may be removed. This can cause your quartz to start absorbing anything and everything that comes in contact with it.
Although quartz is not porous, this kind of damage can be very hard to remove at a later time. It can also cause etching on your quartz countertops that cannot be removed.
This is due to the fact that granite cleaner is meant to remove the dirt on your countertops, it will also be removing any sealant or wax that has been applied.
3. Granite Cleaner Can Cause Discoloration
Finally, the last possible downside to using granite cleaner on quartz countertops is that it could cause discoloration of your quartz.
Granite cleaners can contain chemicals such as bleach and acids that will cause discoloration over time on your quartz countertops if they come in contact with it.
These chemicals can also cause etching and permanent damage to your quartz countertops if they are left on the surface for too long.
This can also cause your product to lose its shine over time and dull, making it even harder for you to clean at a later time.
FAQ’s
Q. What is the best granite cleaner for quartz countertops?
A. The best way to find out what kind of cleaners are safe on your type of countertops is to read the label on your product. If it contains anything harsh like bleach or acids, you should find a cleaner that is specifically made for quartz countertops like the one you can find at Amazon.
Q. Can you use granite cleaner on marble?
A. Yes, you can use granite cleaner on marble. This is large because both are natural stones and are highly porous so anything cleaner that works on granite will possibly work on marble. You can also make sure by reading the label on the granite cleaner and do a test spot on your marble before using it.