Do you want to know how to clean quartz countertops? In that case, you have come to the right place!
A Closer Look at Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made up of between 90 and 95 percent crushed natural quartz crystals combined with pigments to give it a nice color, along with polymers and resins.
The result is a non-porous, long-lasting, low-maintenance product that is resistant to staining and the growth of bacteria. Regular maintenance is essential for preserving the appeal and durability of quartz surfaces.
Exercise Caution When Cleaning Quartz
This guide on how to clean quartz countertops would not be complete without a warning of what not to do when getting rid of dirt and stains.
It’s important to remember that quartz is a combination of quartz crystals, resin, and polymers, and to maintain the integrity of the bonds between these compounds, you will need to use mild cleaning agents.
Furthermore, this material is prone to etching, which is a chemical reaction in which the cleaning solution reacts with the quartz, causing discoloration. Alkaline or acidic cleaning agents can cause damage to your surface over time, which is why pH-neutral products are always advised.
How to Prevent Spills and the Buildup of Dirt and Grime
Before we get into our guide on how to clean quartz countertops, let’s first talk a little about how to keep your counters from becoming dirty. Here are a few preventative tips to help you keep your quartz in good condition:
Don’t Expose Your Quartz Surface to Sharp Objects
Although quartz countertops are generally resistant to scratching, they might become more porous when you use sharp objects on them. Make sure you are using cutting boards for slicing and chopping food to ensure that your quartz remains in good condition and does not become more prone to staining.
Use Head-absorbing Pads
When storing hot cookware on quartz counters, always use trivets or hot pads. Rapid temperature swings may harm your quartz surface, so by preventing this, you can keep it in good condition.
Never Use Harsh Abrasives or Harmful Chemicals on Your Quartz
As we have already mentioned, quartz is very susceptible to damage when exposed to harsh chemicals, so we definitely recommend steering clear of anything abrasive, as this could cause damage to the resin in the quartz surface.
You should also never use bleach, vinegar, or any solutions that are alkaline or acidic on your countertop to ensure its longevity.
Avoid Applying Sealants
Quartz countertops, unlike natural stone surfaces, have no need for sealing. It is a low-maintenance material due to the resin in it acting as a barrier of protection.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Because cleaning practices often vary, depending on the reason for cleaning, we will divide this guide on how to clean quartz countertops into two parts: daily cleaning and deep cleaning.
Cleaning Your Quartz Countertops Everyday
Regular maintenance is important to ensure that your quartz countertop doesn’t just look good but also stands the test of time. In this section, we’ll walk you through some of the steps you can follow every day without having to worry about damaging the material.
Step #1: Apply a Mild, pH-neutral Cleaning Agent
Begin each day by gently wiping the quartz countertop with a soft, wet cloth or sponge. You can use a gentle, pH-neutral dish soap or a dedicated quartz cleaner to get rid of any pent-up dirt. Harsh chemicals should be avoided since they can harm the resin that holds the quartz crystals together.
If you’re using a quartz cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and do not allow it to sit for longer than indicated in the instructions.
Step #2: Wipe the Area with a Clean, Dry Sponge or Cloth
Once you have rinsed the area with warm water, a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge should do the trick. Again, do not use scouring pads or powders, as this could result in a dull finish, which you don’t want.
Step #3: Rinse the Area with Warm Water
Next, it’s time to rinse the area thoroughly with warm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause temperature fluctuations that damage the material.
Tips for Keeping Your Quartz Countertop Clean
Quartz is resilient to many domestic accidents, but dealing with them as soon as possible is critical. To avoid stains, wipe away acidic products such as citrus juice or vinegar, and be sure to wipe up wine spills quickly to prevent staining.
In addition, other things, like permanent markers, turmeric, and some oils, can discolor quartz. If such stains appear, you can use a deep cleaning method, as described in the next section of this guide on how to clean quartz countertops.
How to Deep Clean Quartz Surfaces
There may be occasions where simple, everyday cleaning is not enough to get your quartz countertop looking its best. In this case, you’ll need to deep clean your surface. Although quartz is not porous like other stones, it can react with certain chemicals, resulting in discoloration.
In the section below, we’ll discuss a few methods you can use for different applications.
Removing Stains
When treating stubborn stains or pent-up grime and dirt, you can deep clean your counter by creating a paste with baking soda and water. Make sure it has a thick consistency and isn’t too runny. Then, gently rub this paste onto the counter with a cloth or sponge before rinsing it off and wiping the area dry.
Removing Adhesives
If you have adhesive residue from labels or tape, then you can remove it by wetting the affected area with warm, soapy water. Then, using a plastic scraper, very gently remove the glue. You will need to exercise caution here, as sharp objects can damage the surface, so be gentle and avoid using a knife or any other kind of sharp item.
Treating Grease Stains
Use a moderate degreasing chemical or dish soap solution made with warm water to remove grease or oil stains. Put the cleaning solution on the stained area, wait a few minutes, and then wipe it away.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a construction company with the skills needed to complete just about any new construction or remodeling project, get in touch with Paragon Builders today!
We offer the following services:
- Kitchen renovation
- Bathroom renovation
- Full house renovation
- Accessory Dwelling units
- Room additions
- Garage conversions
- Custom homes
- Design and drawing plans
