Caring for Quartz & Porcelain Surfaces

Engineered stone is lower maintenance than natural stone — but it still needs the right care. Learn exactly what works and what can permanently damage your quartz or porcelain.

Quartz care is simple once you know the basics. Engineered quartz is one of the most low-maintenance countertop surfaces available — it never needs sealing, resists stains, and wipes clean with everyday household products. Still, a few smart habits go a long way toward keeping your quartz looking flawless for decades. This guide walks you through the daily quartz care routine, what to avoid, and how quartz differs from porcelain and natural stone.

Quartz Care FAQs

Why quartz care is easier than natural stone: Because quartz is engineered with resin binders, it is non-porous. That means liquids like wine, coffee, and oil sit on the surface instead of soaking in, so you rarely deal with permanent staining. Natural stone, by contrast, is porous and needs periodic sealing.

The one thing that damages quartz most: Heat. The resin that makes quartz non-porous can scorch, discolour, or crack when exposed to hot cookware. Always set pots, pans, and hot appliances on a trivet or hot pad — never directly on the surface.

A quick daily quartz care checklist: Wipe spills promptly with mild dish soap and warm water, buff away streaks with a soft microfibre cloth, and reach for isopropyl alcohol on stubborn marks. Skip abrasive pads, high-pH cleaners, and bleach for routine cleaning. Follow these steps and your quartz will keep its showroom shine for years.

When in doubt, always follow the fabricator’s or manufacturer’s written care recommendations, since warranty terms can vary between engineered stone brands. Most manufacturers publish detailed cleaning and maintenance guidance for their surfaces — for broader background on how engineered stone is made and why it behaves the way it does, the engineered stone overview on Wikipedia is a helpful starting point. Pairing that general knowledge with good daily quartz care habits — prompt spill cleanup, trivets under hot items, and gentle pH-neutral cleaners — is the most reliable way to protect your investment and keep your countertops looking their best for many years to come.

No Sealing Required

Quartz is non-porous

Heat Sensitive

Use trivets always

Scratch Resistant

Not scratch proof

UV Sensitive

Avoid direct sunlight outdoors

DAILY CARE

Quartz Cleaning Rules

✅Mild dish soap and water works perfectly for daily cleaning — unlike natural stone
✅Use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge — quartz is resilient but not indestructible
✅Glass cleaner (like Windex) works well for shine and removing fingerprints
✅Isopropyl alcohol can remove stubborn stains like dried paint or nail polish
❌Never use bleach directly — diluted bleach occasionally is okay but avoid regular use
❌Avoid high-pH cleaners (oven cleaners, drain openers) — they break down the resin binders
❌Never put hot pans directly on quartz — the resin can crack at >150°C. Always use trivets.
❌Keep quartz away from prolonged UV exposure — it can cause colour fading outdoors

PORCELAIN CARE

Porcelain — The Toughest Surface

Porcelain is incredibly durable — resistant to heat, scratches, UV, and most chemicals. It’s the best choice for outdoor kitchens and heavy-use areas.

✅Safe to use bleach and strong cleaners — porcelain handles it
✅Heat resistant up to very high temperatures — great for outdoor BBQ areas
✅UV stable — won’t fade or discolour in direct sunlight
✅Simply mop or wipe with any non-abrasive cleaner
❌Avoid abrasive steel wool — can scratch the glazed surface
❌Seal grout lines every 12 months if tiles are grouted

Have Natural Stone Too?

Granite, quartzite and marble need different care — especially sealing. Read our natural stone guide.

ENGINEERED STONE CARE