Quartz Countertop Care: What Not to Do
Short answer: quartz is one of the lowest-maintenance countertops made — it never needs sealing and wipes clean with mild soap and water — so caring for it is mostly about avoiding a short list of mistakes. Don’t set hot pans directly on it (heat is quartz’s one real weakness and can scorch the resin), don’t cut directly on the surface, don’t use harsh or abrasive cleaners like bleach, ammonia, oven cleaner, or scouring pads, don’t try to seal it (it’s non-porous, so sealer can haze), and don’t use it outdoors or in direct sun, which can fade the color. Do those few things — trivets, a cutting board, gentle cleaners — and quartz stays looking new for decades. Here’s exactly what to avoid, and what to do instead.
By Leo Chuahy · Prime Surfaces — founder; we fabricate and install quartz, natural stone & large-format porcelain
First, what quartz actually is
Engineered quartz is roughly 90% ground natural quartz bound with resins and pigments. That resin is what makes quartz non-porous, consistent in color, and maintenance-free — no sealing, strong stain resistance, easy cleanup. But the resin is also the key to its care: it’s sensitive to heat and to harsh chemicals. Understand that one fact and every “what not to do” below makes sense. If you’re still deciding between materials, our quartz vs. quartzite guide covers how it compares to natural stone.
Don’t put hot pans directly on quartz
This is the big one. A pot or pan straight off the burner, a crockpot, an air fryer, a baking sheet, even hot styling tools in a bathroom — set any of them directly on quartz and the heat can scorch, yellow, discolor, or crack the resin, and a sudden temperature change can cause thermal shock. Always use a trivet or hot pad. Heat damage is permanent and is excluded from most quartz warranties, so treat trivets as a no-exceptions habit. If your household cooks hard and sets pans down without thinking, large-format porcelain handles heat far better.
Don’t cut directly on the surface
Quartz is hard and scratch-resistant, but it’s not scratch-proof. A ceramic or very hard blade, or grit caught under a knife, can leave marks — and cutting directly dulls your knives fast and voids most warranties. Always use a cutting board. It protects the counter, keeps your edges sharp, and keeps your warranty intact. It’s the cheapest insurance in the kitchen.
Don’t use harsh or abrasive cleaners
Skip bleach, ammonia, oven and drain cleaners, and strongly acidic or high-alkaline products, along with abrasive powders and rough scouring pads. Over time these can dull the finish and break down the resin binder. You don’t need anything aggressive anyway — quartz is non-porous, so dirt sits on top and lifts easily. For everyday cleaning, use warm water with a little mild dish soap, or a cleaner labeled safe for quartz, on a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge. For dried-on messes, let warm soapy water soak the spot briefly, then wipe — don’t scour.
Don’t try to seal it
Natural stone gets sealed; quartz does not. Because it’s non-porous, there’s nothing for a sealer to penetrate — applying one can leave a hazy film that’s a nuisance to remove. If a salesperson or cleaner tells you to seal your quartz, that’s a sign to ask questions. The only surfaces that need sealing are porous natural stones; our guide on whether your stone needs sealing explains which ones and how often.
Don’t put quartz outdoors or in direct sun
Quartz is an indoor-only material. Prolonged direct sunlight can fade or discolor many quartz colors and, over time, weaken the resin, which is why most warranties exclude outdoor use. Even a counter under a bright, sun-drenched window can be affected, so keep that in mind for placement. Planning an outdoor kitchen, a pool bar, or a sunroom? That’s porcelain territory — it’s UV-stable and built for the outdoors.
Don’t let these household chemicals linger
A handful of common products can stain or dull quartz or attack the resin: nail polish remover (acetone), paint thinners and removers, permanent markers, bleach, oven and drain cleaners, and harsh degreasers. If any of them reach the surface, wipe them off promptly with soap and water rather than letting them sit. In bathrooms, watch for hair dye, cosmetics, and strong cleaning sprays. The simple rule: if a product comes with a warning for skin or other surfaces, keep it off the quartz or clean it up right away.
What to do instead — everyday quartz care
The good news is the “do” list is short and easy. Clean with mild soap and water or a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Use trivets under anything hot, every time. Cut on a board. Blot spills as they happen — though with non-porous quartz you have plenty of time. That’s genuinely it. For the full routine across every surface right after an install, see our countertop care guide. Treat quartz well on these few points and it will look brand new for the life of your kitchen.
FAQ
Can you put a hot pan on a quartz countertop?
No — always use a trivet or hot pad. This is quartz's single biggest weakness. The material is about 90% ground quartz bound with resin, and that resin is heat-sensitive: a pot or pan straight off the burner can scorch, yellow, discolor, or even crack the surface, and thermal shock from a sudden temperature change can leave a permanent mark. Crockpots, air fryers, hot styling tools, and baking sheets count too. Heat damage is not covered by most quartz warranties, so make trivets a no-exceptions habit. If you routinely set hot cookware down without thinking, porcelain handles heat far better.
Can you cut directly on quartz countertops?
No — always use a cutting board. Quartz is hard and scratch-resistant, but it isn't scratch-proof: a ceramic or very hard blade, or grit trapped under a knife, can leave marks, and cutting directly will dull your knives quickly. Cutting on the surface also voids most manufacturer warranties. A board protects the countertop, keeps your knives sharp, and keeps your warranty intact. It's the easiest good habit to build.
What cleaners should you never use on quartz?
Avoid anything harsh or abrasive. Skip bleach, ammonia, oven and drain cleaners, and high-alkaline or strongly acidic cleaners, as well as abrasive powders and rough scouring pads — all can dull the finish or break down the resin over time. Also avoid permanent-marker and solvent-heavy products near the surface. For everyday cleaning, warm water with a little mild dish soap, or a cleaner labeled safe for quartz, on a soft cloth is all you need. When in doubt, mild soap and water is always safe.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No, and you shouldn't try. Engineered quartz is non-porous because the resin binder already makes it impervious to liquids, so there's nothing for a sealer to penetrate. Applying a stone sealer to quartz can actually leave a hazy film. If someone tells you to seal your quartz, treat it as a red flag. The only countertops that need sealing are porous natural stones like marble, granite, and quartzite.
Can quartz countertops go outdoors or in direct sunlight?
No — quartz is an indoor-only material. Prolonged direct sunlight can fade or discolor many quartz colors and, over time, weaken the resin binder, and most quartz warranties specifically exclude outdoor use. A counter under a bright, sun-drenched window can be affected too, so factor that into placement. If you want a surface for an outdoor kitchen, a sunroom, or anywhere with strong direct sun, large-format porcelain is the right choice — it's UV-stable and made for exterior use.
What household products can damage quartz?
A few common ones. Nail polish remover (acetone), paint thinners and removers, permanent markers, bleach, oven and drain cleaners, and harsh degreasers can all stain or dull quartz or attack the resin. If any of these contact the surface, wipe them off quickly with soap and water. Cosmetics, hair dye, and strong cleaning chemicals are the usual culprits in bathrooms. The rule of thumb: if a product is harsh enough to warn you about on skin or other surfaces, keep it off your quartz or wipe it up immediately.
How do you get a stain off a quartz countertop?
Because quartz is non-porous, most 'stains' are really surface residue and come off easily. Start with warm water and mild dish soap on a soft cloth. For dried-on grime, let warm soapy water soak the spot briefly, then wipe — don't scour. A non-abrasive surface cleaner safe for quartz handles tougher marks, and a plastic scraper can lift dried food or candle wax. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals, which can do more harm than the mark. If something truly won't budge, contact us before reaching for a strong solvent.
Is quartz really low-maintenance?
Yes — it's one of the lowest-maintenance countertops made. It never needs sealing, resists stains, and wipes clean with mild soap and water. The care really comes down to avoiding its two weak points: heat and abuse. Use trivets under anything hot, cut on a board, skip harsh chemicals, and keep it out of direct sun. Do that, and quartz stays looking new for decades with almost no effort.
Thinking about quartz — or caring for the quartz you have?
Send us your project and we’ll help you choose the right surface for how you actually live — and tell you honestly when quartz is, or isn’t, the best fit.