Quartz countertops can rival natural stone’s design, appeal, and sophistication. With this option, you don’t have to worry about the high maintenance requirements of natural stone. However, you still need to clean your quartz countertops properly. Here is a complete guide to keeping your countertops looking their best.
Are Your Countertops Made With Quartz or Quartzite?
First, you need to know your countertop material. Quartz and quartzite have names that sound the same. While these countertop materials are derived from the same mineral, they are different. Quartzite consists of quartz-rich sandstone that has been exposed to pressure and heat. You can find quartzite worldwide, with a variety of colors and patterns.
On the other hand, quartz is a factory-produced material that combines quartz, binding agents, pigments, and resin. With this process, today’s quartz can look similar to natural stone. Unlike natural quartzite, quartz countertops do not require a sealant to protect them from staining. With those resin binders, quartz countertops are non-porous, making them impervious to mildew, stains, odors, and mold. Quartz is ideal for those who don’t want to fuss with too much maintenance. Now that you know the type of material in your countertop, you can find ways to clean it.
Cleaning Tips for Your Quartz Countertops
While quartz is durable, you still want to take some extra steps to clean your countertops. Like most counters, always wipe up fresh spills with a soft cloth and a little dish soap. You can even use a glass cleaner with a non-abrasive sponge to remove stains.
It is essential to clean your counter routinely. Quartz is designed to resist permanent stains from vinegar, tea, lemon juice, wine, and soda. However, don’t let those spills remain on the counter. These spills are easier to clean if you use a soft cloth and dishwashing detergent to remove them.
If you forgot about a stain, you could always take some light surface cleaner and a sponge to wipe up the spill. In some cases, you may need a little elbow grease to remove those stains. A small plastic putty knife can be helpful to lift stuck-on food, nail polish, paint, and gum from the surface.
If you happen to have a sticky residue on the countertop, you will need some extra tools for the job. Grease can be hard to remove from the surface. Take some degreasing products to loosen and remove the oil from the quartz. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions before using these products on the countertop.
Permanent markers can cause a lot of damage. No, your quartz countertop is not ruined, but you need to work fast to remove those marker swipes. You can take a product like Goo Gone, moisten a clean cloth, and rub it into the stain. With a few wipes, the marker stains should disappear. Take some warm water to remove that cleanser residue from the counter.
For the most part, routine cleaning requires a clean, soft cloth and a mild dish soap. You can keep your countertops looking new by taking care of those spills.
Take Time To Deep Clean
When you wipe up those spills and messes, you can meet your quartz countertops’ basic maintenance requirements. However, think about a deeper cleaning for your quartz. You want to spray a generous amount of a non-abrasive cleaner and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. After that, take a soft sponge to wipe up the residue. Try to deep clean about once a month for the best results.
What You Should Not Do
Maintenance is pretty simple when you want to care for your quartz countertops. If you want to preserve the integrity of the countertop, you should keep some items away from your quartz.
You always want to avoid alkaline, acid, or abrasive cleaners. Scouring pads and abrasive cleaners can dull the surface. You can do cleaning with a bit of soapy water and a soft sponge. When you need something stronger, choose products designed for quartz. Nail polish removers, dishwasher rinsing agents, and drain cleaner can damage the surface. These highly alkaline and acidic formulas loosen the bonds between the resin and quartz. While quartz tolerates mild alkaline solutions, those high-pH formulas will damage the quartz’s surface. If any of those substances make contact with your countertop, you need to wipe it up and rinse the surface with water immediately.
Quartz is resistant to heat, but you should still use hot pads and trivets in the kitchen. Remember that the resin in the countertop is a plastic material, and it can melt at temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Sudden changes in temperature or long exposure will cause the quartz countertop to crack. If you want to be safe, make sure to grab that hot pad or trivet.
Use a cutting board to cut fruits, vegetables, or meat in the kitchen. Yes, quartz is hard, but sharp ceramic knives can damage it. Without a cutting board, you might notice ugly scratches on your beautiful countertops.
Quartz is an excellent option for kitchens. However, if you have outdoor counters, you might want to make another choice. Almost all manufacturers will cover their products for indoor use only. Daily direct sunlight will lead to splitting and warping. Along with that, those UV rays can fade the quartz’s colors.
Take a Few Steps To Care for Your Quartz
Quartz is a stunning material for your countertops. It is a durable engineered stone, but you still need to take a few steps to maintain it. With regular cleaning and attention, you will have a countertop that will look great for years to come.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right Countertop Material
As you can tell, quartz is a great material for your countertop. At Marble Concepts, we have been in the business for over 30 years. Our company has a wide variety of stones for your next countertop, including beautiful slabs of quartz. When you need to find granite companies nearby your location, Marble Concepts is here to help. Schedule a consultation by calling 215-396-7393.
