Is Windex Safe For Quartz Countertops? Our Cleaning Expert Weighs In

There's nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes with owning your first high-quality stone countertop. Leaving the world of laminate and entering the realm of beautiful, uniquely patterned countertop materials is a moment dreamt of by renters and homeowners alike. Once you've achieved the goal of owning the quartz countertop of your dreams, it's time to learn how to clean and maintain it to best preserve its magnificence.

Since properly sealed quartz countertops tend to give off a dazzling shine, it comes as no surprise that some owners have taken to cleaning them with Windex. The glass cleaner is, after all, known for providing a spotless sparkle when used to clean mirrors and windows. Is it really the best solution to reach for when it's time to clean your quartz countertop, though? House Digest reached out to cleaning expert Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids, who shared her exclusive take on why — although most likely safe — Windex might not be the ideal solution for this surface. 

The good news for those who have already been using Windex to clean their quartz countertops is that — according to Kathy Cohoon — the original formula isn't likely to cause any damage. "You want to make sure it's the regular Windex," she specified in her exclusively talk with House Digest, "not a fancy specialty formula." The reason you should avoid specialized products? "Those could have additives that might not react well with your quartz," the cleaning pro explained.

Cohoon also recommended checking the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific countertop before choosing a default cleaning solution. "They might have their own preferred cleaning methods to keep your quartz looking pristine," she advised. Original Windex contains ammonia, so you'll want to avoid using it on your countertops — if the manufacturer specifically warns against contact with ammonia-based products. You may also wish to stop using ammonia due to its potential health risks.

If you've already used a specialty version of Windex on your quartz countertops, don't worry — the ramifications are probably less than severe. "Using the wrong type of cleaner could potentially leave a residue or dull the shine of your countertop over time," Cohoon cautioned. Once you know better, you should have plenty of opportunity to change your cleaning habits without sacrificing your quartz.

While it's not a terrible idea to keep using original Windex, if you love the way it makes your quartz countertops look, Kathy Cohoon urged readers to opt for a simpler, gentler solution for everyday cleaning. "Warm, soapy water is usually your best bet for day-to-day cleaning," she advised in her exclusive talk with House Digest. "Just a gentle wipe-down with a soft cloth should do the trick." She did, however, recommend using a stronger cleanser for stubborn stains. "If you're dealing with tougher stains," she revealed, "a mild household cleaner like Windex can help."

If you haven't reached for the Windex to clean your countertops before, Cohoon recommends testing it in a small, inconspicuous area to see how your quartz reacts to it before committing to more widespread use. She also underlined the importance of sealing your quartz countertops on a regular basis to prevent stains from setting in the first place.