When it comes to disinfectants, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. People are often unsure about what is safe to use on their countertops, and what will damage them.
In this article, we will dispel some of the myths about disinfectants and provide you with information about which ones are safe for quartz countertops.
Common Myths About Disinfecting Countertops
One of the most common myths about disinfectants is that they are all equally effective. This is simply not true. There are a variety of different types of disinfectants, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Some disinfectants are more effective against certain types of bacteria than others. For example, quaternary ammonium compounds are more effective against gram-positive bacteria, while iodine is more effective against gram-negative bacteria.
Another myth about disinfectants is that they are all toxic. This is also not true. Some disinfectants, such as ethanol and hydrogen peroxide, are actually considered to be safe for human use.
However, there are some disinfectants that should be used with caution, such as bleach. Bleach is a strong oxidizing agent and can cause damage to your countertops if not used properly.
So, what disinfectant is safe for quartz countertops? The answer is any disinfectant that is safe for human use and does not contain bleach. You can use mild dish soap, rubbing alcohol, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds to disinfect your quartz countertops. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label and use caution when handling any disinfectant.
But without a doubt, the best disinfectant that is completely safe and will not damage your quartz countertops is using a quartz countertop disinfectant. These products are specially formulated to be gentle on quartz surfaces and will not cause any damage.
Disinfectants That Are Safe For Quartz Countertops
Now let’s take a detailed look at the disinfectants that are safe for quartz countertops.
1. Quartz Countertop Disinfectants
One of the safest and most effective ways to disinfect your quartz countertop is to use a quartz countertop disinfectant. These are store-bought products you can purchase that are specifically designed for disinfecting quartz countertops.
One of the most popular brands is Weiman Disinfectant Granite Daily Clean & Shine. This product is safe to use on all types of natural stone and engineered countertops like quartz.
To use, simply follow the instructions on the label. Usually, you will need to spray the disinfectant on the countertop and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
Quartz Countertop Disinfectants are a great option because they are specifically designed for quartz countertops and are safe to use.
2. Mild Dish Soap
Mild dish soap is a gentle surfactant that can be used to disinfect your quartz countertops. Mild dish soaps are made of ingredients that are safe for human use and will not damage your countertops.
You will be able to use any good mild dish soap to get rid of germs, viruses, bacteria, and other different kinds of pathogens. Mild dish soap becomes an even more potent disinfectant when combined with hot water.
The enzymes in mild dish soap will break down the cell walls of bacteria and other pathogens, which will kill them. You can use mild dish soap to disinfect your countertops by either spraying it on or wiping it on with a cloth. To disinfect your quartz countertops with mild dish soap;
- Step One: Fill up your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. You can also add a small amount of soap to a bucket of warm water and mix it well.
- Step Two: Then, dampen a clean cloth in the soapy water and wipe down your quartz countertops.
- Step Three: Once you’re done, be sure to rinse off your countertops with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Step Four: Wipe down your quartz countertop surface with a clean dry cloth.
- Repeat this process as often as necessary to keep your quartz countertops clean and disinfected.
You can also use mild dish soap to clean other areas of your home, such as your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub.
3. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another effective disinfectant that is safe for use on quartz countertops. Rubbing alcohol is a good disinfectant for two reasons: First, it is able to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses.
Second, it is a contact disinfectant, which means that it kills germs on contact. This makes it an ideal choice for disinfecting quartz countertops. While rubbing alcohol is effective at killing bacteria, it is not very effective at killing mold or mildew.
If you have a quartz countertop that is affected by mold or mildew, you will need to use a different disinfectant. Bleach is the most effective disinfectant for mold and mildew. However, bleach is not safe for use on quartz countertops.
- Step One: To use rubbing alcohol to disinfect your quartz countertop, you will need to use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
- You can either purchase a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution from the store, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.
- Step Two: Once you have your 70% isopropyl alcohol solution, simply apply it to a clean rag and wipe down your quartz countertop.
- Make sure to cover the entire surface of the countertop, paying special attention to any areas that look dirty or are known to be breeding grounds for bacteria (such as the sink).
- Step Three: Rubbing alcohol is fast drying so wipe the countertop surface with a clean dry cloth and allow the rubbing alcohol to air dry on the quartz countertop.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is another common household cleaning product that can be used to clean and disinfect your quartz countertops. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will kill any bacteria or viruses on your countertops.
Vinegar can also kill different kinds of mold and mildew. You can make an even more potent disinfectant with vinegar by adding a few drops of mild dish soap to a cup of vinegar.
On top of that, vinegar can also remove odors and stains from your countertops. To clean and disinfect your quartz countertops with vinegar;
- Step One: Make a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Step Two: Spray the solution on your countertops and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Step Three: Wipe the countertops down with a clean, damp cloth.
- Step Four: Dry the countertops with a clean, dry towel.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great choice for disinfecting quartz countertops. It’s effective against bacteria, viruses, and mold. Plus, it’s gentle enough that it won’t damage your countertop.
All of this is possible because it is made up of water and oxygen. What hydrogen peroxide does is release the oxygen, which then attacks the cell walls of bacteria and viruses. To use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your quartz countertop;
- Step One: Simply pour one part of hydrogen peroxide into two parts of distilled water in a spray bottle.
- Step Two: Spritz the solution onto the surface of your countertop.
- Step Three: Wipe the area with a clean cloth.
- Step Four: Allow the solution to sit on the surface for at least one minute so that it can work its disinfecting magic.
- Step Five: Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel.
You can also find hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners at your local grocery store. If you go this route, simply follow the instructions on the bottle.
6. Ethanol
Most people confuse ethanol with rubbing alcohol, but they are not the same thing. Rubbing alcohol and ethanol are similar but they are different in terms of their chemical structure.
However. both rubbing alcohol and ethanol are great disinfectants for quartz countertops. Ethanol is a natural disinfectant and will kill any bacteria or viruses on your countertops. To use ethanol to disinfect your quartz countertop;
- Step One: Make a 50/50 mixture of ethanol and water in a spray bottle.
- Step Two: Spray the mixture onto your countertop and let it sit for at least 30 seconds.
- Step Three: Wipe the countertop down with a clean cloth.
You can also use 70% ethanol if you can’t find 50% ethanol. 70% ethanol will work just as well to disinfect your quartz countertop.
Just make sure you don’t use 100% ethanol because it can be too harsh on your countertop and damage the surface.
What Disinfectants Are NOT Safe For Quartz Countertops
Before we wrap up, we want to quickly go over what disinfectants you should NOT use on quartz countertops.
- Bleach
First and foremost, you should never use bleach on quartz countertops. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage the surface of your countertop beyond repair. If you accidentally spill bleach on your quartz countertop, make sure to clean it up immediately. If you must use bleach, make sure it is properly diluted.
You can check out an article I wrote earlier on the pros and cons of using bleach on quartz countertops. There are a lot of products that also contain bleach like Lysol and Clorox that you should be careful of as well.
- Ammonia
Another cleaning product you should avoid using on quartz countertops is ammonia. Like bleach, ammonia is a harsh chemical that can damage your countertop. It is made up of nitrogen, hydrogen, and water.
Ammonia is a great cleaning product but it should not be used on quartz countertops. If you accidentally spill ammonia on your quartz countertop, make sure to clean it up immediately.
These may often come in the form of nail polish removers, glass cleaners, and oven cleaners. If a product contains bleach or ammonia, take precautions or make sure to avoid using it on your quartz countertop.
Important Tips When Disinfecting Your Quartz Countertops
- Use hot water when using dish soap to disinfect your countertops.
- It is important to sanitize or wash your sponges and cleaning cloths after each use.
- When using any kind of disinfectant, always follow the instructions on the label.
- Be sure to rinse off your countertops after using any kind of disinfectant.
- Do not use bleach to clean or disinfect your quartz countertops. Bleach can damage them.
- Always wash your hands after you’re done doing the dishes.
Final Thoughts
Now you know six different disinfectants that are safe to use on your quartz countertops. Each of these disinfectants has its own unique benefits, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs. Using a quartz countertop disinfectant or mild dish soap will help you keep your countertops clean and bacteria-free.
Vinegar is a great choice if you’re looking for a natural and gentle disinfectant, while hydrogen peroxide is perfect for those who are looking for an effective and powerful disinfectant.
Thanks for sticking around and if you found any value in this article, I will urge you to share it with a friend or family member who might need it. As always, stay safe and healthy!
FAQs
Q: Can I use Lysol wipes on my quartz countertop?
A: If the Lysol wipes are bleach-free and safe for non-porous surfaces, then yes you can use them on your quartz countertop. But generally, you want to use mild dish soap or a natural stone cleaner to clean your countertop.
Q: What is the best way to clean my quartz countertop?
A: The best way to clean your quartz countertop is with mild dish soap and hot water. You can also use any of the disinfectants we listed in this article. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and rinse off your countertop after using any kind of disinfectant.
Q: How often should I clean my quartz countertop?
A: You should clean your quartz countertop at least once a week. But if you use it more often, you may want to clean it more often. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and rinse off your countertop after using any kind of disinfectant.
Q: How often should You disinfect your quartz countertop?
A: You should disinfect your quartz countertop every time you clean it. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and rinse off your countertop after using any kind of disinfectant.