5 Maintenance Tips for Your Shiny Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are incredibly popular, thanks to their beauty and durability. Although the material is low-maintenance, you should still care for it to protect its luxurious aesthetic. This guide explores ways to maintain your quartz
countertops.
1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Alkaline or acidic formulas can damage the bonds between resin and quartz and cause discoloration. Additionally, most household cleaners contain bleach, which causes the quartz to disintegrate. When using vinegar to clean spills on
quartz countertops, dilute it with water.
The advantage of quartz countertops is they don't require harsh cleaners to be clean. You can dip a soft cloth in dish soap or hand soap for daily cleaning. Simply wipe the countertop in circular motions, and you're good to go.
You'll find that mild soap isn't effective on grease. In this case, mix water with a little vinegar to make a safe degreaser. When buying degreasers for your quartz countertops, ensure they're free of bleach or ask for quartz-friendly
solutions.
You can use an adhesive remover or isopropyl rubbing alcohol to remove tough stains on quartz. Alternatively, spray the countertop with glass cleaner and wipe it off with a wet cloth after a few minutes.
2. Wipe Spills Immediately
One of the reasons why quartz has become so popular is because it's highly resistant to stains. However, it isn't fully stain-proof, and you still need to be careful with liquids like wine, lemon juice, and grape juice. While there are methods to remove stains, you may affect the stone's integrity if you use harsh cleaners. To protect the stone's beauty, wipe away spills as soon as they occur.
Warm soapy water coupled with a soft cloth will do the trick on recent spills. If the spill sits for a while and leaves a stain, mix warm water and baking soda and use a soft cloth to apply the paste. Refrain from using any scouring pads on the countertop.
3. Don't Expose Quartz to High Temperatures
Unlike granite, quartz is sensitive to excess heat. Once finished and installed, quartz can handle around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. While your kitchen cannot generate this temperature level, repeated exposure to high temperatures can
damage the countertop.
If you see yellow scorch marks after placing a hot object on quartz, it has likely suffered a resin burn. If you keep placing hot pans on the countertop, it will discolor over time. You can leave the hot pots on the stove to cool down or
place them on hot pads or trivets to shield the stone.
4. Avoid Abrasive Brushes
Quartz is considerably scratch-resistant, but it isn't completely scratch-proof. Tough scouring pads, stiff brushes, and steel wool can scratch the countertop's finish and ruin its sheen. Instead, use a microfiber cloth as it's soft and gentle on the stone. If you have stubborn stains, you can soak the cloth in a safe degreaser or adhesive remover and leave it on the countertop to soften the debris.
5. Avoid Cutting on Quartz
Quartz is an incredibly durable material, which makes it ideal for modern kitchens. However, this doesn't mean you should inflict direct damage. Keep in mind the stone isn't damage-proof, and you should use cutting boards when cutting meat or fruits. The repeated force will eventually manifest as scratches on the countertop. What's more, the juices from the cut fruits can stain the quartz over time.
Homeowners favor quartz countertops for their elegance and durability. The above tips will maintain the luxurious sheen on your quartz and keep it in perfect condition.
Contact us at Luther Falls Kitchen & Bath to explore different countertop styles for your kitchen.
