As beautiful as they are to look at, quartz countertops need to be cleaned regularly to maintain their elegance and shine for a long time. It’s a tough and durable material which is also resistant to scratches, making it an appealing option most homebuyers consider to use in their kitchen. It’s a non-porous material which means there’s no need to worry about bacteria flourishing beneath the countertop’s surface. This prevents the surface from permanent stains of any kind. Keep reading our blog post and discover how you can clean your countertops and keep them gleaming for years.

ROUTINE CLEANING

While the material can resist stains from liquids, such as tea, lemon, wine, soda, and vinegar, you should wipe any spills immediately and not give them a chance to dry up. Apply a mild dishwashing liquid, and water along with a soft cloth on any kind of fresh messes. However, if you’re dealing with heavy stains and dried up spills, use a commercial surface cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge. You can also use a plastic knife to scrape off substances such as nail polish, paint, gum and food which have hardened up. For stains that can’t be dealt with like regular ones, here’s what you can do.

• Permanent Marker

Since these markers are designed to be permanent, its best to be safe beforehand rather than being sorry later. If you have children, make sure they have craft paper and placemats so they don’t use the countertop to show off their skills. However, in case your counter does have these marks, you can use a cleaning product that can be rubbed into the stain with a cleaning cloth. Once complete, thoroughly rinse it with water to get rid of the cleaner residue.

• Cooking Grease

If you’ve used greasy pots and pans on your countertop while cooking, know there’s nothing you need to worry about. A non-bleach disinfectant can help get rid of the grease without damaging the surface. Using a circular hand motion can handle most stains easily. However, once you’re done using the surface cleaner, you should rinse the area with a sponge or a soft cloth.

DEEP CLEANING

Although daily cleaning will take care of the basic maintenance requirements, it’s best to deep clean your quartz countertops frequently as well. Spray a liberal amount of a non-abrasive cleaner on the surface of your countertop and allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away using a soft sponge. This should provide the best results, even for the most stubborn stains.

WHAT TO AVOID

When caring for your countertops, the things you should do are rather straightforward. However, to keep your counter’s appeal intact you should consider following a list of things to avoid. Keep reading and find out what they are

• Powerful Chemicals and Solvents

You should avoid exposing its surface to any kind of solvents and chemicals, especially substances such as furniture strippers and paint removers that contain methylene chloride and trichloroethane. Substances like bleach, inks, nail polish remover, oil soaps, and bluing should be kept far away to prevent accidents from happening.

• Extreme Heat

Although the countertop may seem invincible, know that it too has a breaking point. The material doesn’t really do well when it’s exposed to temperatures higher than 300°F. Make sure you use a mat or a trivet to protect the surface from pots, pans, and other heated cookware. Remember, changing extreme temperatures too quickly can cause thermal shock to the countertops and lead to irreparable discolouration.

• Polish and Wax

Since the material has a smooth surface, they don’t require any sealants and waxes. Even when applied, they have little to no effect on the countertops.

Quartz is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain and care for. However, keeping the above-mentioned rules in mind can help your countertops last for many years. Being kind to the material and paying regular attention will allow you to enjoy a lifetime of pleasure.