How to Care for Engineered Quartz Countertops
Did you know that quartz is one of the toughest materials on earth? For this reason alone, it’s easy to understand why it’s such a popular countertop surface.
Engineered quartz is used in homes today in the form of kitchen and bathroom countertops. Some of this engineered quartz is comprised of a blend of resin and ground quartz or naturally quarried slabs.
Quartz can also be used for more than just countertops. It can be used as a backsplash material, in showers, around baths, and more.
This guide will provide you with the information you will need to know about how to properly care for your Quartz countertops. You can always contact us for more information.
How Do You Go About Everyday Cleaning?
Even though quartz is extremely durable, it still requires a little TLC here and there.
Avoid Household Cleaning Products
Your quartz countertops are so low maintenance that you really don’t need to use harsh household cleaning products in order to clean them. In fact, some of these products contain chemicals which can loosen and damage the resin, bonds, and mineral pieces within your countertop material. If you want to be extra careful, opt for a stone-safe quartz cleaner and polish.
Recommended Cleaning Products- Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner, Formula 409 Glass & Surface Cleaner, or Stonetech Quartz Cleaner.
Avoid Harsh Scrubbing
If you want to dull the natural sheen of your quartz countertops, harsh materials such as scourers and steel wool will damage the top finish. Stay away from store-bought scrubbing materials and opt for a soft nylon brush to remove stains and gunk from the surface.
Never Use Sharp Materials While Cleaning
This is a big no-no when it comes to maintaining the quality of quartz material. It’s perfectly safe to rest knives on the countertops but avoid using them to remove dried stains or materials. Instead, go for a soft plastic knife or scraper to lift off hardened materials from your countertops.
Use a cutting board when preparing foods to avoid and prevent scratching your quartz countertop.
There’s No Need to Seal Your Countertops
The great thing about quartz is that it’s a non-porous material which does not require any sealing, unlike other stone materials such as granite. The polished factory finish on your quartz countertops is enough to ensure the material will last decades if cleaned frequently, in the correct manner.
Keep Cleaning Simple
Seriously, the cleaning of quartz countertops does not need to be overcomplicated. All you need is a soft washcloth, some warm soapy water and you’re good to go. It’s best to avoid common dish detergents that contain astringents or other harsh chemicals. Alternatively, go for a specific quartz cleaning cleaner and polish.
Tip: Warm water is always far more effective in removing stubborn stains than cold water.
Use a Vinegar Solution for a Deep Clean
Over time food particles and mineral deposits form a film over the surface of your countertops. And it’s this film which makes stains even more difficult to remove. Sometimes wiping down your countertops with water just smears this film around, rather than removing it.
This is where a simple vinegar solution comes in handy to remove this film of dirt for a deeper clean. Combine equal parts of vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Mist your countertops, leave for a few seconds, then wipe down with a soft kitchen sponge and warm water.
Use Specialty Products for Tough Stains
If you ever need to remove particularly stubborn stains, such as glue, ink, or chewing gum, an oil-based solution should do the trick.
A good product for tough stains is Bar Keepers Friend Liquid, remember to always follow the instructions on the product label for specific applications.
Tip: Never use the following cleaning agents- Acetone (Nail Polish Remover), Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), Strong Industrial Solvents, Goof Off or similar products.
Looking For Professional Countertop Installation?
At Top South we offer expert installation of quartz countertops, and you will work directly with our professional Sales Team to help you with your countertop project!
If you’re looking for a little more advice on how to care for quartz countertops, we offer that too!