Quartz countertops are considered an upgraded feature, and they are desired by many homeowners across the country and beyond. In addition to being durability, their color pattern and relatively easy maintenance requirements are some of the reasons why homeowners often choose quartz countertops when renovating their home or for installation new construction home. Cleaning quartz countertops properly is essential for the longevity of this material, and it is relatively easy to do once you learn the steps.
Why Cleaning Quartz Countertops Requires Special Care
Many countertop materials in homes today are entirely made out of synthetic materials, and they hold up well to harsh chemical cleaning agents that are commonly used in homes. One example of these harsh agents is bleach. Quartz counters can easily be damaged when they are not maintained properly. You may not see the damage that common and caustic household cleaning agents cause immediately. However, with regular use over time, you could notice staining, warping, bubbling or other signs of damage. When this happens, the countertops may need to be replaced. Cleaning quartz countertops properly requires the use of safe substances that will get the job done without causing unnecessary damage to the material
Understanding the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite Countertops
Before
you spend time learning how to clean your countertops, you must confirm the
material that they are made out of. Many people assume that quartzite and
quartz are the same material, and they use the words interchangeably. In
reality, these are very different materials with unique care instructions.
Quartzite is a natural material that is generally harvested from rock quarries
before it is cut and polished for use in the home. It is available in a variety
of neutral tones. Because of its natural properties, it is porous. To prevent
staining, the development of mildew and the growth of smelly bacteria, natural
quartzite must be sealed once or twice per year.
On the other hand, quartz is a man-made material that is produced using natural
quartz, pigments, resins and special binding agents. Special elements may be
added to enhance the color or to add sheen, so quartz countertops are available
in a wider range of color options. The resins that are used to produce quartz
counters act as a sealant. Because of this, they are nonporous and are not
subject to related issues as long as the surface layer remains intact. Quartz
countertops also do not need to be sealed regularly. Because of the binding
process used with quartz, cleaning quartz countertops should be done with care.
Steps for Routinely Cleaning
Depending on how frequently you use your modern kitchen, you may need to clean the countertops a few times each day in order to maintain a pristine, sanitary environment. The routine care instructions for cleaning quartz countertops depends on the type of mess that you are dealing with. Crumbs can simply be removed with a dry cloth, but wet substances require special steps. Cleaning all types of wet spills promptly is best. Removing wet spills can usually be completed effectively using a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge as well as a mild cleaning agent. Dish soap is commonly used for this purpose.
Keep in mind that some materials may permanently stain or damage your quartz countertops if they remain on the surface for an extended period of time. In addition to damaging the resins if they remain on the countertops for an extended period of time, the substances will eventually dry. When this happens, you may need to use harsher cleaning agents and apply pressure to scrub them away.
In the event that you overlook a spill and the substance dries on the counter, you should remove it as soon as you notice it. Many types of stains and dried spills can be cleaned effectively with a non-abrasive and relatively mild surface cleaner or glass cleaning product. Remember to use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth for this cleaning step as well. If a thick clump has dried on the surface, you can use a putty knife to carefully remove the hardened substance before cleaning it with a mild cleansing agent. Your putty knife should be made out of hard plastic rather than metal.
Cooking grease commonly finds its way onto counters, and this substance requires special attention. You understandably need to cut the grease away, and this is not usually accomplished with a mild surface cleaning product. You can use degreasing agents, including Easy-Off and Krud Kutter, to tackle tough greasy spots. The specific usage instructions vary, so you should refer to the instructions printed on the container. Other stubborn materials may impact your quartz counters from time to time as well. For example, ink and permanent marker can be problematic. You may assume that your countertops are ruined when they are smudged with ink or marker, but this is not the case. Goo Gone or other similar products can be used to remove these types of stains. Regardless of the cleaning agent used, you should rinse the counters thoroughly using warm water to conclude your cleaning process.
Deep Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Simply cleaning quartz
countertops using everyday care steps is essential in order to maintain a
pristine home, but you also need to deep clean these surfaces from time to time.
The suggested interval for deep cleaning quartz countertops varies based on how
frequently your kitchen is used and how filthy the counters become. Some
experts recommend applying a non-abrasive countertop cleaning agent to the
surface and allowing it to sit on the counters for several minutes before
wiping it away.
Another option is to use vinegar to break down residue on the countertops. You
can also use a concoction of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide or vinegar with
lemon juice. While the resin that is used to make quartz countertops is hard
and durable, it may be damaged by these agents if the surface is damaged by
small nicks. With this in mind, deep cleaning quartz countertops should be done
with care.
Other Essential Care Instructions
Many
people use bleach or products that contain bleach to clean and disinfect
various surfaces in the home. These products should be avoided as they can
result in staining and other types of damage. Even seemingly safe products and
substances can result in countertop damage if nicks are present. Always use a
cutting board to prevent nicks and other types of superficial damage.
Quartz countertops generally will not be damaged by exposure to heat, but the
specific temperature threshold varies. With this in mind, you should also
protect the countertop surface using potholders or other similar items. It is
also smart to avoid placing toasters and other small appliances that generate a
significant amount of heat directly on quartz countertops.
Quartz countertops are ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms, but they are
not well-suited for outdoor use. Regular exposure to direct sunlight and to
extreme temperature changes can be hard on quartz countertops and may lead to
premature aging and avoidable damage. In addition, outdoor use may dictate the
need for more frequent cleaning sessions and may expose the material to
abrasive substances regularly.
You can see that cleaning quartz countertops is easy to do when you understand
the proper steps. For the best results, ensure that everyone in the home knows
how to properly care for the counters. When your quartz counters are
well-maintained, you may enjoy their functionality and beauty for decades, and
you can enjoy superior cleanliness as well.