Imagine hosting the next dinner party, and everyone (including your MIL) is complimenting your gorgeous new quartz countertops. Great news- this is completely possible. However, keeping that brand-new, glossy shine intact over time requires careful maintenance. In this post, we'll walk through effective methods to maintain your quartz countertop's charm so you can continue to savor those compliments. Continue reading and let's keep that sparkle where it belongs.
When selecting new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, there are many options to choose from. However, if you are looking for a countertop material that is resilient and practical, quartz should be among your top choices. For starters, quartz countertops offer an array of design options. They come in a range of colors and patterns so that you can easily find one that complements your existing decor scheme. You'll have no problem finding something to match your style—whether you're looking for a crisp white surface or something with bold character.
Quartz is also highly durable. It's less likely to chip or crack than other surfaces like granite or marble, which means it will remain looking great for years. The hardened surface of a quartz countertop prevents scratches and wear and tear from everyday use. Now that we talked about why quartz is a great option, let’s move onto how to maintain its shine.
Quartz countertops are known for their durability, their non-porous surfaces, and their low-maintenance upkeep compared to natural stone. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your quartz countertops is essential to ensuring that they look great years after installation.
The first rule of thumb is always to avoid harsh cleaning products that contain chemicals or abrasives. While quartz is relatively durable and stain-resistant, it can still be damaged by corrosive materials found in most cleaners. When spills occur, you should clean them up as soon as possible with mild soap and water using a microfiber or soft cloth rag.
Think of your quartz countertop as if it were brand new clothing: you wouldn't wash it with anything that might fade its colors over time, right? Or maybe you would, we don’t judge. We just care about your countertops. Anyways, the same idea applies to your quartz countertop. Avoid using anything that could damage its surface.
If (emphasis on “if”) a stubborn stain appears, a paste made with a mix of warm water and baking soda can serve as an abrasive cleaner and help lift difficult stains like oil, wine or coffee. Apply directly to the affected area and let it sit for at least 20 minutes before wiping it away with a cotton cloth.
It is tempting to grab any cleaning product available in your house. Still, it is essential to note that some cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or citrus-based cleaners that can scratch or damage your quartz surface. This means that you should never clean your quartz countertop with abrasive tools such as steel wool pads because they can leave scratches on the surface.
As mentioned earlier, warm water and mild soap are enough to clean up spills or messes from cooking without damaging the surface's finish. Microfiber towels or soft sponges work well when using warm soapy water because they don't scratch or leave lint residues behind.
While there are many cleaning products available that promise excellent results, not all are safe for use on quartz countertops. Avoid purchasing generic multi-surface cleaners known to have harsh ingredients.
Maintaining your quartz countertop requires more than just cleaning with the right materials.
A smart practice is to use hot pads when placing hot items on the countertop. Although quartz is heat resistant, prolonged exposure to high heat can cause damage or discoloration. Placing hot pans directly on your counter could cause thermal shock, which could crack the surface of your quartz countertop.
When cleaning, make sure you rinse well with water several times after cleaning with soap, then dry with a soft cloth because hard water stains could build-up on the surface if not properly rinsed and dried.
Finally, use a cutting board when cutting any food items. Even though quartz is hard and strong, it’s not completely scratch-proof so the use of a chopping board saves your countertops from scratches.
One of the main advantages of quartz countertops is their durability. A quartz surface can withstand regular wear and tear from daily use without suffering significant damage.
Quartz is also non-porous. This means that liquids like wine, vinegar, or oil won't seep into the surface (as they might on less resilient surfaces like granite) so there's less chance for staining, or bacterial growth. Additionally, quartz doesn't need to be sealed like some other countertop materials since it's not porous.
Ready to upgrade to Quartz countertops? We can help with that! Schedule an in-home design consultation and project estimate with Supreme Stone. One of our knowledgeable professionals will visit your space to capture all the measurements and specifications necessary to provide accurate and competitive pricing.
