Many homeowners opt for quartz countertops because they are known for their durability, ability to resist scratches and stains, and easy upkeep. It’s important to follow a cleaning and maintenance routine. Although quartz is a material that requires effort to keep it looking its best, proper care is still necessary.
Here’s a guide on how to accomplish that;
Start with gentle cleaning
To clean your quartz countertop, use a cloth or sponge and mild dish soap. Remember to rub the surface to avoid any scratches. It’s important to avoid using cleaners like scouring pads or steel wool, as they can damage the surface of your countertop. And always wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth after cleaning to avoid water spots.
Remove stains promptly
Corian vs quartz countertops are generally stain-resistant but not entirely immune to staining. So, it’s crucial to clean spills and stains immediately to prevent them from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove. You can use warm water and mild dish detergent to clean most spills and stains on your quartz countertop.
Use a Quartz countertop polish
Another effective way to keep your quartz countertop shiny is using a dedicated quartz countertop polish. These products are specially formulated to clean and protect quartz surfaces. They help to remove minor scratches, fingerprints, and other marks that can dull your countertop’s surface while keeping it looking new and shiny.
Avoid heat and abrasion
Quartz countertops are heat-resistant, but they’re not entirely heatproof. So, avoiding placing hot pots and pans directly on your quartz countertop is crucial to prevent damage or discoloration. Always use trivets or hot pads to keep your countertop safe. Additionally, don’t use knives or other sharp objects directly on your countertop, as this can scratch the surface.
Schedule periodic Sealing
Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops don’t require Sealing. However, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual inspection with a professional company to ensure your quartz countertop is in good condition. They can check for minor cracks, chips, or damage and re-polish your countertop.
Daily Cleaning
Wipe down your quartz countertops daily with warm water and a soft cloth or sponge. This will help remove surface dirt, spills, and oils. You can use a gentle dish soap diluted in water for tougher stains or dried-on materials. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to avoid leaving a soapy residue.
Use cutting boards
The best way to prevent scratches on your quartz countertop is by using cutting boards when preparing food on your countertops. Cutting boards are designed specifically for hard surfaces like granite, marble, and quartz because they have a rubber-like layer underneath them that prevents damage from being done to your countertop while preparing food. This also helps protect your counters from spreading bacteria or germs when preparing food in your kitchen.
Avoid excessive heat
Quartz is made up of silica, with an extremely high melting point of 3,200 degrees Fahrenheit (1760 Celsius). However, this doesn’t mean that you should be exposing your countertops to excessive heat or leaving hot pots or pans on top of them for extended periods. Quartz isn’t meant to withstand high temperatures; granite can handle up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a soft cloth or sponge
The first thing to do is use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the countertop. If you use a sponge, squeeze out as much water as possible. Then, rub the surface of your countertop with the dampened sponge until it shines. This can also be done with a cleaning cloth and some warm water.
Removing dried dunk
If you have accidentally spilled something on your quartz countertop, you will want to remove any dried-in stains right away by using hot water and a good cleaner. The key here is not to leave any soap residue behind because this will cause streaks on your counters, which may be difficult to remove later on down the line.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners.
When it comes to cleaning your quartz countertops, make sure you avoid using abrasive cleaners. This includes steel wool, scouring pads, and harsh chemicals. These materials will scratch and dull the countertops’ surface, making them look older and can cause damage.
Conclusion
Overall, keeping your quartz countertops shiny requires proper maintenance and care. You must be proactive about cleaning up spills, use mild cleaning products, avoid abrasive cleaners, use a microfiber cloth, and protect your countertops. Following these tips, you can keep your quartz countertops looking new for years.