Quartz countertops are a beautiful addition that can add grace and style to any kitchen or bathroom. They are ideal for any lifestyle because this engineered material is easy to care for and durable against everyday use.
With proper care that won’t take more than a few minutes each day, you can keep your counters pristine and ensure your space looks beautiful and inviting for years to come!
Read on for easy tips and tricks to keep your counters looking fresh for years to come!
Why Quartz?
Quartz countertops are manufactured from up to 90% crushed quartz, a natural silica material, and polymer resin. Unlike natural stones such as granite and marble, quartz countertops are non-porous. This makes them incredibly durable. They can be water and stain repellent for years without the hassle of periodic resealing.
Quartz is also heat resistant, which with proper precaution, will help you avoid unsightly scorch marks. Most importantly, its makeup lends itself to minimal maintenance, making quartz an ideal choice as the finishing touch to your kitchen and bath space.
Basic Upkeep
Try to mop up spills and wipe up crumbs as soon as they appear. This will make any subsequent cleanup a breeze!
Gently scrape off anything that is stuck to the surface with a plastic dish scraper or gentle pressure on a butter knife. Do not use a sharp surface to scrape the gunk off your counter. If you need a little extra help to clear stubborn muck, you can use Goo Gone or a similar cleaning agent sparingly.
Harness the power of dishwashing detergent to eliminate grease and other light messes. Dish detergent is an excellent choice for cleaning quartz because it removes bacteria while quickly cutting through grease and grime.
You can either make a handy cleaning solution by filling a spray bottle with water and adding a few drops of detergent or dip into a sink full of clean, warm dishwater. Use a clean, soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel to gently wipe the counter clean for either option.
Don’t forget to wipe all the cleaning liquid off the counter when you’re done! If even small remnants of the dishwashing detergent (or any cleaner) is left on the surface of your countertop, it can slowly erode the finish.
Once your counter is clean and disinfected, you can bring a beautiful shine back to the surface by spraying it with a solution of one part water and one part rubbing alcohol and buffing dry with a soft microfiber cloth or rag. In addition to bringing the sparkle, this alcohol solution can also help to remove sticky residue.
Once your surface is sparkling clean, stand back and admire how beautiful your counters are!
Deep Cleaning
The fabrication of quartz can make tackling tough messes a breeze. If you find yourself with a dark stain on your countertops, dampen a melamine sponge, such as a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and lightly scrub the affected area. Because melamine is both porous and hard, it acts as a very light abrasive that can clean without leaving unsightly scratches.
Preparing Food on Your Countertop
Though these countertops are largely scratch-proof, you should always take extra steps to protect the smooth surface. When preparing food, never cut directly on the counter, as sharp knives may knick its surface. Instead, always use a cutting board when slicing and dicing. This will not only protect your countertops, but it will also help make cleanup a breeze!
Quartz is Heat Resistant, But Not Heat Proof
The resin and quartz makeup of quartz countertops makes them heat resistant but not heatproof. To avoid scorch marks in the resin, you should always avoid direct contact with hot cookware. Always use a trivet or other heat-resistant barrier between a hot pan and your counter, and remember to place coasters under mugs of hot beverages. If your counter does show a burn, contact a professional to assist in removing the mark in the resin.
Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Quartz
- Do take the time to clean thoroughly after every use. This will ensure that no stain has the chance to set. A few minutes of cleaning a day will result in a lifetime of glossy counters!
- Do quickly wipe up tough messes, such as wine, coffee, and ink, as soon as possible. The longer dark substances are left to sit, the greater the chance of permanently staining. Always remember to keep an eye on kids who are using the counters to avoid any paint and marker mishaps!
- Do clean with a soft cloth. This is both an effective tool for removing messes and gunk and an easy tool to help buff the shine back into your surface without the risk of scratches.
- Do ask your installer or manufacturer what upkeep is required and commit to a scheduled upkeep.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaning tools, such as green Scotch Brite pads. These could scratch the surface. Nothing more abrasive than a melamine sponge should be used on quartz counters.
- Don’t use harsh alkaline or acidic chemicals and abrasive cleaners, such as oven cleaner or toilet bowl cleaners, directly on quartz, attached grout, or silicone. These types of solutions can damage the finish.
- Don’t bleach your counters. A gentle disinfectant like dish soap will ensure that your counter is clean enough to eat off of without harming its surface.
- Don’t allow dark messes or chemicals to sit on the counters for an extended period of time. This could permanently stain or etch your stone.
