When you decided to upgrade your kitchen, quartz countertops were probably one of your must-haves. These stone countertops gleam and sparkle in the light, making your kitchen look polished and perfectly put together.
They are the ideal addition to any style kitchen, but they are a big investment. Beautiful elements like quartz very rarely come at a discount. So now that you have it, shouldn’t you know how to take care of quartz countertops to protect your investment?
Fortunately, caring for quartz countertops is simple when you have the right knowledge (and supplies). You can maintain the stunning luster of your quartz with just a few simple steps. Taking care of your home has never been easier. Let’s take a closer look at just how to take care of your quartz countertops.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Cleaner
The first step toward taking care of your quartz countertops is to purchase a high-quality cleaner and polish. Quartz countertops are extremely sensitive to the types of chemicals that you spread on their surface. You should be looking for a cleaner that has some of the following attributes:
- pH neutral
- Non-toxic
- Biodegradable
- Streak-free formula
Products like the Supreme Surface Granite, Quartz, and Marble treatments (on Amazon) are highly effective at cleaning your quartz countertops. The bottles are a very generous size, giving you enough cleaner for approximately 6,500 square feet of countertops. It cleans, polishes, and seals your quartz countertops all in one fell swoop. Not to mention, it has all of the factors listed above so that your quartz countertops will be safe.
Another option for cleaning your quartz countertops is the Therapy Granite Cleaner and Polish. Much like the Supreme Surface option, this formula contains only non-toxic ingredients and leaves your quartz streak-free. It also comes with a microfiber towel to help spread the cleaner evenly on the countertops.
What to Avoid While Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Choosing the right cleaner is important when learning how to take care of quartz countertops. It is equally important for you to learn what to avoid when caring for your counters. Some cleaners and materials can ruin the gorgeous luster of your stone. Never expose your quartz countertops to any of the following:
- Abrasive scouring pads or sponges
- Alkaline cleaners such as bleach or oven cleaner
- Acid cleaners
- Extreme heat
- Chopping food without a cutting board
Avoiding some of these major items will go a long way toward protecting the stone’s natural beauty. Preventative maintenance is just as important as selecting the right cleaning products for your counters.
Now that you know the basics of choosing the right cleaning agent and what to avoid, it’s time to learn how to take care of your quartz countertops.
How to Take Care of Quartz Countertops
Understanding the basics of how to take care of quartz countertops is imperative if you want your counters to last. You can follow these three simple steps to keep your kitchen cleaner than ever before. All you need to get started is a set of microfiber cloths like these, a spray bottle, and some dish detergent.
- Remove any food or liquid from the countertops. Do you have leftover spaghetti sauce that has hardened on the counters? No matter what food particles are stuck to your quartz, it’s important to remove them before you start cleaning. Use a rubber spatula to pry built-up food from the counters. Never use anything sharp or abrasive that could scratch the surface of the quartz.
- Mix up your cleaning solution. In a spray bottle, combine warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Spritz the counters generously with your new mixture. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the counters until they are dry. Leaving them damp could lead to streaks and water spots.
- Make them shine. One of the handiest tricks to make your quartz countertops look brand new is to clean them with window cleaner. Grab a bottle of your favorite surface cleaner and spray it on the countertops, just like you did in step two. Buff it off with another microfiber cloth and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Alternatively, you could also use a specially formulated cleaner like those offered by Therapy and Supreme Surface. These can be used in place of the window cleaner to add a soft shine to your counters. These cleaners polish and protect your countertops as you clean, making them a wise investment compared to regular window cleaners.
How to Remove Stains from Quartz Countertops
When you first purchased your quartz countertops, you were drawn in by their stain-resistant nature. They are definitely nonporous and can withstand a tremendous amount of abuse, but they will stain under the right circumstances. Protect your stone counters with some of these remedies for stained or discolored areas.
Baking Soda
The first method you use to remove a stain is to create a baking soda mixture. Combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a little warm water until it forms a paste with the consistency of toothpaste. Gently massage this mixture over the stained area using a nonabrasive sponge or your fingers.
Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for a while before cleaning it up with more warm water. You may only need to let it sit for thirty minutes. For stubborn stains, it might require you to leave this poultice on overnight.
Lemon and Salt
Another option for removing stains is to harness the citric acid found in lemons. Start by sprinkling a little bit of salt over the stained area. Slice your lemon in half and scrub the area using one of your lemon halves. The gentle abrasion from the salt and the acid from the lemon work together to lift out stubborn stains.
Clean the area thoroughly with water when you are finished. You don’t want to leave the lemon juice on your quartz countertops for too long because the acid can damage the finish. Dry the spot with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid water stains and streaks in this area.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops with Vinegar
Note: Vinegar is not recommended to use for Quartz. You should choose a cleaner like this for the best result and to avoid any damage to your quartz countertops.
Vinegar is a natural alternative to the store-bought cleaners found in retail outlets. Many people prefer to turn to vinegar because it is gentler and more cost-effective than many popular brands. The only major drawback to using vinegar as an all-purpose cleaner is the pungent odor. In order to remedy this, you can purchase cleaning vinegar in pleasantly-scented varieties online.
You can purchase a handy spray bottle of cleaning vinegar from Aunt Fannie’s. It is made with natural ingredients like essential oils to help eliminate the traditional odor found in most vinegar-based products. This bottle is already pre-mixed and ready to use. Choose from one of four delightful scents to make your kitchen smell fresh and clean:
- Eucalyptus
- Fresh lime mint
- Lavender
- Sweet mandarin
Of course, you can also use one cup of plain distilled white vinegar mixed with three parts warm water.
Learning how to clean quartz countertops with vinegar is relatively simple but again, not recommended. Start by removing all of the food particles that are on the surface of the counters. Wipe them down with mild dish detergent and water. Finally, you can spray on your vinegar and dry the counters off with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
If you don’t have many food stains or spills on your counters, you may be able to skip cleaning them with dish detergent. Many homeowners prefer to simply use this vinegar solution each day to maintain the shine of their counters, even if they haven’t spent much time in the kitchen the day before.
How to Polish Quartz Countertops
Many people are convinced that they need to polish their quartz countertops in order to make them shine. There is a myriad of products available that claim to restore shine to the surface of your stone when you polish your counters. Unfortunately, this can lead to long-term damage to your stone counters.
Most quartz countertops are already polished when they leave the factory and make their way to your home. Adding more polish on top of this original coat will eventually lead to a build-up of product over time. As the polish builds up on your counters, your finish will no longer sparkle and shine. It will start to look dull and drab instead.
If you truly want to make your quartz countertops shine, you should consider using either a vinegar-based solution or a window cleaner. Consult with the manufacturer of your quartz countertops to see what they recommend for restoring shine to your counters.
Caring For Quartz Countertops
Did you know that there is actually a significant difference between quartz and quartzite? There may only be a three-letter difference in the name, but the structural differences are significant. Quartzite is formed as a result of natural processes caused by heat and pressure. On the other hand, quartz countertops are created artificially with resins, various binding agents, and possibly even color pigmentation for a unique look.
As a result of these structural differences, maintaining your countertops can look different with quartzite.
The process of cleaning the two countertops is actually the same. Wipe up your messes with dish soap and a clean microfiber cloth. Stains are easily remedied with a glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. The main difference between the two is how often you must seal quartzite countertops.
Quartzite is a more porous substrate which means that you will need to seal it more frequently. Experts recommend sealing your countertops twice per year when using this natural stone. This adds a significant step compared to quartz countertops that never need to be resealed. They are naturally more resistant to stains, mold, and mildew.
Sealing Quartzite Countertops
Many homeowners believe that they must hire a professional in order to seal their quartzite countertops. However, this is actually a fairly simple task that you can perform on your own every six months to a year. The only thing you need is a good stone sealer, adequate ventilation, and a microfiber cloth.
Be sure to purchase a stone cleaner that is specifically formulated for quartzite countertops. This option from Stone Care International’s Professional Series is just what you need. It is ammonia and phosphate-free so it can be gentle on your natural countertops. The formula is streak-free, making it easy for amateurs to apply. Each bottle covers approximately 48 square feet for a single application. This is a worthwhile investment to protect your countertops for the years ahead.
Are you ready to learn how to seal quartzite countertops? Simply use the squirt bottle to distribute the cleaner around your quartzite countertops. From there, you can use your microfiber cloth to spread the sealer evenly across your counters. Allow it to penetrate the surface of your counters for approximately thirty minutes or until it is completely dry.
Remember that this sealer will only last six months to one year. If you forget to reapply a new coat as it wears off, your countertops may be more susceptible to stains.
Learning How to Take Care of Quartz Countertops
Understanding how to take care of quartz countertops is extremely simple, but many homeowners overlook this basic chore. Protect the investment you made in your home by taking proper care of your stone counters with some of these professional tips. Whether you choose to use a commercial product or something more natural, your quartz countertops are bound to sparkle and shine like new.
Take the time to clean your counters daily to avoid food stains and built-up food particles on the surface. This can dramatically extend the lifespan of your counters. Do your best to clean up messes when they first occur to prevent long-term damage to the surface. All it takes is a little preventative maintenance and you can ensure that your kitchen counters will last for years to come.
Last update on 2024-04-03 at 05:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
