Im also in TN and i have the same weeds in my yard or grass. That is how i found this question as i too am having the same issues with it getting on my shoes. But its not the same as the other photo examples of the fungas or smut as suggested. Its like a type of weed, either way, its frustrating.

Try Fresh step so much better. I hate all that dust too plus it is not good for your cat to breath that in daily and you. I have tryed many cat litters and the pellets like yesterday's news is 100% dust free. But then you have the smell. Pretty Litter is great too just no dust no smell put price can be a little higher but can make you aware if they have certain types of problems like urinary tract infection. I would definitely use pretty litter except I have several cats and it's too costly for myself but you may find it great if you don't have too many kitties or you have a large pocketbook. Just look for a larger grain of litter if you are trying to cut down on dust.

Again, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, use a circular motion to dislodge the grit (in my case it turned out being my wife's hair spray but it could be anything), Rinse it often, then drag the eraser to the counter's edge. My wife is now (reluctantly) in the habit of wiping the counter off every day with a damp paper towel after she sprays and it stays grit free. Add in a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning with the.Magic Eraser and I'm loving my quartz counter like I'm supposed to. Considering that marble and granite stain, scratch, have to be resealed annually and are an expensive pain to repair, and formica is so last generation to me this is definitely the best product for the job. One possible exception is recycled glass, but that never seemed to gain traction. DK why.

IMO any type od stainless polish is oil based yes it looks pretty but collects dust kind of like window cleaner they really want you to buy more . I use a micro fiber cloth with hot water a a bit of vinegar I have a ton of stainless in my kitchen even some cabinets it takes 5 minutes to wipe down they stay nice looking for a few days. Is your counter honed quartz or a matte finish >