Quartz countertops are popular in many homes due to their durability, visual appeal, and easy maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your quartz counters clean and looking their best.
Routine Cleaning
- Use a mild soap and warm water to clean quartz daily. Dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner work well.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, which can dull the surface over time. A soft cloth or sponge is best.
- Rinse well and use a squeegee or dry cloth to remove excess water. Quartz is resistant to liquids, but you don’t want standing water.
- For dried spills or light stains, use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge and a little baking soda and water.
- Disinfect occasionally with a diluted bleach solution if desired.
Preventing Damage
- Always use a cutting board, trivet or hot pad. Direct contact with hot pots and sharp knives can damage quartz.
- Blot up spills quickly to prevent stains, especially from coffee, tea, wine, and fruit juice.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like oven cleaners, paint removers, etc. Rinse immediately if exposed.
- Prevent cracks by avoiding heavy impact from objects. Quartz is durable but can chip.
Removing Stains and Scratches
- For stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Try a mild stain remover labeled safe for quartz if baking soda paste does not work.
- For superficial scratches, use a polishing kit made for quartz and follow directions carefully.
- Consult a pro for deeper scratches, burns or stubborn stains. Refinishing or resurfacing may be needed in some cases.
Maintenance Tips
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a special quartz sealer to prevent staining and increase water resistance.
- Inspect sealant around edges near sinks and backsplashes to ensure water isn’t penetrating. Reapply if needed.
- Consider adding a surface protector to high use areas like near stoves to make cleaning easier.
- Keep surfaces free of dust and grime which can make stains harder to remove over time.
How to Clean and Care for Quartz Countertops FAQs
How often should I clean my quartz countertops?
It’s recommended to clean quartz counters 1-2 times per week with a mild soap and water to keep the surface free of grime buildup. Quick daily wipe downs help too.
Can I use bleach or harsh cleaners on my quartz?
Harsh cleaners like bleach, oven cleaners, etc. should not be used. They can damage and discolor the quartz over time. Mild dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner are best.
My quartz is stained. What should I do?
Make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub the stained area using a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, consult the manufacturer or use a specialty stain remover made for quartz. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Are quartz countertops heat resistant?
Quartz is more heat resistant than many materials. However, using trivets and pads is still recommended to prevent direct contact with very hot pans which can damage the surface.
How can I get rid of hard water marks on my quartz?
Make a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and rub the hard water stains gently. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed.
My quartz is scratched – can it be repaired?
For light surface scratches, use a polishing kit formulated for quartz. Follow the directions carefully. For deeper scratches, consult a professional about resurfacing or refinishing the quartz.
Conclusion
Quartz offers beauty and durability when properly cared for. By using the right cleaning methods and avoiding damage, you can keep quartz looking like new for many years. Be sure to clean regularly, wipe spills quickly, and follow recommendations from the manufacturer. With some periodic sealing and polishing, quartz countertops will retain their elegant appearance with minimal effort.