How do you clean quartz countertops after they are installed?
Quartz has been used as a countertop material for decades, and it’s absolutely awesome. Not only does quartz make your entire kitchen look more attractive, but it’s a strong material that will last many years if you take good care of it.
That’s the trick, of course. If you want your quartz countertop to last as long as possible, you need to keep it clean and free of stains, burns, and gouges. Our team of kitchen remodeling experts wants to help you out, so we’ve put together some quick tips on how to clean quartz countertops to keep them looking amazing for years to come.
Daily Care for Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are quite durable. However, you still need to use a bit of tender loving care to keep them that way. If you put any type of hot item on the countertop, such as pots and pans straight from the stove or a heated appliance like a crock pot, you need to put something underneath it, such as a potholder or quilted pad. You also want to always use a cutting board for food rather than the surface of the countertop.
Always Remove Stains Right Away
Quartz countertops are pretty resistant to stains, but not impervious. While it’s true that basic spills can be cleaned with a dish cloth and warm, soapy water, you need to be careful about certain items such as coffee, fruit juices, tea, and wine.
To remove a stain, mix three parts baking soda and one part water. Then, lightly scrub the pasty mixture onto the stain and gently wipe it off. Also, be sure to never use a scouring pad on your quartz surface.
Remove Dried Food Right Away, Too
Leaving dried food on your countertops is another way the quartz surface could get damaged. If the food’s been there for a while, spray a bit of water on it and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. If there’s anything left stuck to the countertop, carefully use a razor blade to get underneath it.
Just be sure not to angle it in such a way that the quartz might get scraped. This will likely lead to a professional repair job, which might be a bit costly.
Be Sure to Fix Countertop Gouges
Even the most careful homeowner may be forced to deal with gouges in their quartz countertop from time to time. There’s actually a very effective do-it-yourself method for fixing gouges that uses an ammonia-based cleaner, masking tape, and epoxy adhesive. However, it’s possible that your warranty may be voided if you cause further damage, so we’d suggest that you call a professional.
Be Very Careful with White Quartz
If you decide to go with a white or light-colored quartz countertop, stains will be much more visible. Luckily, the process used to clean these stains is exactly the same as for darker surfaces. But it’s even more important that you clean up liquids and stains as soon as possible so that they don’t become permanent. Also, keep in mind that white countertops will show burns from pans and crock pots more as well.
Clean the Surface with Microfiber Cloths
Again, you should never use scrubbing pads on a quartz countertop because it’ll easily get scratched. Whenever you clean the surface, you should use either microfiber cloths or soft cloths. If you have a stubborn stain, then you need to use a safe cleaner and then wipe it up with something soft.
Avoid Certain Cleaners on Quartz
Speaking of cleaners, there are definitely certain types of harsh chemical cleaners that you must avoid at all costs. Cleaners that contain bleach, turpentine, or any other types of caustic ingredients can destabilize the quartz surface. If this happens, you might find yourself replacing the entire countertop years earlier than you normally would.
Contact Avery Home Remodeling to Learn How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Avery Home Remodeling employs the best bathroom and kitchen contractors in Clearwater and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions on how to clean quartz countertops, reach out to us at (855) 447-9675 today for a free same-day estimate.
