Keeping our homes germ-free has become more important with everything going on. The kitchen is one area that tends to harbor lots of bacteria, especially heavily used surfaces like countertops. Quartz countertops may look beautiful, but they can easily become breeding grounds for potentially harmful pathogens if not cleaned properly.
The good news is, with just 3 simple steps, you can easily disinfect your quartz countertops and keep your kitchen safe and sanitized. In this post, we’ll walk through the complete process step-by-step so you can feel confident knowing exactly what to do.
Step 1: Deep Clean the Surface
Before disinfecting, it’s crucial to start with a deep clean of the entire quartz surface. This removes any built-up grime, oils, food particles, and other debris that could prevent disinfectants from working effectively. Here’s how to give your countertops a thorough pre-disinfecting scrubdown.
Why Deep Cleaning is Important Before Disinfecting
If you just wipe down your quartz with a cleaning cloth, you may remove surface-level dirt and dust. But often, oils, food residue, and other grime can become embedded in the porous areas of the stone. These substances not only harbor germs, but they also create a barrier preventing disinfectants from penetrating fully. That’s why a deep scrub is so important prior to disinfecting.
By using a bit of elbow grease, you can loosen and lift built-up debris from the microscopic pores and crevices of the quartz. This allows the disinfectant full access to penetrate every spot on the surface. You’ll also rinse away any cleaning agents afterward, ensuring there are no residues left behind that could interfere with disinfection.
Supplies Needed
For an effective deep clean, you just need a few simple supplies:
- A soft sponge or brush – Avoid anything too abrasive that could scratch your quartz.
- Warm water – Helps dissolve and lift grease and oils.
- Dish soap or other gentle cleaning agent – Look for a formula safe for stone.
Instructions
Follow these steps for cleaning quartz countertops prior to disinfection:
- Fill a bowl or sink with warm water. Add a small squirt of dish soap or stone-safe cleaning solution and mix to form suds.
- Dip your sponge or soft brush into the warm soapy water. Wring out excess liquid.
- Thoroughly scrub the entire surface of the quartz, applying moderate pressure. Focus on areas prone to buildup like around the sink and stove.
- Ensure you scrub all crevices, edges, and corners to lift grime. Use a toothbrush for hard to reach spots if needed.
- Rinse away all suds and residue with clean water, either wiping with a damp cloth or using a spray nozzle.
- Dry completely with a clean towel.
Take your time with this pre-cleaning step–a little extra elbow grease will pay off! Your goal is to remove any barrier between the disinfectant and the quartz so it can work most effectively.
Step 2: Apply Disinfectant
Once your countertops are deep cleaned, it’s time to apply a disinfectant. For quartz surfaces, alcohol-based disinfectants are highly recommended.
About Disinfectants for Quartz Surfaces
Not all disinfectants are created equal when it comes to quartz countertops. Here are some pointers for choosing the right one:
- Look for a 70%+ alcohol-based formula , ideally with either isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol as the active ingredient. These efficiently kill germs and viruses without damaging quartz.
- Avoid bleach or hydrogen peroxide . These can etch or discolor quartz over time.
- Stay away from heavily fragranced options, as these can leave residue. Fragrance-free is best .
- Ensure any disinfectant you choose is specifically labeled as safe for quartz/stone surfaces .
Isopropyl alcohol is found in most standard disinfecting wipes and sprays. It offers powerful antibacterial properties without harsh chemicals. Just be sure to check the percentage of alcohol is 70% or above for maximum effectiveness.
How to Apply
Once you’ve chosen the right disinfectant for your quartz countertops, application is easy. Here are some tips:
- Spray or wipe disinfectant liberally over the entire surface , ensuring no area is missed.
- Pay extra attention to high touch points like around the sink, stove, and edges.
- Allow the disinfectant to sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping–this dwell time lets it fully kill bacteria and viruses.
- Reapply as needed to keep the surface visibly wet, especially if wiping a vertical area where liquid can run off.
Take care not to let the disinfectant pool anywhere, as this can damage sealants over time. But ensuring every spot stays wet for the full contact time is crucial.
Safety Tips
When working with potentially hazardous germs and chemicals, protection is key:
- Open windows for good ventilation when disinfecting.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use eye protection like goggles to avoid irritation if spraying overhead.
- Wear a face mask rated for chemical use.
Take proper safety precautions, but avoid overusing protective gear that could lead to waste. And be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after disinfecting.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
After the recommended 10+ minute contact time, your quartz countertops are disinfected and ready to use again. But first, an important final rinse and dry step remains.
Why Rinsing is Important
While disinfectants work their magic killing germs, they also leave behind a chemical residue on your quartz. Here’s why a thorough rinse is crucial:
- It removes any lingering disinfectant that could build up over time.
- Rinsing neutralizes the surface and restores proper pH.
- Any left-behind residue can continually kill beneficial bacteria needed on surfaces.
- Residual chemicals can potentially cause harm if ingested.
Without rinsing, you may notice a sticky film developing or strange smells from the buildup of disinfectant chemicals. Avoid this by washing them away completely.
Rinsing Instructions
Follow these steps to safely rinse away disinfectant residue:
- Wipe down the quartz surface thoroughly with a clean, damp towel to remove excess liquid disinfectant.
- Spray or wipe the countertops with clean water, then wipe again with a dry towel.
- Repeat the rinse cycle until no disinfectant scent remains.
- Wipe away all remaining moisture with a dry towel.
Be sure to use clean towels for the final drying step–any bacteria lingering on a dirty towel could be reintroduced to the surface. And avoid using the same towel for both wiping up disinfectant and drying.
Allow Surface to Completely Air Dry
After thoroughly rinsing and wiping your quartz countertops, an important last step is allowing adequate drying time. Here’s why:
- Any lingering moisture can encourage bacterial growth.
- Trapped moisture allows germs to thrive in microscopic quartz pores.
- Water spots or streaks can form as excess water evaporates.
- Quartz can absorb standing water , leading to permanent damage.
Be sure no damp spots remain before using the surface again. It’s better to wait and let your countertops completely air dry rather than wiping down excess water. Patience pays off!
Disinfecting your quartz countertops doesn’t require heavy-duty cleaners or a ton of effort–just follow these 3 easy steps:
- Deep clean the surface
- Apply disinfectant and let sit
- Rinse and dry completely
Try to make disinfecting a part of your regular cleaning routine, especially for kitchen and bathroom quartz. With just 10 minutes a day, you can keep your home safe from the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Besides countertops, don’t forget to also regularly disinfect other high-touch quartz areas like vanities, dining tables, and more using these same simple steps. With the proper supplies and techniques, you can keep your beautiful quartz surfaces sparkling clean and germ-free.
We hope these tips give you confidence to tackle disinfecting your quartz countertops like a pro. Let us know if you have any other questions as you keep your home safe and clean!
