Quartz has truly become one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops in recent years. That is because it’s durable, eye-catching, and undoubtedly becomes the best part of your kitchen when installed.
Because of all the attention it commands in your kitchen, it makes a lot of sense that you would want to take care of it properly to maintain its integrity – and of course, its beauty. It’s a good thing that keeping your quartz countertops in top shape won’t require a lot of effort from you!
The great qualities of quartz
Quartz countertops are engineered in a factory and are made out of 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polyester resins for binding. What makes them appealing to a lot of people is their almost three-dimensional appearance and their close resemblance to natural stone. You can also get them in any color or style making them a versatile option for any aesthetic preference.
Quartz countertops are heavier compared to other stone surfaces. Because of this, there are some special considerations when it comes to its installation which is why it is important to work with certified installers to ensure that your countertops are properly handled. Since they are manufactured products, the slabs are uniform which makes them easier to install compared to granite, another popular option for kitchen countertops.
Unlike natural slabs of quartz that needs to be sealed twice a year, factory-engineered quartz does not require any sealing to resist stains, mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria. Because of this, it is one of the most low-maintenance countertops available in the market today.
Precision Stone Design tips in caring for quartz countertops
The surface of quartz countertops is non-porous in nature. This means that spills are not easily absorbed, making it easy to clean. However, even if quartz doesn’t need a lot of upkeep, there are still things that you should do to preserve its splendor. Here are some simple tips on how to clean quartz countertops:
THINGS TO DO
- Daily maintenance – Regular upkeep for quartz countertops is very simple and will only take a few minutes of your time per day. For daily maintenance, all you need is to wipe the countertop’s surface with a soft cloth (preferably microfiber) and warm soapy water.
- Deep cleaning – Daily cleaning is enough to maintain the natural shine of your countertops but experts also recommend a deeper cleaning on a regular basis. Using a nonabrasive surface cleaner renders the best results. Spray a generous amount on your countertop’s surface and let it sit for ten minutes then wipe with a soft cloth.
- Wipe spills immediately – Quartz countertops are popular for being stain-resistant. However, they are not stain-proof! Wiping spills immediately ensures that there will be no stains whatsoever. Sure, you can always clean it with stronger cleaning agent later on but it will be much easier if you clean it up while it is still wet.
- Removing stubborn stains – No matter how careful you are, stubborn stains just can’t be avoided sometimes. To remove them use a paste of baking soda and water then wipe using a soft cloth. Another alternative is to use a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and water but just make sure to rinse thoroughly with water before drying it completely. If you are in doubt, you can always check with your quartz manufacturer for specific recommendations. For example, some manufacturers allow the use of glass cleaners to remove particularly stubborn stains but some are against it.
- Protect from extreme temperatures – Quartz countertops are heat resistant but again, they are not heat proof. Make sure to use mats or trivets below hot pans, pots, and dishes and use coasters under drinks in cold glasses especially if they contain alcohol or citrus.
- Scrape dried gunk – If there are any dried gunk on the surface of your countertop, you can remove them by using a plastic scraper such as a putty knife, rubber spatula or a credit card.
THINGS NOT TO DO
- Don’t use harsh chemicals – It is very important to avoid any cleaning agents at both ends of the pH spectrum when cleaning your quartz countertop. Avoid any type of acidic and alkaline chemicals such as diluted and non-diluted bleach, turpentine, drain cleaner, dishwasher cleaner, oven cleaner, and nail polish remover. Both acidic and alkaline substances can destroy the bonds between quartz and resin so if they accidentally come in contact with your countertop, rinse them immediately and thoroughly with water before wiping it completely dry.
- Don’t cut on directly on the surface – Quartz is one of the hardest countertops but it is not hard enough to resist sharp objects. Avoid cutting directly on quartz surface to prevent it from being scratched, chipped and damaged.
- Don’t apply too much pressure – Never drop heavy objects on your counters because too much force will chip or crack the surface. Doing so may void your warranty so avoid it at all costs!
- Don’t install outside – Quartz countertops are not made for outside installment so if you have an outdoor kitchen, they may not be the right option for you. They are strictly for indoor use and installing them outdoors in an uncovered area will void your warranty. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will wear out their color and will cause the surface to warp and split over time. But otherwise, they age pretty well.
Quartz countertops can be expensive. But even if they can be a little bit pricey, they are still a great long-term investment considering their durability and versatility. These countertops will last for years and you likely won’t need to replace them. If you take care of them properly with our tips above, you are also not likely to spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance.
When you really think about, they pay for themselves in the long run. Furthermore, if you do decide to sell your home in the future, quartz countertops will also be an added asset and a great selling point due to its growing popularity.
Caring for quartz countertops is fairly simple so making it a part of your daily routine will be a breeze. With just a small amount of care, they will still look as beautiful as the day you first installed them.
