Removing fingerprints from quartz countertops can be very tricky, especially those greasy fingerprints that seem almost impossible to remove. Here are 6 quick and easy hacks you can use to get rid of those pesky fingerprints once and for all.
Fingerprints On Quartz Countertops
One of the most common questions we get here at Favored Stone Guides is how to remove fingerprints from quartz countertops. Quartz is a beautiful, low-maintenance material that’s perfect for busy families and those who entertain often.
However, quartz and other countertop materials such as marble, granite, etc can be susceptible to smudges and fingerprints, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
Also, darker and shinier quartz countertop surface will attract more fingerprints or will be a lot visible than a matte or lighter-colored surface. Fingerprints are often made up of two main thing; oil and sweat. These two combined can make removing fingerprints from quartz (or any other countertop material) a tricky task.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your quartz countertops fingerprint-free, here are a few hacks: There are a few different methods you can use to remove fingerprints from your quartz countertops, and we’ve outlined them all for you below.
Method #1: Using A Glass Cleaner
One of the simplest ways to remove fingerprints from quartz is to use a glass cleaner. Glass cleaner is any of the all-purpose cleaners that are safe to use on glassy surfaces.
Glass cleaners can work on any type of fingerprint on any type of quartz, but they’re especially good at removing those pesky grease stains.
Glass cleaners contain solvents that can break down the oils in fingerprints, making them easy to wipe away. With a good quality glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth, you should be able to remove most fingerprints from your quartz countertops effortlessly.
The best part about this method is that glass cleaners are very easy to find and chances are you already have one in your home. To use this method, here are the things you need and the steps to follow to thoroughly remove fingerprints from your quartz countertops.
Things You’ll Need:
- Glass cleaner
- Dry Clean Lint-free cloth or Rag
Instructions:
Step 1:
- Simply spray the cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe away the fingerprints in a circular motion.
Step 2:
- Rub the stained area in a circular motion until the fingerprints are gone.
Step 3:
- Wipe away any excess cleaner and leave the quartz countertop surface to dry.
- Any you’re done!
Method #2: Using A Vinegar Solution
If you don’t have any glass cleaner on hand, you can also use a vinegar solution to remove fingerprints from quartz. Not only is using vinegar solution convenient but it’s also a more environmentally-friendly option.
The best type of vinegar to use for this is white vinegar because it has a higher acidity level and can cut through grime more easily. To create the vinegar solution;
Things You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Bucket or Bowl
- Dry Clean Lint-free cloth or Rag
Step 1:
- Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle.
Step 2:
- Spray the solution on the areas with fingerprints.
Step 3:
- Wipe away the fingerprints with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- And that’s it! Your quartz countertop should now be fingerprint-free.
Method #3: Using A Dish Soap Solution
In some parts of the world, white vinegar is hard to come by so another alternative is to use a dish soap solution.
If you don’t have any vinegar on hand, another cleaning solution you can use is a dish soap and water mixture. This method works best if the fingerprints are greasy or oily.
The dish soap will cut through the grease and make it easier to remove the fingerprints. To use this method;
Things You’ll Need:
- Water
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Dry Clean Lint-free cloth or Rag
Step 1:
- Mix together a solution of dish soap and water.
- You can mix 3-5 drops of mild dish soap into a spray bottle with water.
Step 2:
- Shake the bottle for the water and dish soap to mix together.
Step 3:
- Spritz the solution onto the quartz surface with the fingerprints.
Step 4:
- Begin to wipe away the fingerprints with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Do not use too much elbow grease to remove all of the fingerprints.
- If you still see some residue from the fingerprints, you can repeat steps two through four until they are completely removed.
- Once you’ve removed the fingerprints, you can dry the surface with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Be sure to buff away any water spots that may have been left behind.
Method #4: Using Lemon And Vinegar
The combination of lemon juice and vinegar is acidic enough to break down the the most oily in fingerprints, making them easy to wipe away. This presents one of the best alternative for removing tough fingerprints, streaks, and smudge from quartz.
Not only does this solution clean those pesky smudges and fingerprints but it will also leave your quartz shining and smelling great. Here’s how to use this method:
Things You’ll Need:
- Water
- Lemon juice
- White vinegar
- Spray Bottle
- Dry Clean Lint-free cloth or Rag
Step 1:
- Start by cutting up your lemons and squeezing 3 tablespoonful of lemon juice into a spray bottle.
Step 2:
- Next, fill up the spray bottle with white vinegar and top it up with some water.
- You can also mix equal parts water and the white vinegar.
- Gently shake the spray bottle so that all the solution mix up together.
Step 3:
- Now, all you have to do is spray the solution on your quartz and let it sit for about 30 seconds.
- Wipe it off with a dry cloth or paper towel.
- Repeat this process until all the fingerprints and smudges are gone.
- Lemon juice is also a great natural disinfect
Method #5: Using Damp Microfiber Cloth
If you have fingerprints and smudges that are not too bad, you can try using a damp microfiber cloth to clean it off. This works best on light fingerprints or smudges that have not had a lot of time to set in.
It is always best to try this method first before going ahead with any product or solution. As the saying goes, simplicity is key. To use this method here are the steps you need to follow.
Things You’ll Need:
- Water
- Damp Microfiber Cloth or Rag
Step 1:
- Start by wetting your microfiber cloth with some water.
- You can use water if you suspect the fingerprints might be greasy (which actually is most of the time)
Step 2:
- Gently wipe away the fingerprints in a circular motion.
- You need to use a little bit of elbow grease to remove the fingerprints.
- Wipe the area dry with a clean part of the cloth or a separate microfiber cloth.
Step 3:
- Repeat the process until all the fingerprints are gone.
- If you see that the fingerprints are not budging, you can try using any of the above solutions.
Method #6: Using A Dry Microfiber Cloth
Last but not the least, onto an even more simpler approach, you can try using a dry microfiber cloth. This is the most gentle method and will not damage your quartz in any way.
This is a great method to use if you are worried about using any kind of solution or product on your quartz.
Things You’ll Need:
- Dry Microfiber Cloth or Rag
Steps 1:
- Gently rub the dry microfiber cloth in a circular motion on the fingerprints or smudges.
- Use a little bit of elbow grease to remove the fingerprints.
- You might need to go over the area a few times for the best results.
Step 2:
- Buff the area dry with another clean microfiber cloth.
- And that’s it! Your quartz should now be fingerprint and smudge-free.
Tips On How To Prevent Fingerprints On Quartz
Now that you know how to remove fingerprints on quartz, here are a few tips to help prevent them from happening again.
- Darker and shinier countertops will attract or show fingerprints more visibly.
- So if you’re easily bothered by fingerprint marks, streaks, and smudges, you might want to consider a lighter colored quartz for your countertops.
- Another great tip is to use a matte finish instead of a glossy or shiny finish.
- This will help to reduce the appearance of fingerprints, smudges, and streaks.
- You can also try using a spray-on sealer to help protect your quartz countertops from stains and fingerprints.
- Sealers will also make it easier to clean up any messes and spills.
- Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the sealer properly.
- There are also fingerprint-resistant quartz options in the market.
- These are usually available in a honed or matte finish and can help to reduce the appearance of fingerprints, smudges, and streaks.
- If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, this might be the best choice for you.
- Be sure to ask your quartz supplier or manufacturer about this option.
Wrapping It Up
Fingerprints and smudges on quartz countertops can be a pain to deal with. But with the right know-how and products, you can easily get rid of them. Just remember to be gentle with your quartz and carefully follow our instructions on how to clean and remove fingerprints from quartz.
Do you have any tips or tricks on how to deal with fingerprints on quartz? We’d love to hear from you so please share them with us in the comments below!