Simple and Effective Ways to Care for Your Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are celebrated not only for their luxury appeal but also for their long-lasting durability. As a leading choice for homeowners globally, the promise of quartz is its robustness and low maintenance. Yet, to ensure longevity and shine, understanding how to care for quartz countertops becomes crucial. In this guide, we’re unveiling the expert-recommended ways and insights to keep your quartz countertops shining for years.
1. Regular Cleaning is Key
For everyday cleaning, simplicity is your friend. Warm water combined with a drop of mild dish soap works wonders. Wipe using a soft cloth dampened in this solution, and ensure to rinse the cloth in fresh water to remove any soap residue. Steer clear of abrasive pads; they might scratch the quartz surface.
2. Attend to Spills Promptly
While quartz is generally resistant to staining, certain agents like coffee, red wine, or beet juice might stain if left unattended. Instead of wiping, blot spills with a paper towel or soft cloth to prevent spreading.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Some cleaning agents can be too harsh for quartz. Stay away from extremely acidic or alkaline products. Also, avoid bleach and turpentine. If you’re ever in doubt, stick to products crafted especially for quartz.
4. Use Heat Protectors
Though quartz can tolerate heat, it’s not entirely heatproof. It’s a good habit to place hot pots or pans on trivets or heat pads to avoid potential damage.
5. Shield from Scratches
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but taking liberties can lead to damages. Refrain from using sharp objects directly on your countertop. Employ a cutting board when needed.
6. A Word on Etching and Sealing
It’s a widespread belief that quartz countertops are immune to etching and don’t require sealing. However, in practice, some quartz countertops, much like marble, do exhibit signs of etching. Contrary to popular belief, these specific quartz types might need professional polishing and etch removal. Additionally, despite the inherent non-porous nature of quartz, some countertops might benefit from periodic sealing to bolster their resistance to potential stains or damages. Learn more about this in our detailed etch case study.
Quartz Countertop with Etch Mark Restoration: Before & After
7. How to Polish Quartz Countertops
Over time, quartz countertops might appear dull due to minor abrasions or chemical interactions. Gentle polishing with products designed for quartz can restore its radiant glow. Regular polishing also serves as a preventive measure, ensuring your countertop retains its pristine appearance.
8. How do you keep quartz countertops clean and shiny:
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals, and occasional polishing will keep your countertops gleaming.
9. Why does my quartz countertop look dull?
Dullness can be caused by using the wrong cleaning products, minor surface scratches, or chemical interactions. A gentle polish should restore its shine.
10. How do you Seal Quartz Countertops?
Research the Need:
Before attempting to seal quartz, it’s essential to understand that most quartz countertops already have a built-in resin that acts as a sealant. This makes quartz inherently resistant to stains and bacteria.
Choose the Right Sealer:
If you decide to proceed, select a sealer specifically designed for quartz surfaces. Avoid sealers meant for natural stones like granite or marble, as they might not adhere correctly to quartz.
Clean the Countertop:
Make sure the surface is clean and free of any debris. You can use a mild dish soap with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive pads, which could damage the surface.
Dry the countertop thoroughly using a clean, dry cloth or let it air dry.
Apply the Sealer:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the sealer. Typically, you’ll spread a thin layer over the countertop using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Allow the sealer to penetrate the surface for the time specified in the product’s instructions, usually about 5-10 minutes.
Wipe Away Excess Sealer:
After the sealer has been allowed to sit, wipe away any excess using a clean cloth. This will prevent any residue from forming on the surface.
Let it Cure:
Allow the sealer to cure for the time specified by the manufacturer. It’s usually recommended to avoid placing heavy objects or spilling liquids on the countertop during this time.
Maintenance:
Even with a sealed quartz countertop, it’s crucial to clean up spills immediately and avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning products.
Note to Readers: Always remember that sealing quartz countertops is not a standard practice and is often considered unnecessary due to the non-porous nature of quartz. If you’re unsure about the need to seal, consult with the countertop manufacturer or restoration company like NextGen Surface Care.
11. How To Remove Stains from Quartz Countertops
Gather Your Materials:
Mild dish soap
Warm water
Soft cloth or sponge
Plastic scraper or spatula
Glass cleaner (for hard water stains)
Baking soda (for tougher stains)
Basic Cleaning:
Start by wiping the countertop with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and wipe the countertop again to remove any soapy residue.
Dry the surface using a soft, dry cloth.
Removing Hardened Spills:
If you have substances that have dried onto the quartz surface (like food or gum), gently use a plastic scraper or spatula to scrape it away. Ensure you scrape gently to avoid scratching the surface.
Hard Water Stains:
Hard water can sometimes leave a cloudy residue on quartz countertops. To remove these stains, you can spray a bit of glass cleaner on the affected area and then wipe it off with a soft cloth.
Tougher Stains:
For stubborn stains like ink or dried fruit juice, create a paste using baking soda and water.
Gently spread the paste over the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Using a soft cloth, wipe away the paste in a circular motion.
Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Prevention and Care:
Although quartz is stain-resistant, it’s not stain-proof. Always wipe up spills immediately.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads on quartz countertops as they can dull the surface.
Always use coasters under drinks and trivets under hot pots or pans to protect the surface.
Final Thoughts
Your quartz countertop serves both a functional and aesthetic role inside your home or business and it is not recommended for outdoor application due to their sensitivity to UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause quartz to discolor and fade. With the proper care, it can remain a sparkling centerpiece in your home or business for decades. If your quartz countertop shows signs of etching or requires professional care, learn more about our quartz counter care and repair services today!
By Eduardo Ramos. This series of articles was written and published on behalf of NextGen Surface Care, Inc.
Ways-To-Care-For-Quartz-Countertops
Simple and Effective Ways to Care for Your Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are celebrated not only for their luxury appeal but also for their long-lasting durability. As a leading choice for homeowners globally, the promise of quartz is its robustness and low maintenance. Yet, to ensure longevity and shine, understanding how to care for quartz countertops becomes crucial. In this guide, we’re unveiling the expert-recommended ways and insights to keep your quartz countertops shining for years.
1. Regular Cleaning is Key
For everyday cleaning, simplicity is your friend. Warm water combined with a drop of mild dish soap works wonders. Wipe using a soft cloth dampened in this solution, and ensure to rinse the cloth in fresh water to remove any soap residue. Steer clear of abrasive pads; they might scratch the quartz surface.
2. Attend to Spills Promptly
While quartz is generally resistant to staining, certain agents like coffee, red wine, or beet juice might stain if left unattended. Instead of wiping, blot spills with a paper towel or soft cloth to prevent spreading.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Some cleaning agents can be too harsh for quartz. Stay away from extremely acidic or alkaline products. Also, avoid bleach and turpentine. If you’re ever in doubt, stick to products crafted especially for quartz.
4. Use Heat Protectors
Though quartz can tolerate heat, it’s not entirely heatproof. It’s a good habit to place hot pots or pans on trivets or heat pads to avoid potential damage.
5. Shield from Scratches
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but taking liberties can lead to damages. Refrain from using sharp objects directly on your countertop. Employ a cutting board when needed.
6. A Word on Etching and Sealing
It’s a widespread belief that quartz countertops are immune to etching and don’t require sealing. However, in practice, some quartz countertops, much like marble, do exhibit signs of etching. Contrary to popular belief, these specific quartz types might need professional polishing and etch removal. Additionally, despite the inherent non-porous nature of quartz, some countertops might benefit from periodic sealing to bolster their resistance to potential stains or damages. Learn more about this in our detailed etch case study.
7. How to Polish Quartz Countertops
Over time, quartz countertops might appear dull due to minor abrasions or chemical interactions. Gentle polishing with products designed for quartz can restore its radiant glow. Regular polishing also serves as a preventive measure, ensuring your countertop retains its pristine appearance.
8. How do you keep quartz countertops clean and shiny:
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals, and occasional polishing will keep your countertops gleaming.
9. Why does my quartz countertop look dull?
Dullness can be caused by using the wrong cleaning products, minor surface scratches, or chemical interactions. A gentle polish should restore its shine.
10. How do you Seal Quartz Countertops?
Note to Readers: Always remember that sealing quartz countertops is not a standard practice and is often considered unnecessary due to the non-porous nature of quartz. If you’re unsure about the need to seal, consult with the countertop manufacturer or restoration company like NextGen Surface Care.
11. How To Remove Stains from Quartz Countertops
Final Thoughts
Your quartz countertop serves both a functional and aesthetic role inside your home or business and it is not recommended for outdoor application due to their sensitivity to UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause quartz to discolor and fade. With the proper care, it can remain a sparkling centerpiece in your home or business for decades. If your quartz countertop shows signs of etching or requires professional care, learn more about our quartz counter care and repair services today!
By Eduardo Ramos. This series of articles was written and published on behalf of NextGen Surface Care, Inc.
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