How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Correctly, Per an Expert
A stylish and incredibly adaptable addition to any kitchen are quartz countertops. They also have comparable aesthetic appeal and greater durability than genuine stone choices. That being said, improper cleaning techniques have the potential to cause irreversible damage to quartz countertops, which means that frequent cleaning is necessary to preserve their beauty as well as for hygienic reasons. Here's how a professional cleans quartz countertops, so don't waste any time.
Get to Know the Expert
At Kepsten cleaning services in Mississauga, an acclaimed and multi-award winning cleaning firm in Ontario, Canada with a focus on residential properties, oversees content management.
Identify Whether Your Countertops Are Quartz or Quartzite First
Despite their similar sounds, quartz and quartzite are very different materials with differing care and maintenance requirements, therefore it's crucial to find out if your countertops are composed of these materials. Natural quartz crystals and a polymer resin are combined to create quartz worktops. They are stain-resistant, extremely durable, and non-porous. Conversely, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that is created when sandstone undergoes extreme heat and pressure metamorphism. Rubin notes that although it has a lovely appearance, it needs to be sealed frequently since it is porous and more likely to get stains, particularly from acidic materials.
Thus, how can you identify which material you are using? If you're unsure, the likelihood is that it's quartz since, despite its reputation as a high-end countertop material, quartz is less expensive than real quartz (i.e., quartzite). The people at Caesarstone claim that colour is another indicator: Whereas quartz is available in almost any colour you can imagine, quartzite is only found in white and grey tones. Last but not least, quartz countertops will seem more consistent. Quartz can be veined and flecked to mimic the appearance of quartzite, but these marks will appear uniform rather than dispersed and random on actual quartzite.
Items to Stay Away From When Scrubbing Quartz Surfaces
As was already established, quartz is less brittle and more resilient than quartzite. It is not unbreakable, though. Everything abrasive, such as scouring pads and abrasive cleansers
with strong chemicals like bleach and ammonia, should be avoided, according to the expert, as they can "damage the resin in quartz, leading to discoloration and dullness." (There goes Windex and Clorox wipes.)
In a similar vein, acidic materials such as vinegar and citrus-based cleaners should be avoided as they can "cause etching on quartz surfaces, ruining the polished finish." Unfortunately, one of the previously mentioned prohibited substances may be included in most commercial cleaning solutions, so you may be asking what alternatives you have. Your best option, according to Rubin, is to only use a moderate mixture of dish soap and water. Easy enough, right?.
How to Maintain Quartz Worktops
Let's get started with the cleaning procedure now that you are aware of the fundamental dos and don'ts. Here's a really easy step-by-step cleaning guide for quartz countertops from a domestic cleaning expert.
● Warm water and a tiny bit of mild dish soap together provide a safe and efficient cleaning solution.
● To remove spills and grime from the countertop, dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the soapy solution and wipe it down.
● To get rid of any soap residue, rinse the cloth with fresh water and wash the area once more.
● To avoid water stains, quickly dry the surface with a fresh, dry cloth.
How to Get Rid of Stains on Quartz Surfaces
Although a simple soapy wipe down might not be sufficient to remove some of the more stubborn stains from your quartz countertops, the following procedure need to be a regular part of your cleaning regimen. Thankfully, Rubin knows a few secure and reliable stain removal techniques. After determining the stain, select a targeted solution from the list below. (Remember, you may avoid stains and penetration and save yourself the trouble if you always blot spills with a clean cloth quickly!)
● When it comes to oil-based stains: Rubin advises using baking soda as your best option because of its mild abrasiveness and capacity to absorb stain. As a result, she advises making a paste out of baking soda and water, liberally applying it to the stain, and letting it sit for a minimum of half an hour before removing it. If needed, try again. If it doesn't work, move on to the tough stain procedure.
● For Tough Stains: It's time to get out the major guns if water and baking soda weren't enough. According to Rubin, a paste with even greater stain-fighting ability can be made with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Prepare your paste, blot the stain, and let it sit for an hour before cleaning it off.
● Regarding Ink or Dye Stains: Your quartz countertop now has ink on it after you labelled leftovers a little too enthusiastically. The good news is that you may use a non-abrasive rubber eraser to subtly remove that unattractive spot without damaging the surface.
● Sticky Residues: Rubin suggests, if you have sticky, crusted-on crud on your countertops, using a plastic putty knife to slowly scrape it off. Then, use a soapy water solution to clean it off. Just be sure to use as little pressure as possible.
How to Maintain Quartz Worktops
Despite its durability, your quartz countertop is susceptible to stains, discolorations, scratches, and heat damage. Reduce the possibility of damage by following some simple precautions, such as utilizing coasters for cold beverages, cutting boards for food preparation, and trivets for hot equipment. Lastly, keep in mind to always clear up spills as soon as possible to avoid staining or etching, and to regularly prevent build-up and preserve the sheen of the surface, use the mild soap cleaning procedure that has been suggested by experts.