Quartz countertops are made from composite stone and are fabricated to mimic natural stone products, including marble. Quartz countertops are hard-wearing and easy to clean, but they are less heat-resistant and may require some degree of care. Here’s how to care for your new quartz countertop installation:
Performing Daily Cleaning
Use a sponge or soft cloth dipped in warm water mixed with mild soap to wipe away debris and spills. Because quartz countertops are nonporous, you can wipe them frequently without damaging them. A daily cleaning routine will help keep your countertop clean. To achieve a more thorough clean and maintain the shine of your quartz countertop installation, use a specialized cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the countertop surface and allow it to settle for a few minutes before wiping it off. Use a microfiber cloth or a paper towel to wipe off the cleaner once it has settled. Use gentle cleaners when removing greasy or sticky food residues to avoid ruining the quartz countertop.
Quartz is stain-resistant but can be stained by colored and acidic spills. Make sure to clean these spills immediately to prevent damaging the surface of your countertop installation. Once you have wiped up any spilled liquids or foods, rinse the surface with clean water and dry it using a soft cloth.
Avoiding Heat Damage
While quartz is heat-resistant, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and heat can cause damage. Avoid direct heat from household items like hot pans, as these will cause cracking or discoloration on the countertop. Make sure you put a barrier between the countertops and the hot items. You may use mats or trivets as protective barriers to prevent excessive heat that will damage the quartz countertop.
Using Cutting Boards
While quartz is scratch-resistant, repeated scratching will damage its resin and undermine its surface integrity. To prevent scratches, avoid cutting directly on the countertop surface, but instead use cutting boards. Cutting directly on the quartz countertop surface may also ruin or dull your knives and undermine their sharpness.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals such as paint removers and household cleaners may damage the surface of quartz countertops. Keep these chemicals away and avoid direct contact with the countertop surface to avoid disintegrating the quartz’s resin. Avoid using scouring pads and abrasive cleansers when removing stubborn stains from the quartz countertop surface. Avoid using cleaners containing bleach and instead opt for mild cleaners. Look for approved quartz cleaners if you are unsure of the harshness of your home’s detergents.
Minimizing Direct Sunlight
Sunlight may cause discoloration and fading on the quartz countertop surface. Sunlight contains UV rays that cause progressive lightening and fading of the countertop with time. Prolonged exposure to UV rays may also degrade the quartz resins and undermine the countertop’s appearance and structural integrity. This may make the surface susceptible to staining and cracking.
How To Prevent Staining Your Quartz Countertop
Stains will ruin the pristine appearance of your quartz countertop. The following steps will help to prevent staining of your quartz countertop:
Remove Spills Immediately
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent tough stains from damaging your countertop surface. While mild stains may be unable to leave a permanent mark, they can undermine the countertop’s aesthetic appearance and should be removed promptly. Other spills like oil, coffee, and wine can penetrate and erode the countertop surface if left on the surface for long.
Use Coasters and Mats
Coasters and mats serve as a barrier between the countertop surface and household items like cookware and hot dishes. They help prevent stains from coming into contact with your countertop. Mats and coasters eliminate the need for frequent stain removal, which is often challenging for some stains.
Avoid Paint and Permanent Markers
Paint and permanent markers contain solvents that may react with quartz resins and lead to the discoloration and dulling of the countertops. Because the markers are permanent, they can undermine the aesthetic appeal of the surface. While quartz is non-porous, permanent markers can still adhere to its surface and leave lasting marks.
Care for Your New Quartz Countertop Installation
Certain maintenance tips, such as daily cleaning and using cutting boards, will help protect your quartz countertop installation from damage. This way, your quartz countertop will retain its aesthetic appeal and keep your kitchen countertop in good condition. Contact a trusted provider of quartz countertops to learn more about how you can care for your installation.