Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for a modern kitchen renovation, due to their appealing structure, good looks, and smudge-resistant finish. However, to properly care for and maintain these surfaces, gentle cleaning and protection must occur regularly to keep quartz countertops looking like new. This blog post explores the best practices you can use to clean, maintain, and protect quartz countertops so that they’ll last a lifetime.
Cleaning Quartz Countertops
In general, quartz countertops are not particularly difficult to clean; however, there are some specific steps that should be undertaken to ensure the countertops remain looking and feeling the best they can.
Start by wiping the surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth. This simple step helps to remove loose dust and other particles that may accumulate over time.
For a more detailed clean, use a light detergent or cleaner and a damp cloth to wipe down the quartz countertop’s surface. Any common household cleaner without abrasive or acidic ingredients should be suitable; particularly mild, natural products will help ensure the quartz surfaces remain intact.
When using a cleaner, make sure to rinse off the countertop surface afterward to avoid streaks, as well as to avoid any lingering detergent residue.
Stain Removal
Quartz countertops are a great choice when selecting an easy-to-clean surface; however, if spills are not cleaned up quickly and efficiently, they can lead to stains. There are a few methods to remove any stains from the countertop surfaces, depending on the kind of stain.
Most spills or stains can be easily removed via a quick clean with warm, soapy water or a mild cleansing solution. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a gentle abrasive cleaner such as baking soda or an enzyme-based product.
If grease is the culprit, you can create a mixture of two added scoops of degreasing detergent and two parts warm water. Make sure to apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for approximately five minutes before scrubbing it into the countertop surface. This should help to remove most stains.
For tougher, harder-to-remove stains, you can use a paste of baking soda and water, and then scrub the mixture over the affected area with a soft-bristle brush. After the paste has been scrubbed into the quartz surface, wipe it away with a damp cloth and rinse the area with warm water.
Finally, if the stain is still not lifting, you may wish to turn to a stone cleaner specifically designed for use on quartz countertops or specialized quartz-safe stain removers. Just make sure to test these products on an inconspicuous area first, to be sure they won’t discolor the surface or cause damage.
Protecting Quartz Countertops
To ensure quartz countertops remain looking their best and don’t become dull, it’s important to protect them from spills, stains, and heat damage.
For long-term protection, consider applying sealants or special care products designed specifically for quartz countertops. Quartz is a non-porous material, meaning it is resistant to absorbing liquid; however, sealants add an extra layer that helps protect surfaces from liquid and other forms of staining.
You should also resist using harsh cleaners or abrasives on quartz countertops, as these could cause discoloration or damage to the surface over time. And when cleaning, make sure to dry the surface with a cloth keeping it free from molds, mildews, and bacteria.
Finally, always use a cutting board or placemat when preparing food on quartz countertops to avoid any potential marks or scratches.
Quartz countertops are relatively easy to maintain and clean, particularly when compared to other countertop surfaces. With the right care and attention, you can ensure that your quartz counters will be looking brand new in no time. Follow these steps regularly, and you can enjoy clean, sparkly quartz countertops for many years to come.
At Rocky Tops Custom Countertops, we understand that quartz countertops aren’t completely immune to staining. Depending on the type of spill, some substances can cause discoloration on quartz surfaces if not cleaned up quickly. To prevent staining, we recommend wiping up spills immediately with a cloth, such as our easy-to-clean microfiber cloth. Although quartz countertops are tough and versatile, it’s still important to avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the surface.
If you’re interested in installing a quartz countertop in your home, then come visit us at Rocky Tops Custom Countertops, located at 3000 S. Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37408. Our team of experienced professionals will be happy to provide you with the best quartz countertop options available. Give us a call today at (423) 218-2985 to learn more about our services.