Quartz countertops have been growing in popularity in recent years due to their durability, beauty, and antibacterial properties. However, after investing in giving your kitchen a facelift by adding quartz countertops, you will likely find yourself wondering what you need to do to keep your countertops looking pristine and new for years to come. While quartz is fairly low maintenance and will generally only require basic washing to keep it looking nice and clean, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure your countertops continue looking as good as the day they were installed. If you are planning on adding quartz countertops to your home, keep reading for a comprehensive guide to quartz countertop maintenance.
Daily Cleaning and Disinfecting
Cleaning your quartz countertops regularly is key in order to keep germs at bay and maintain your countertop’s pristine shine. Fortunately, quartz counters are extremely easy to keep clean, as you will only need to wipe them down with a damp, soapy cloth or paper towel to remove dirt and debris. Make sure that you use a mild detergent such as dishwashing soap. If you prefer, you can also purchase a quartz stone cleaner at your local hardware store. Just make sure that you do not use any abrasive cleaning products that contain chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. These harsh chemicals can damage your countertop’s finish, resulting in a reduced shine or even discoloration. Similarly, you want to be careful and only use a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel when scrubbing your counters. Anything abrasive such as scouring pads or steel wool can dull quartz surfaces over time.
Cleaning Stains and Spills
While we try our hardest to keep our countertops clean, the reality is that spills and messes happen. The good news is that quartz is non-porous, meaning that liquids do not easily penetrate the surface of this material, making it resistant to staining. Additionally, being a non-porous surface makes it more difficult for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow on your countertops. However, it is still essential that you clean up spills and messes before they harden and become much more difficult to clean. Not only can caked-on messes be hard to remove, but even quartz can stain if you leave certain liquids such as red wine, soda, or fruit juice sitting on your countertops for too long.
Fortunately, even the toughest messes will usually come off with soap and water. Simply blot any liquid messes with a paper towel, wipe off any crumbs, and then clean the surface to make your countertops look like new again. Of course, sometimes spills go unnoticed, and you may find an unidentifiable substance caked onto your countertops. Be wary when trying to scrape anything off of your countertops, as you don’t want to accidentally scratch the finish. The best way to scrape off dried messes is with a plastic knife or plastic scraper to bring up any debris. You should then be able to clean and rinse the surface as normal. For any stubborn spills or stains, apply a mixture of baking soda and water for no more than five minutes, this should help lift off most messes.
Preventing Countertop Damage
Unlike some countertop surfaces, quartz is known for being durable, and you shouldn’t have to worry about your daily routine causing significant damage to your new counters. However, quartz isn’t bulletproof, and you will want to take certain precautions in order to prolong the life of your counters. In order to prevent damage to your quartz countertops, make sure that you:
- Limit Heat Exposure: While quartz is fairly heat-resistant and can generally withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, you will want to limit heat exposure when possible, as quartz can be damaged by quick changes in temperature (known as thermal shock). In order to protect your counters, you should then avoid placing hot pans directly on them. Either let pots and pans cool before placing them on the counter, or put hot pads, oven mitts, or a trivet between a hot pan and your counters. Do not stress if you accidentally place something hot on your counter and then move it right away, brief contact with heat likely won’t cause problems.
- Use Cutting Boards: Since quartz counters are known for their durability, it may be tempting to cut and chop directly on your countertops without a cutting board; however, doing so can cause problems over time. While you likely won’t notice any problems if you do this once your twice, your knives could eventually scratch your counters. It is then best to use a cutting board whenever possible.
- Do Not Drop Things on Your Counters: Just because quartz counters are made from stone, this does not mean that they can’t be damaged. While these countertops are durable, you should refrain from smashing things down on your countertops. Repeated trauma from dropping pans or even tenderizing meat with excessive force can cause your countertops to chip or crack.
General Maintenance
You may find yourself wondering what kind of routine/scheduled maintenance your new quartz countertops will require. One of the greatest things about quartz is that it requires very little maintenance other than daily cleaning. Unlike natural stone counters, quartz does not need to be sealed or waxed, making these countertops virtually maintenance-free. However, when cleaning your countertops, it is important to remember not to use any acidic cleaners, as these could damage and etch the quartz. In particular, make sure that you do not use any lemon/citrus-based cleaners.
Choosing quartz countertops when remodeling your kitchen is a great way to ensure your kitchen looks beautiful for years to come. Being extremely durable and low-maintenance, your counters will likely look as pristine as the day they were installed for many years as long as you take proper precautions. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the steps that you should take to maintain your quartz counters.