Because of their amazing beauty, low care requirements, and durability, quartz countertops have grown in popularity in recent years. However, even though quartz is a resilient material, regular care is still required to keep it looking its best. In this blog post, we’ll explore some daily habits you can adopt to ensure your quartz countertops remain sparkling and beautiful for years to come.
Understanding Quartz Countertops
Before we dive into the daily habits, let’s take a moment to understand what makes quartz countertops unique:
- Composition: Quartz countertops are engineered stone, consisting of approximately 90% natural quartz and 10% resins and pigments.
- Non-porous surface: Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz has a non-porous surface, making it resistant to staining and bacterial growth.
- Durability: Quartz is highly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks.
Despite these impressive qualities, quartz countertops still require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Daily Cleaning Habits
One of the most important aspects of caring for your quartz countertops is establishing a daily cleaning routine. Here are some habits to incorporate into your daily life:
A. Wipe spills immediately: Whether it’s a drop of coffee or a splash of sauce, wipe up any spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining.
B. Use a soft cloth or sponge: When cleaning your countertops, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface.
C. Mild soap and water: For daily cleaning, a simple solution of mild dish soap and warm water is sufficient. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
D. Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, be sure to dry your countertops with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.
By incorporating these daily cleaning habits, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining the beauty of your quartz countertops.
Protecting Your Quartz Countertops
In addition to daily cleaning, there are several steps you can take to protect your quartz countertops from damage:
- Use trivets and hot pads: Even though quartz resists heat, it’s advisable to use hot pads or trivets when setting hot plates, pots, or pans on its surface.
- Avoid cutting directly on the surface: When slicing or chopping food, always use a cutting board to avoid scratching your surfaces.
- Use coasters for drinks: To prevent water rings and stains, use coasters under glasses, bottles, and cans.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using strong chemicals that might harm the surface of your quartz countertops, such as drain cleaners, oven cleansers, and bleach.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Even with daily cleaning and protection, stubborn stains can sometimes occur. If you find yourself faced with a tough stain, try the following methods:
- Baking soda paste: To make a paste, use equal parts water and baking soda. After applying the paste to the stain and letting it stay for a few minutes, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the area.
- Isopropyl alcohol: If the stain is really stubborn, likea permanent marker or ink, dab some isopropyl alcohol into a soft cloth and massage the stain gently until it goes away.
- Glass cleaner: Apply a tiny bit of glass cleaner to oil-based stains, such as grease or makeup, then use a gentle cloth to remove the stain.
Always remember to rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly after treating a stain.
Maintenance and Sealing
One of the great things about quartz countertops is that they don’t require regular sealing as natural stone countertops do. The resins used in the manufacturing process create a non-porous surface that is naturally resistant to staining and bacterial growth. To make sure your quartz countertops stay in excellent shape, it’s still a good idea to have them professionally cleaned and examined every few years.
Conclusion
Learning how to take care of quartz countertops is simple when you adopt these daily habits and maintenance tips. By cleaning spills promptly, using gentle cleaning methods, protecting the surface from damage, and addressing stubborn stains as needed, you can keep your quartz countertops looking as beautiful as the day they were installed. Your quartz countertops will stay brilliant for many years to come, with only a little amount of routine maintenance.