How to Polish a Quartz Countertop to Make it Shine

Quartz countertops are a smart decision for a kitchen not only because the mineral is so abundant, but also due to their natural ease of maintenance. Quartz is a naturally hard and scratch-resistant material which makes it ideal for a kitchen surface, where so many items of different temperatures are being set, cut, and dragged across.

Even better, quartz is a non-porous material, so there is no worry of bacteria being harbored beneath the surface or of stains causing permanent marks. The only problem people can have is keeping quartz looking lustrous with frequent use.

Step 1 - Clean the Countertop

Using warm, soapy water, scrub down the countertop completely. Do not worry about scratching or harming the surface as quartz is not a fussy or delicate material; however, abrasive pads should still be avoided.

Though they may not scratch the quartz, abrasive scrubbers can often leave streaking in the polish, as well as residue, behind. For particularly stubborn areas, apply a small amount of vinegar to the spot and leave a wet rag sitting on top for several minutes to loosen gunk.

Do not use oil-based soaps for this. Dulling of the shine occurs because of residue left behind on the countertop. Oil-based soaps are often used on porous surfaces because they are designed to soak in, not to be completely removed. Standard dish soap is best.

Step 2 - Thoroughly Rinse

Using the spray bottle, liberally soak the countertop with water, being sure to really get it wet. Most streaking also comes from soap or food residue left on the surface. Due to quartz being non-porous, nothing becomes absorbed into the countertop, and this can leave a film on the surface which is not experienced with other materials.

Use a sponge to scrub the quartz, and wipe the water off with a clean, dry cloth. There should be no streaks when it's thoroughly dried.

Some people have good experience using a squeegee, though practice is needed to achieve a streak-free shine or for use on large surfaces.

Step 3 - Spray Window Cleaner

One of the great qualities about window cleaners is their grease-cutting powers. In a kitchen especially, a lot of grease gets dispersed through the air when cooking and can settle on surfaces, creating a gunky film. To remove cooking film from the quartz, spray the space with window cleaner.

Do not over-spray; less is more in this instance. Another application can be applied, but it is hard to completely take off excess window cleaner. Wipe the counter down with a soft cloth moving from left to right, top to bottom.

If lint is a problem, use a paper towel instead. The window cleaner should dry quickly leaving a streak-free, shiny countertop. Many chemical-free, natural, or organic window cleaners are available if you have chemical contamination concerns.

Step 4 - Avoid Using More Polish

Quartz countertops are polished within the manufacturing company, using a sealing surface polish. Further polish added to the top will only create excess buildup which will further the dull look.