Quartz countertops are a popular choice for homeowners because they are so durable and scratch-resistant. But how do you keep them looking as pristine as the day you first installed them? In this article, I will be discussing a common question most people ask is can you use a glass cleaner on a quartz countertop?
Can You Use Glass Cleaner On Quartz Countertops? Glass cleaners are designed to cut through grease and grime on glass and not stone although it could be applicable in some situations if a stone surface to polished or finished to have a glossy or glass-like finish. While glass cleaner is possible for use on quartz countertops, it may in some cases not remove streaks and smudges.
In the rest of this article, I’m going to talk about the pros and cons of using glass cleaners on your quartz countertops and a few other best practices that would keep your countertop surfaces looking great.
The Pros Of Using Glass Cleaner On Quartz Countertop
1. Glass Cleaners Can Help To Remove Heavy or Dried On Stains
While this should not be your first alternative to dealing with heavy or dried stains on the surface of your quartz, you can still use a glass cleaner that can be found at Amazon to help remove these types of stains.
The glass cleaner contains small abrasives that can help you to break up these types of stains and other contaminants on the surface.
You want to be sure not to use too much pressure on the surface and work your way from one side of the stain to another.
Do not use this method on other countertop materials like marble countertops, because the same abrasives that would be helpful in removing stains can scratch or mar the surface of the marble.
2. Great For Removing Sticky Residue
Another thing you could use the glass cleaner to attempt on the surface of your quartz countertops is to remove sticky residue.
This is because the glass cleaner contains surfactants which are chemical compounds that allow them to break down and dissolve dirt, grease, and grime.
Surfactants are the same compounds that help to break down contaminants on glass, which is why they can be used as glass cleaners.
The surfactants will help to dissolve and emulsify the gunk that may be stuck in a sticky residue on your quartz.
Unfortunately, you can’t use this method for dried-on stains or anything that has been there a long time because the surfactants would dry out and leave a white film on the surface.
3. Some Glass Cleaners Can Be Used To Remove Oil Stains
Oil stains can be a common problem on quartz countertops because they are prone to staining. Oil stains are another type of stain that you could use the glass cleaner to attempt on your quartz countertops. Many of the glass cleaners that you use in your home to clean your glass windows can be used on quartz countertops as well.
The reason is that some glass cleaners can be used to remove oil, grease, and grime from glass. You want to make sure that you are using a cleaner safe for quartz countertops.
The reason is that glass cleaners that are not safe for stone or quartz can contain ammonia which will break down the surface of your countertop and leave it dull.
The Cons Of Using Glass Cleaner On Quartz Countertop
- Most Glass Cleaners Contain Artificial Fragrances That You Could React To
Most glass cleaners contain artificial fragrances to give them a nice smell. The problem is that some people have sensitivities or allergies to these artificial fragrances and will get an unpleasant reaction when exposed to them.
The best practice is to make sure that you are cleaning the surface of your quartz countertops with a cleaner that is fragrance-free.
Fragrance-free glass cleaners are often labeled as being “green” or non-toxic.
The reason is that manufacturers have started to include less toxic ingredients in their glass cleaners, which are better for people with sensitivities or allergies.
This is also better for the environment because fewer chemicals are being released into our air, water, and soil that could be harmful to humans or animals.
If you are looking for a fragrance-free glass cleaner, the best practice is to read reviews and find out what other customers have had success with.
- Some Glass Cleaner May Leave Streaks And Smudges
Another problem with using a glass cleaner on quartz countertops is that some of them contain optical brighteners, which are chemicals used to make the surface appear cleaner.
These optical brighteners are the same compounds that manufacturers use to make fabrics brighter and give them a whiter appearance in clothing or linens.
The problem with using glass cleaner on quartz countertops is that it can leave streaks and smudges if the surface looks like it’s been cleaned.
The best practice is to make sure that you are cleaning the surface of your quartz countertops with a cleaner that is specifically designed for stone and quartz surfaces.
These cleaners are designed to be safe for use on stone or quartz, as well as being non-streaking.
How To Make A Safe Glass Cleaner For Your Quartz Countertops
The best practice is to make your own glass cleaner for quartz countertops with some household items. The reason is that you want a cleaner that is specifically designed for stone or quartz surfaces but can actually be used safely on your quartz countertops.
Start by adding one cup of water into a spray bottle. Then add in two tablespoons of white vinegar and one tablespoon borax powder.
Finally, add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil and shake well. The reason is that you want to make sure that the borax powder is dissolved in the water before adding it to your spray bottle.
Another way to go about this is by using hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar.
The best practice is to try out different mixtures and find the one that works best for you with your particular quartz countertops.
The reason is that everyone’s countertops are different and you want to make sure that the cleaner works well without leaving streaks or smudges.
The benefit of making your own glass cleaner for quartz countertops at home is that you can make a cleaner that is really effective at cleaning your quartz countertops and also safe for use on them.
How To Use Your Glass Cleaner To Clean Your Quartz Countertop
The best practice is to start by using a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down your quartz countertops.
You can also use rubbing alcohol to first wipe the surface of your quartz countertop as most of the glass cleaners will not be able to get rid of streaks and smudges.
After that, you want to spray the surface of your quartz countertops with a little glass cleaner.
The reason is that you don’t need much, just enough to cover the surface of your quartz countertops.
Next, you want to wipe down the surface of your quartz countertop with a microfiber cloth.
The best practice is to finish the entire process by wiping down your quartz countertops with a dry microfiber cloth and buffing them to a nice shine.
FAQ
Q: How Often Should I Clean My Quartz Countertops?
It is a good idea to clean your quartz countertops at least once a week. The reason is that you want to make sure that your countertops stay clean and free of germs.
The benefit of cleaning them at least once a week is that you can disinfect your quartz countertops and make sure they are free of any germs or bacteria.
