When it comes to keeping your kitchen spotless, reaching for your favourite cleaning product is often second nature. However, if you’ve recently invested in beautiful quartz worktops — or if you’re considering a quartz overlay or a wooden worktop overlay — it’s crucial to understand how best to care for them. Using the wrong type of cleaner can not only dull their shine but also cause long-term damage that may not be repairable.
For homeowners in Bournemouth who have chosen quartz for its durability and elegance, knowing what not to use is just as important as knowing what works. This guide will walk you through the common cleaning mistakes made with quartz, the products to avoid, and what to use instead — helping you maintain the look and longevity of your kitchen worktops.
Learn MoreQuartz is a favourite among homeowners and kitchen designers alike because of its sleek appearance, long lifespan, and low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural stone surfaces, quartz worktops are non-porous, meaning they are resistant to stains, bacteria, and moisture. This is achieved by combining natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments that form a strong, sealed surface.
However, this resin component also makes quartz more vulnerable to certain chemicals. While the material is highly durable under normal use, harsh cleaners can react with the resins, breaking them down and causing irreversible damage such as staining, discolouration, or loss of surface shine. That’s why using the correct products is vital — especially for quartz overlay installations, which are often applied over existing surfaces and require careful handling.
Get in TouchMany of the cleaning mistakes that damage quartz surfaces are made with the best intentions. For example, someone might use a bleach and water solution to disinfect the area around a sink, not realising that even diluted bleach can still harm the surface. Others may try to remove hard water stains with vinegar or lemon juice, only to notice cloudiness appearing after repeated use.
Using a rough sponge on a small food stain may seem harmless at first, but this can leave behind scratches that catch light and become more obvious over time. These common errors can be avoided by understanding the impact of each cleaning method on your specific worktop material — especially when dealing with a quartz overlay or a wooden worktop overlay that features a quartz surface.
Contact Our TeamTo make things easier, here’s a quick-reference guide comparing the best practices with what should be avoided:
| Recommended Practices | Practices to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use soft cloths or microfibre towels | Avoid scouring pads, rough sponges, or steel wool |
| Clean with mild dish soap and warm water | Don’t use bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals |
| Wipe up spills as soon as they occur | Avoid letting spills sit for prolonged periods |
| Use pH-neutral or specialist quartz cleaners | Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice |
| Dry surfaces after cleaning to avoid streaks | Don’t allow moisture to pool or air-dry naturally |
These simple do’s and don’ts can go a long way in preserving the look and feel of your kitchen worktops.
Get in Touch TodayThe good news is that maintaining quartz worktops doesn’t require specialised or expensive cleaning solutions. For day-to-day cleaning, a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap is more than sufficient. Simply wipe down the surface with a soft cloth, rinse with clean water, and dry with a towel to prevent streaks.
There are also several pH-neutral surface cleaners on the market that are safe for quartz. Brands such as Ecover or Method produce eco-friendly options that are gentle yet effective. Additionally, there are purpose-made quartz surface cleaners that help maintain the natural gloss without degrading the resin.
For disinfecting purposes, isopropyl alcohol diluted with water can be used occasionally — but it should not become a routine cleaning method. Always rinse thoroughly after use and dry the surface completely.
If your kitchen features a quartz overlay, or a wooden worktop overlay with quartz accents, the same care instructions apply. Quartz overlays are bonded directly over existing surfaces, which means the structural integrity relies heavily on the adhesion and resin layers. Using harsh cleaners can interfere with these layers and reduce the lifespan of the overlay.
For this reason, avoid flooding the surface with any liquid cleaner. Use small amounts and wipe promptly to avoid excess moisture penetrating into any seams or edges. Wooden overlays may also include materials sensitive to chemicals, so always treat the surface gently and avoid cleaners that can cause drying or warping.
Your kitchen worktop isn’t just a surface — it’s a centrepiece. Whether you’ve chosen a full quartz worktop, a quartz overlay, or a bespoke wooden worktop overlay, keeping it in prime condition is all about smart maintenance. Avoiding the wrong cleaners can add years to your surface and help it retain that fresh, polished appearance.
For homeowners in Bournemouth, where stylish kitchen upgrades are becoming increasingly popular, quartz worktops offer a practical and beautiful solution. With just a bit of knowledge and care, you can keep yours looking its best for many years to come.
Get in TouchAt Vision Worksurfaces, we understand that every kitchen is unique — and so is every worktop. If you’re unsure about how to care for your surface, or if you’re exploring options like quartz overlays, wooden worktop overlays, or full kitchen worktop installations in Bournemouth, we’re always here to help.
Whether you’re just looking for advice or ready to make your next kitchen improvement, feel free to get in touch. We’ll guide you through the best solutions tailored to your home and lifestyle — so your surfaces always shine.
