So you’ve taken the plunge and installed quartz countertops in your home — congratulations! Engineered quartz countertops rival the appeal of real stone without the high maintenance. In addition to the stunning look quartz adds to your home, it’s also known for being durable, versatile and invulnerable to bacteria and mold. Even so, quartz still requires proper care! Fortunately, it’s not too hard to take care of your investment. Here is your guide on how to properly clean and care for your quartz to keep it shining like brand new.
Regular Quartz Cleaning
Wipe your quartz countertops with mild dish soap and a sponge or a soft, microfibre cloth. After dipping the cloth in a warm mixture of soap and water, gently but firmly wipe down the countertop. Wipe them down as often as necessary — daily wiping and attention to spills will keep your quartz clean and maintained.
For dried spills, you can use a glass or surface cleaner (check with your quartz dealer to make sure it is an approved cleaner) with a soft sponge, such as those designed for nonstick pans. You can use a putty knife for hardened spills like food, paint, nail polish or gum — but be careful and gentle when scraping off that buildup.
If you’re getting rid of grease on your quartz countertop, make sure you use a cleaning spray or degreasing agent that is meant for use on quartz and contains no bleach, as that may damage your surface. These kitchen degreasers loosen and remove the grease from the quartz countertop surface. To use, spray the countertop generously, then wipe it off immediately with a sponge or wet towel.
At regular intervals, you should do a deep clean of your quartz countertop in addition to the daily maintenance. Spray a generous amount of a nonabrasive surface cleaner on your countertop and let that sit for 10 minutes. Wipe away with a soft cloth or sponge.
Removing Tough Stains
If you’ve unfortunately got a tough stain on your quartz, such as a permanent marker for instance, there are a few ways you can remove it. Adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone, can help to rub away tough stains. Apply the Goo Gone directly on the stain and allow it to rest for five to ten minutes. Wipe it off with a wet cloth, then wipe off again with warm water. Rubbing alcohol also works as a stain fighter; add it to a wet cloth and rub the stain, then wipe the surface again using just warm water and a cloth.
Prevent Damage to your Quartz Counterto
Protect your investment! Even though quartz is engineered to resist stains for a small period of time, do not let spills sit for too long and prevent any damage by wiping up messes as quickly as possible before they have a chance to dry. You can clean up a recent spill with a cloth doused in warm water and soap.
Avoid getting your quartz countertop in contact with super hot temperatures — rather than placing hot pans or pots directly on the countertop, use a mat or trivet as a barrier. A sudden change of temperature or prolonged exposure to heat from a pot left on the countertop can even cause the quartz to crack — not good!
If you’re sipping on a citrus-based juice or cocktail, be sure to use a coaster — high acid liquids such as citrus are not friends to quartz counters. This also applies to harsh acidic cleaners, which should not be used to clean your countertop. Clean up extremely acidic or alkaline spills from your quartz countertop immediately.
Though the hardness and durability of quartz may be tempting, do not cut or chop food directly on your countertop. While quartz may be scratch resistant, it is not scratch proof, and it certainly does not double as a cutting board! Ensure you use a cutting board for slicing food to keep your countertop free of ugly scratches — as a bonus, this keeps your knives in good shape too.
Lastly, quartz is not ideal for an outdoor surface — sunlight, along with the unpredictable elements, will warp or split the material, as well as fade the colours.
Quartz is the ideal combination of timeless and modern, and a great addition to your kitchen and home. Preventing any damage, along with regular maintenance and cleaning, will help you to keep enjoying your quartz countertops for years to come.
