Quartz countertops are an amazing choice for both homeowners and interior decorators as they combine style with functionality. Moreover, they are highly resistant to stains and scratches. Combining these amazing qualities makes quartz countertops an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops.
However, as durable as quartz countertops are, they still require a certain amount of care and maintenance. Knowing how to clean quartz countertops is important if you want to keep them looking their best. Continue reading to learn more about the necessities of quartz countertops care and ensure your countertops remain spotless for years to come.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters
Quartz is known as a half-engineered and half-natural stone. The natural part of it is made up of crushed quartzite. The engineered part is a mixture of resins, binders, and pigments. Although quartzite is a porous stone, when the additional ingredients are introduced, the resulting quartz slab ends up being a non-porous stone that doesn’t require sealing.
Porous stones absorb liquids or they can harbor bacteria if they are not resealed on a schedule. Thankfully, quartz doesn’t need resealing. However, using improper cleaning techniques or using extremely harsh solutions can damage the resin over time and dull the shine of the quartz countertops. Therefore, understanding how to clean quartz countertops is an important facet of maintaining your countertops to their full potential.
Although quartz doesn’t need sealing and has built-in protection against stains, there can still be built-up or streaks on the surface that cloud its beauty. A quick daily routine will not only preserve the beauty of the countertops but will also eliminate any possible problems that can be a headache down the road.
Daily Cleaning Routine
A quick and easy daily cleaning routine is one of the best ways of maintaining the beauty and durability of your quartz countertops.
You can start by mixing a small amount of mild dish soap with some warm water. For easy application, you can put this mixture in a spray bottle. Saturate the countertops with the mixture and then wipe down the surface of the countertops using a clean and soft cloth or sponge. This step will remove any dust and debris from the countertops.
If there is more stubborn grease or residue on the countertops you can rub the area with the cloth using small circular movements. Afterward, you can rinse the countertops using a clean, damp cloth and remove all of the soap residue. Leaving soap on the countertops can create a cloudy appearance.
Lastly, use a dry cloth or paper towels to dry the countertops thoroughly. This will ensure that the countertops are streak-free. This is an especially important step for areas with hard water because hard water can cause build-up over time.
Following these steps regularly will guarantee that your countertops will remain in great condition for a long time. Caring for your countertops for just a few minutes a day can save you from having to replace them.
Tackling Stubborn Stains
Even though you regularly clean your countertops and are very vigilant with the maintenance, stains can unfortunately still occur. When this happens, it is important to remember the fundamentals of how to clean quartz countertops and approach the issue with care and attention to ensure the surface doesn’t get further damage.
Creating a baking soda paste is one of the most popular and efficient ways to combat stains. You can mix some baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste on the stained areas, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit for a few hours.
After a few hours have passed, remove some of the paste to see if the stains are gone. If you discover that it is a particularly stubborn one and the baking soda isn’t effective, you can apply some more and leave it overnight. Once it has been on the stain for about 10-12 hours, the stains should be removed.
Remove all of the baking soda paste with a paper towel and clean the area thoroughly with a damp cloth to ensure there isn’t any baking soda residue left.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Knowing what to avoid is an important part of how to clean quartz countertops. Some products and methods can cause harm to the stone. Even if you don’t notice an issue at first, over time with continuous use there can be a lot of damage which can compromise the structural integrity of the countertops.
One of the most important things to stay away from when it comes to quartz countertop maintenance is to avoid abrasive cleaning tools. Brushes with stiff bristles and scouring pads can create micro scratches on the surface. Moreover, these tools can cause the shine of the countertops to get duller.
Similarly, harsh chemicals such as bleach or other highly acidic cleaning solutions can cause similar results. The harsh chemicals can break down the bonds between the crushed quartzite and the added ingredients like resin and pigments. This can lead to issues such as discoloration or even damage.
Although quartzite, which is the base of the quartz slabs, is a natural stone and is extremely resistant to heat, the manufactured part of the slabs isn’t heat resistant. Therefore, placing hot pans and pots on the countertops right after taking them out of the stove or oven will result in heat damage. To prevent that from happening, always use trivets and hot pads under hot pots and pans.
Dealing with Spills and Preventative Care
The best way to combat unwanted issues such as stains and discoloration is to prevent them from happening in the best place. Sometimes accidents happen and there is nothing that can be done. However, paying as much attention as possible will help in at least preventing avoidable accidents.
Cleaning spills as soon as they happen is one of the most important pillars of preventative countertops care. Although quartz isn’t porous and will not absorb liquid spills, it should still be cleaned up as soon as possible so the small chance of them leaving a stain is reduced completely.
In short, to maintain their beauty and durability, you have to learn how to clean quartz countertops. With regular care and the right cleaning products, your countertops will last you for decades.
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