Living with your quartz countertop isn’t rocket science, and cleaning it shouldn’t be either. As easy as it can be, it’s essential to learn how to maintain quartz countertops. Quartz countertops are versatile, and maintaining their beauty is even hassle-free.
The countertop material is non-porous and incredibly durable. Tough? Yes. Indestructible? No.
Quartz is also resistant to heat, cracks, scratches, and stains. It is hygienic too. However, excessive force from objects can damage the surface. Here are a few tips on how to maintain quartz countertops for a long-time.
How to Maintain Quartz Countertops
Gather the Supplies
1. All-purpose cleaner/ Mild detergent.
2. Vinegar.
3. Degreaser.
4. Rubbing alcohol.
5. Soft rag, microfiber cloth, or sponge/paper towel.
6. Spray Bottle.
7. Gloves.
Caring for your quartz countertop is quite simple. For everyday cleaning, you only need a handful of items and a bit of research. You can also keep these utilities under the sink or in nearby drawers for quick access. This makes quartz one of the most affordable countertop materials as well as the most easy-to-maintain ones.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops
1. Add a small dash of soap or detergent with warm water to the microfiber cloth.
2. Wipe in a consistent pattern.
3. If you have residual streaks or smudges, try using a glass cleaner.
4. To disinfect and remove tough stains, mix rubbing alcohol or vinegar with warm water.
5. You can also invest in Quartz-specific cleaning solutions. It will protect the resins in quartz and safely remove grease, soil surface stains, and watermarks.
Things to Look for in a Cleaner
1. Formulated for Quartz.
2. Great Degreaser.
3. No Residue.
4. Non-abrasive.
It Should NOT Have
1. Strong Alkalines.
2. Acid.
3. Free radicals.
4. Oxidizers.
5. Bleach.
At any time you’re unsure about a product, give your kitchen countertop manufacturer/company a quick call. They’ll be able to guide you through several cleaners that are safe for your countertop.
Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining Quartz
Routine Quartz Cleaning
Because quartz countertop is non-porous, you never have to use any wax or sealer of any kind. For general cleaning, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner with water and thoroughly dry it after use.
You can clean your countertops as often as you like. Be mindful and scrape excess dirt and food with a putty knife. Scrape it as gently as you don’t want to risk scratching the surface.
You can use a degreaser to clean any oil spills and other nasty stains. Spray it generously on your surface; wipe and dry clean with a damp cloth. Also, ensure the product is free of bleach and other oxidizing agents.
A mix of mild detergent and water will wipe away every day’s mess beautifully. You don’t have to worry about hot items and no need to be sensitive to acidic fruits and sauces. Yet, you should always be cautious of stains.
Prolonged exposure to outside pH levels 5-9 can discolor your quartz surface. Always rinse and dry off the product immediately with water after exposure.
Deep Cleaning
You will find quartz countertop in a leathered, suede, honed, and other finishes. These textures allow for most smudges to go unnoticed.
However, it can trap crumbs in the grooves. Use a hand broom to remove the fragments before cleaning with a damp sponge. For honed surfaces, you might find it takes a little more maintenance, but it’s as durable as a polished surface.
For tough stains from red wine, pen marks, even metal knife marks, use part vinegar and part water. Spray it on the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Wipe the stain from the quartz kitchen countertop and repeat with warm water. Last, dry it clean for sparkling results. It is also environmentally safe. Use broad stroke from back to front for consistent shine.
Furthermore, to remove nail polish stains, you can use a nail polish remover and wipe the excess with warm water. You can also use a glass cleaner to make your countertops shine. It’s essential to quickly run the product of choice by your countertop manufacturer/ company first.
How to Prevent Damage
Even though quartz is an engineered stone, remember it is stain-resistant and not stain-proof. It can resist stain, but only for a short while. If you leave the stain for longer, you run the risk of permanently staining or discoloring your quartz countertop. Permanent stains can occur from coffee, tea, wine, or gravy.
Aim to wipe away your counters as soon as possible to avoid any stains. Do not use any abrasive cleaner as the chemicals within can permanently damage your countertop. Keep bleach, nail polish, oven cleaner, etc., away from your countertops.
Quartz is tough; however, to maintain its long-lasting shine, it’s better to use a cutting board while chopping, cutting, and slicing various ingredients. Quartz is resistant to scratching, but again it’s not scratch-proof. Also, using a cutting board will prevent your knives from getting dull.
Another way to prevent damage is to use a trivet/ hot pad when handling excessive hot items. Quartz countertop is heat-resistant, but hot pans, crock pots, skillets, will damage the surface when left for a long-time.
Even citrus drinks, fruits, and food items don’t mesh well with quartz. Make sure to use coasters or wipe away any spills immediately. If you look at quartz vs. marble, this sensitivity to citrus elements is perhaps one of the few common elements.
Easy Care Instructions
The key to maintaining a quartz countertop is to take care of it on a regular basis. Here are some easy care instructions that you can follow on a daily basis.
1. Mix a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner with lukewarm water.
2. Store it in a spray bottle for easy access.
3. Wipe with a clean damp microfiber cloth or sponge.
4. Dry with a paper towel.
Quartz is one of the sturdiest surfaces around. It can withstand excessive pressure (to a certain limit), so don’t worry about any marks as you can use the surface area freely. These tips on how to maintain your quartz countertops will help you to choose quartz and keep adding value to your home for a long time.