Quartz is a popular material for countertops because of the many benefits it offers. It comes in a wide range of designs, colors and patterns that suit the unique needs and preferences of homeowners. Quartz is also durable and easy to maintain. It’s robust and natural resiliency helps it fight and withstand tough daily use.
New fabrication makes it possible to manufacture quartz to resemble natural exotic stone at relatively low costs. Engineered countertops made of quartz and resin are hard surface that can keep potential scratches and dents away, which is also perfect for bathroom upgrade or renovation.
To keep quartz countertops looking elegant and clean, you just need to wipe them. Caring for quartz countertops is relatively easy. Nonetheless, it is essential to know which cleaning products and strategies to use. Many opinions and products on how to clean quartz countertops exist and it is, therefore, challenging to know which methods and products offer the best results. The following are guidelines on cleaning quartz countertops so you can enjoy their beauty for many years.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Quartz Countertops:
- Window cleaner
- Paper towels
- Vinegar
- Sponges
- Spray bottle
General cleaning
You can keep the quartz countertops in your kitchen or bathroom spotless by cleaning them daily. Daily cleaning can also prevent dirt, dust and other unpleasant substances from piling up on your countertops. To clean the countertops daily, you need a soft rag, a dab of dish soap and warm water. Wipe down the countertops to eliminate any food residues, grease, crumbs or other debris. Use a plastic putty knife, rubber spatula or other soft material to eliminate wax, food, liquid or gum from the countertops. You can also use a stiff, soft object like a credit card to remove sticky substances or greasy messes. The key to avoiding using any tool that can scratch the surface.
If any smudges or streaks remain, spray a window cleaner on the surface and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth or soft rag. Avoid using bleach or any other harsh chemicals on polished countertops. Since quartz countertops are non-porous, they are resistant to staining and bacteria. Therefore, it is not necessary to use harsh cleaners like bleach. Bleach may ruin the surface of the countertops or cause permanent discoloration. Similarly, avoid using abrasive sponges or cleaners. Anything gritty or rough could dull the finish or leave scratches on it. Scratches can make it harder to clean the countertops and may also provide places for dirt and mold to hide.
How to handle spills
Spills can happen at any time. Thankfully, quartz resists stains that commonly appear on counters like coffee, tea, fruit juice, soda, wine, and makeup. Avoid letting spills sit for a long time. Anything that spills on your countertops can be difficult to remove and could leave a stain. Use a soft rag to wipe spills as soon as possible. You can wipe any spill with water and soap. If the spill is simple, you can use a clean cloth to blot it and the countertop will look great.
Do not use oil-based products to clean quartz countertops because they can discolor the surface and dull its shininess. For stubborn spills, you can mix baking soda and water and apply it to the stain.
How to deep clean quartz countertops
Occasionally, you can face difficulties use soap and water to remove dried-on, crusty gunk. In such a situation, use a flexible plastic scraper or non-corrosive sponge to remove the unwanted substance. You can also spray the substance with warm water so that it becomes softer and easier to remove with a little effort. Avoid using too much pressure because it can create small abrasions or scratches that may worsen over time. If the mess is spread out over a larger area, place paper towels in hot water and cover the mess with them.
You can also use a vinegar solution to break down stubborn residue. As time passes, mineral deposits from hard water and food particles can cause a film to build up on the countertops. A typical wipe down may not eliminate this residue, but a little distilled white vinegar can remove it. Combine equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and mist the counter surface. After that, run a kitchen sponge over the countertop.
You can use special cleaning products to treat tougher stains or troublesome items such as ink, glue and chewing gum. Apply the stain remover to the countertops lightly and let it remain there for several minutes. After that, use a damp cloth to remove the unwanted substance and the remaining cleaner. Ordinary rubbing alcohol can also loosen unusual substances.
How to rinse your countertops
You should rinse your countertops regularly. This will not only ensure that your countertop is clean but will also keep spills and mild stains from becoming stubborn stains. Avoid using lots of water when rinsing the countertops. Wet the entire surface using a spray bottle. After wetting the surface, use a soft sponge to scrub it before you wipe it off using a clean, dry piece of cloth. Look for any streaks that may have been left behind after the surface has dried. Regular rinsing will keep the countertop shiny.
How to disinfect quartz
It is also important to disinfect your countertops if they come into contact with raw fish, meat, seafood or poultry. The first thing you need to do when disinfecting the countertop is to get rid of any debris or residue moisture. You should then spray a multi-surface antibacterial cleaner on the surface and let it sit for several seconds. Use a clean paper towel to wipe the spray cleaner. You may also use bleach-free disinfectant wipes to disinfect your countertops.
How to Care for Quartz Countertops
Normally, expensive condominiums and apartments invest for the highest quality of countertop materials, since this will add to the value of the property. Thus preserving the finish is not just an option, but rather “a must”.
Apart from abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, another thing that can ruin quartz is heat. You should be careful when placing cookware on it. Do not expose quartz to high temperatures because it is not designed to withstand extreme heat. Most kinds of quartz can only tolerate temperatures of 300 to 400 degrees F. More intense temperature can cause severe or sudden cracking. Although brief contact with hot pans and pots may not cause harm to the countertops, it is important to use heat protection trivets or pads if you want to place them straight from the oven or burner directly on the countertop.
When you want to set down hot pans and ovens, set them on the cooktop instead of the counter. Alternatively, you can give the cookware time to cool down prior to placing it on the countertop. To enjoy your quartz countertops for a long time, you should also avoid exposing them to open flame. Make sure that you clean on hot oil or fat spillage on the surface immediately. Spray a little amount of window cleaner in quick short bursts onto the affected area and wipe it fast using a clean paper towel or cloth. Your countertop will be free from grease and oil and look shiny.
Learn How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Cleaning and maintaining quartz countertops is easy. You can keep your countertops in excellent condition by preventing damage before it happens. Clean the countertops often and wipe off spills immediately you notice them. Place trivets or pot holders under hot cookware to prevent heat discoloration. With these maintenance strategies, your countertops will not lose their shine and visual appeal.
