Quartz, Ammonia, Windex & Dawn

12 years ago

I have Caesarstone counters. I was told NOT to use Windex on them. I don't know that it would have been what I'd have reached for when cleaning my counters, but I put it on the Do Not Use list.

All I've ever used to clean my counters is water with just a wee bit of Dawn, like a tsp. or so per pint. Works okay.

Now I learn that Dawn contains ammonia, presumably the ingredient of Windex that dooms it as a quartz cleaner.

Soon I'll be getting a carrara vanity counter. I'm wondering if Dawn + water isn't a good idea for that.

What should my daily cleaner be for quartz and carrara?

Featured Answer

sjhockeyfan325

12 years ago

I use Windex Multi-Purpose with Vinegar (no ammonia) on my Ceasarstone counters (ph between 9.5 and 10.5). Use it every day.

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Comments (6)

Lynnski48
12 years ago
I have Silestone which I assume is very similar to Caesarstone. Their website recommends "409, Fantastic, Lysol or Windex". I use Windex on my counters all the time. Works great!
Bunny
Original Author
12 years ago
I just looked at the Caesarstone site for info about cleaners. They did not say to avoid Windex or Dawn, but said cleaners used should have a pH between 5 and 8. [Disclaimer: I am science-challenged.] Googled pH of Dawn and it's 9, so a little out of the desirable range. But it's very diluted so maybe that's okay. My counters are in great shape, polished finish like Day 1. It sounds like Windex has a 10+ pH.
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Bunny
Original Author
12 years ago
sj, good to know. The water + Dawn is great for my painted cabinets, but I've always thought my counters could use something with a little more strength, KWIM?

What do you think about Method All-Purpose? I love the pink grapefruit smell. I would NOT use it on my new marble because of the citrus component.
Dennis Luebbert
5 years ago
I was told a mixture of 50% r/o purified water and 50% vodka (yes, Vodka) was a good sanitizer and cleaner for granite. Anyone ever heard of that? Does anyone know if that will work on Quartz and Quartzite? I have all new quartz in kitchen, master bath and laundry/utility room and all new Taj Mahal Quartzite in guest bath. I don't want to do the wrong thing. I am chemistry challenged so how do I find the ph of these various cleaners?
Dennis Luebbert
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Also, I've heard that Pine-Sol can be used safely on granite. True or False? If True, does anyone know if it can be used on Quartzite? Thank for your help.