For a good kitchen countertop, it is always better to use natural materials. Natural materials might cost more as an initial investment, but they can be very durable, hygienic, and simple to maintain. Quartz countertops are produced from natural quartz, which is known for its hardness and zero porosity. This means water and air can’t get through. It should also be noted that quartz is impermeable to fat and oil, and this is why it is such a hygienic alternative to be considered.
It is also resistant to stains, mold, and heat, and has a structure that prevents the development of bacteria; all this contributes to relatively easy maintenance and cleaning. This does not just mean quartz is hygienic, but also that it does not require any sealant. And when it comes to aesthetics, it is a material that is available in a variety of colors; from white to gray, through pink or blue, there is always quartz that will grab your attention.
Despite all its advantages, it is essential to maintain your quartz countertop and take specific measures to keep it in its original condition. Here, you will not only find out about your countertop’s characteristics but also how these can be safeguarded.
General And Essential Care
Apart from regularly and carefully cleaning your quartz counter, you should first and foremost take measures to preserve it. A golden rule is that quartz does not support direct exposure to the sun at the risk of discoloration over time. So be careful not to expose it to the sun.
For similar reasons, your quartz countertop cannot withstand the heat. When it comes to quartz countertops in your kitchen, make sure that you are getting quality quartz from reliable sources so that it can last longer with you. It is imperative not to place hot things directly like a pot of boiling water on the counter but to use a trivet so as not to damage it. This should be self-explanatory, but it is not advisable to stand, kneel, nor sit on the counter to avoid cracks from extreme pressures or tensions.
Quartz is generally simple to maintain. It is highly, but not entirely resistant to heat, stains, and scratches, so all you’ll need to maintain the beauty of your quartz for several years is to give it the sufficient attention and care, and also follow the advice provided by your expert provider or installer.
Regular Care and Maintenance
You only have to regularly clean the quartz with soapy water to keep its radiant luster. Use a wet cloth, make sure that you use a bit of non-abrasive cleaner along with a bit of lukewarm water. Even if quartz resists stains, you should clean up any spillage as soon as you can. You can take care of spilled food or liquids by wiping the surface down and then using soapy water to ensure there is no residue.
Prevent Damage
1. Heat
Quartz has properties that make it extremely heat resistant, and it can withstand normal exposure to medium temperatures. Even though quartz is more heat resistant than most surfaces, you’ll find that there is still the risk of it being damaged if there is an extreme change in temperature, either over a prolonged period of time or by suddenly placing a scorching item on it. Use trivets when placing pans or hot pots or any other device that generates heat on the surface.
2. Scratches
The durable surface of the quartz will withstand normal wear and tear. Although it resists scuffing, cutting and chipping, you should avoid cutting right on the surface of the quartz. Ensuring that you don’t drag anything heavy and using a cutting board will help preserve the beauty of quartz for a long time.
3. Remove Tough Spills
When it comes to removing stains and spills, if regular cleaning does not stop stubborn or dried up spills, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad, and one of the following recommended cleaning products:
- Magic Eraser
- Soapy water
- Denatured alcohol
If gum, nail polish, paint, or other substances have accidentally adhered to the surface, you can remove them using a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently scrape the substance, then follow the regular cleaning procedure.
Chemical Products
Certain chemicals will damage quartz, so avoid exposing it to any strong substances or solvents. Remember that many of these solvents and chemicals are found in your typical household products, such as strippers, paint, stain removers that contain trichloroethane, furniture cleaners, nail polish remover, bleaching agents, oil-based soaps, inks or permanent markers, and products with high PH/alkaline/ content (oven cleaning product, pipe unblocker, etc.). Do not use cleaning liquids that are made with any abrasives, powders, or oils.
Even though you should avoid frequent and long-term exposure to artificial substances to the best of your ability, you can use – for short periods – products that contain bleach or acetone to clean up stubborn stains or residue (remove and rinse within five minutes). Make sure you use these cleaning products with care and always remember to rinse thoroughly with water after you’re done.
● Chemicals to Stay Away From
The list below contains some products that shouldn’t be used on quartz. How these react and affect the quartz depends directly on the degree of concentration, the type of chemical, and how long it was exposed to that product. Avoid:
- Whitening products, Oil-based soaps
- Thinners, stains, dyes, or paint strippers
- Solvents- nail polish, acetone, lacquer thinner, or bleaching ( exposure for a short period of time is enough to stop stubborn stains, as long as the product removes the stain and is rinsed off in less than five minutes);
- Products that contain methylene chloride or trichloroethylene
- methyl ethyl ketone, benzene, toluene
- Concentrated acids- hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid;
- Chemicals with high alkaline PH content (pH> 10).
If any of these substances come in contact with quartz, rinse immediately with a considerate amount of water, and follow regular cleaning procedures.
That’s it – really not rocket science! Now that you know how to maintain your quartz countertops, you’ll appreciate the qualities of the material like you hadn’t before. And, you’ll be happy to see your investment last much longer as well.
