Cleaning & Caring For Your Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops have boomed in popularity during recent years, a fact that can be attributed to the material’s durability and beauty. Quartz countertops are also versatile; they can also be purchased in any style or color.
As a staple of the modern kitchen, quartz countertops should be well-kept. Luckily, maintaining the quality of this remarkable stone is easy!
Why Choose Quartz?
Quartz countertops are factory-made. As manufactured products, the slabs are uniform – unlike granite – and thus can be easily installed. Even so, quartz countertops are heavier than other stone surfaces and should be handled by certified professionals.
This material resembles natural stone because it consists of 95% natural quartz (and 5% polyester resin). Unlike natural slabs of quartz, factory-made quartz does not need regular sealing to repel mildew, mold, and odor-causing bacteria. This explains why it is perhaps the lowest-maintenance countertop material in the market today.
Maintenance Tips
The non-porous surface of quartz countertops means that spills can be easily cleaned. Nonetheless, there are still things that you should do to preserve this beautiful stone. Here are a few simple tips on how to keep your quartz countertop in tip-top shape:
- Regular maintenance – Daily upkeep for quartz countertops is a simple and quick task. Just wipe the countertop down with a soft cloth (microfiber is best) and warm, soapy water.
- Wipe spills immediately – One of the reasons that quartz countertops are so popular is their stain resistance. That said, this material is not stain-proof! Immediately wiping away spills will help prevent stains.
- Scrape away dried grime – If anything dries into a crust on the surface of your countertop, simply scrape away using a credit card or rubber spatula.
- Deep cleaning – In order to maintain the natural shine of your countertops, experts suggest occasional deep cleaning. Allow a generous amount of nonabrasive surface cleaner to sit for ten minutes and then wipe with a soft cloth.
- Protect from extreme temperatures – Quartz countertops are heat resistant, but they are not fully heat proof. As a preventative measure, use coasters under cold drink glasses (especially if they contain citrus or alcohol). Additionally, hot pots and pans should be placed on top of mats or trivets.
- Removing difficult stains – Despite the fact that quartz countertops are stain resistant, stubborn stains can occasionally occur. One removal method is to use a mixture of ½ water and ½ vinegar – just make sure to thoroughly rinse before allowing the surface to completely dry. Another method is to wipe the counter with a paste made from baking soda and water. When in doubt, check with your quartz manufacturer for specific advice.
Things to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals – Cleaning agents at either ends of the pH spectrum can destroy the bonds between the quartz and resin. Acidic and alkaline chemicals should thus be avoided. For example, turpentine, drain cleaner, bleach, and nail polish remover can damage your countertop. If any such chemicals accidentally come into contact with your quartz countertop, rinse thoroughly with water before wiping fully dry.
- Applying too much pressure – Dropping heavy objects onto your quartz countertop can crack or chip the surface.
- Outside installation – Quartz countertops are made strictly for indoor use; outside installation will void your warranty. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the surface to warp and the color to wear out.
- Cutting directly on the surface – Quartz might be one of the most durable countertop materials, but it is still vulnerable to damage from sharp objects. Cutting directly on the surface of your countertop can cause scratches and chipping.
Quartz countertops might be a little bit on the expensive side, but their versatility and durability makes them a wonderful long-term investment. So long as you take care of your countertops properly, they will last for years and will require very few repairs. The growing popularity of this material also means that it will be an additional asset if you are ever to sell your home. Therefore, quartz countertops eventually end up paying for themselves.
Maintaining quartz countertops is a simple task that can be incorporated into your daily routine. With just a little bit of care, they will always look just as stunning as the first day they were installed.