Caring for Quartzite: How to Clean Quartzite Countertops

From how to clean quartzite countertops to how often to seal quartzite counters, this post makes caring for quartzite countertops easy.

Caring for Quartzite Countertops Made Easy:

Whether you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen sometime soon, or you’re in the market for a new home, chances are good – if you’re a busy parent, like I am – that family-friendly features are top on your list of must-haves. You want a home that’s functional and easy to keep clean. You may also be looking for construction that prioritizes eco-friendly materials.

If this sounds like you, then it’s worth considering quartzite counters for your future kitchen. Quartzite countertops are a great choice for busy families who love beauty as much as durability. But because quartzite kitchen counters are made from natural stone, knowing how to care for them properly is crucial if you want to keep them looking their best. These quartzite countertop cleaning tips and care hacks will keep your quartzite counters at their best for years to come.

 

From how to clean quartzite countertops to how often to seal quartzite counters, this post makes caring for quartzite countertops easy.

This is a collaboration post. However, please know I stand behind everything written here, and only include links to products/services/resources I’m willing to recommend personally.

What Is Quartzite?

First things first: once you know what quartzite IS, the care and cleaning tips I’m about to share will make a lot more sense, because you’ll understand the why behind them. Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure. When you subject sandstone to all that heat and pressure over time, the end result – quartzite – looks similar to marble.

But quartzite is actually a lot more durable than marble, granite, or even concrete. It’s a lot harder, which means it’s less prone to scratching or etching than marble in particular. Plus, it comes in lots of colors and patterns, which makes it popular for kitchen and bathroom counters.

So when it comes to keeping your countertops clean and well-maintained, why should you care that quartzite is a natural stone? Because natural stone countertops need periodic sealing to help them repel stains. Therefore, the first step in keeping your quartzite countertops clean is to make sure you properly seal them.

Sealing Quartzite Countertops

Compared to other natural stones like marble or limestone, quartzite is less porous, which means it absorbs fewer liquids when sealed properly. This makes it more stain-resistant and easier to maintain over time.

But despite how hard and durable it is, the fact that quartzite is natural stone means it can still absorb liquids unless it’s sealed correctly. And since all those liquids we might accidentally spill on our countertops are a key source of stains, sealing your quartzite counters is essential.

How Often Should You Seal Quartzite?

Most quartzite countertops should be sealed once a year, but this varies, based on wear and tear as well as how well you sealed them the last time. A good test of whether it’s time to reseal your quartzite counters is to splash a little water on them. If the surface absorbs the water within 15 minutes, then your quartzite countertops need to be resealed.

How to Seal Quartzite Countertops

  1. Thoroughly wipe down the quartzite counter with mild soap and water and a soft cloth, then dry.
  2. Apply a high-quality stone sealer using a clean, dry cloth.
  3. Let the sealant sit according to the manufacturer’s directions on the packaging.
  4. Wipe off any excess, then let it cure for at least 24 hours.

Proper sealing helps protect against stains from coffee, wine, oils, and even water. Once you’ve sealed your quartzite countertop, cleaning up these and other day-to-day spills will be a breeze.

Quartzite Countertops Care: Daily Cleaning and Care Tips

Regardless of what your kitchen counters are made of, you should be wiping them down at least once a day anyway for general cleanliness and food prep safety. The same is true of quartzite counters. Now that you’ve got your quartzite countertops properly sealed, here are some do’s and don’ts for day-to-day care and cleaning:

DO’s for cleaning quartzite countertops:

  • DO use a soft cloth and mild dish soap plus warm water when wiping down your quartzite countertops.
  • DO clean up any spills promptly. This is especially true for substances that are more likely to stain (like coffee or red wine) or are especially acidic (such as vinegar or lemon juice).
  • DO dry the surface after cleaning, so you don’t end up with water spots.

DON’Ts for cleaning quartzite countertops:

  • DON’T let substances sit for a long time on your quartzite counters, especially if they’re highly acidic (see above). The acids can damage and/or dull the protective sealant coating.
  • DON’T use harsh chemical substances, or substances that are bleach-, vinegar-, or citrus-based, to clean your quartzite countertops. All you really need is a mild dish soap and warm water; harsher substances can damage the sealant and break it down faster, which means more frequent resealing for you.
  • DON’T clean your counters with scrubbing sponges, metal scouring pads, melamine sponges (Magic Erasers), abrasive cleaners, or other materials that could scratch or dull the stone’s appearance.

Sustainable Cleaning Products for Stone Surfaces

If sustainability is important to you, here are some eco-friendly cleaning options that work well for quartzite:

  • Look for non-toxic, biodegradable stone cleaners.
  • Use reusable microfiber cloths instead of paper towels.
  • Make a DIY stone-safe cleaner with water, mild castile soap, and a few drops of essential oil.

These options help reduce your environmental impact while keeping your countertops sparkling clean.

Preventing Scratches and Damage to Quartzite

Even though quartzite is one of the hardest stones available for countertops, it’s still possible to damage it if you don’t treat it properly. A little care and common sense can help keep your quartzite counters looking new for years. In particular,

  • Even though quartzite is hard, always use cutting boards instead of slicing directly on the surface.
  • Despite its durability, don’t drag pots, pans, or appliances across your quartzite counters.
  • While quartzite is more heat resistant than some other countertop materials, using trivets or hot pads under hot pans will keep your quartzite from cracking due to thermal shock.

If you keep these daily care tips in mind, your quartzite will look beautiful for years to come.

How to Remove Stains from Quartzite Countertops

If you follow the sealing tips and daily cleaning tips above, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about serious stains on your quartzite counters. But even sealed quartzite can stain if spills are left for too long. Here’s how to deal with common stains:

  • Oil-Based Stains: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply, cover with plastic wrap, and leave overnight. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Organic Stains (Coffee, Wine, etc.): Use hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia. Let sit – overnight, if needed –  then rinse.
  • Water Stains or Rings: Often these are just mineral deposits and can be gently scrubbed with a soft cloth and mild vinegar solution (vinegar diluted with water); just avoid prolonged exposure.

Always test any cleaning solution on a small area first.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips for Quartzite Counters

Besides regular sealing (again, at least once a year) and cleaning, these long-term habits will keep your quartzite countertops at their best for years to come:

  • Deep-clean monthly using a stone-safe cleaner.
  • Inspect regularly for chips or cracks, and promptly repair any that you find.
  • Reseal your counters at least once a year, or more often as needed depending on use.
  • If staining or damage occurs that’s hard to remove on your own, call a professional before you accidentally damage your counters.

Quartzite is an investment, and learning how to properly care for quartzite countertops can help keep them looking new for decades.

Quartzite Countertops Pros and Cons

Every countertop material comes with its own set of care requirements, and quartzite is no exception. To help you make an informed decision—or to better care for your existing surfaces—let’s explore the pros and cons of quartzite maintenance in more detail.

Pros of Quartzite Countertops:

  1. High Durability and Longevity: Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones available, even harder than granite. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. With proper maintenance, quartzite countertops can last for decades without losing their shine or structural integrity.
  2. Resistant to Heat and Scratches: Because of its dense composition, quartzite is highly resistant to heat and everyday wear and tear. You can place hot pots and pans on it briefly without damaging the surface—though using trivets is still recommended.
  3. Minimal Daily Effort: Daily maintenance is simple and stress-free. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth and mild soap is usually enough to keep the surface clean and vibrant.
  4. Natural Beauty with Unique Patterns: Each quartzite slab is unique, featuring natural veining and patterns that give your kitchen or bathroom a one-of-a-kind look. Maintaining this beauty is relatively easy if you follow the right steps.
  5. Suitable for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use: Quartzite’s strength and UV resistance make it a great candidate for outdoor kitchens or bar areas, provided it’s sealed properly.
  6. Less Porous Than Other Stones:

Cons of Quartzite Countertops:

  1. Requires Regular Sealing: Although quartzite is less porous than some other natural stones, it still requires sealing to prevent staining. This might be seen as an inconvenience, especially for homeowners looking for a more low-maintenance material like quartz (engineered stone).
  2. Can Be Prone to Chips and Cracks: Quartzite is hard but also brittle. This means it can chip or crack if subjected to a hard impact, particularly on edges and corners. Always handle heavy items with care around your quartzite countertops.
  3. Not Immune to Stains or Etching: While quartzite resists stains better than marble, it is not completely immune—especially if not sealed properly. Common kitchen items like red wine, coffee, or tomato sauce can leave behind discoloration if not wiped up quickly.
  4. Cost of Quartzite Countertops: Quartzite countertops cost more upfront than other countertop materials like granite or laminate. Combined with the cost of sealing products or professional sealing services, some may find the investment steep, even though it pays off in durability and elegance.
  5. Professional Maintenance May Be Required: For deeper stains or repair of chips and cracks, you might need to . DIY solutions work well for light cleaning and minor stains, but not all issues can be fixed at home.
  6. Limited Color Availability: Quartzite naturally comes in shades of white, gray, and beige with some variation. If you are looking for bolder or custom colors, quartzite may not offer the flexibility that engineered materials do.
  7. Mislabeling in the Market: Some stones labeled as quartzite may actually be a different material altogether—often dolomitic marble or soft quartzite—which may be more prone to etching and staining. This is why you should only buy from a reputable supplier, and be sure you understand the material you’re getting.

Why Quartzite Countertops Are Worth the Effort

Taking a little time to learn how to maintain quartzite countertops pays off in the long run. You get a surface that is not only beautiful, but also strong and long-lasting. Compared to more delicate surfaces like marble, quartzite offers fewer headaches with relatively little upkeep.

Ready to transform your space? Quartzite might be your perfect match.

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From how to clean quartzite countertops to how often to seal quartzite counters, this post makes caring for quartzite countertops easy.

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Caring for Quartzite: How to Clean Quartzite Countertops

2 thoughts on “Caring for Quartzite: How to Clean Quartzite Countertops”

  1. Quartzite countertops are a game-changer for modern kitchens, blending beauty with durability. However, what often surprises people is how crucial regular sealing is—even though quartzite is less porous than marble or granite. The water test tip is especially practical and easy to overlook. Do most homeowners really reseal annually, though? It seems like a step many skip until stains appear. I’d love to hear how others manage their maintenance routines for natural stone surfaces!

    1. Super Mom Hacks

      I agree – it’s the annual remembering that is the challenging part. But I figure it’s like building any habit – once you link it to another habit that’s already established (checking smoke detector batteries when we change the clocks, getting out the Christmas decorations, whatever), then it’s easier to at least have it on the mental radar.

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