Quartz countertops add beauty and functionality to any kitchen or bath. But caring for quartz countertops takes a little dedication and patience. With minimal maintenance and care, you can ensure a long lifespan for your counters, punctuated by long-lasting beauty and durability. Choose Granite Guy to expertly install your quartz countertops, as well as to provide you with detailed instructions for ongoing care.
Quartz countertops are comprised of man-made engineered stone, a combination of 90 percent ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 10 percent resins, polymers, and pigments. It’s a non-porous stone, which means it doesn’t have to be sealed as often, if at all, as stones like granite.
Read on for more tips on how to care for your quartz countertops:
1. Routine Cleaning
Yes, quartz resists permanent staining when exposed to liquids such as vinegar, wine, tea, lemon juice, and soda, as well as fruits and veggies, but you should still wipe up spills immediately before they have a chance to dry. For fresh messes, use a mild dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth.
For dried spills or heavy stains, use a glass or surface cleaner, a non-abrasive sponge and some elbow grease. Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off gum, food, nail polish, paint, or other messes that can become stubborn after drying.
2. Protect From Heat
Exposure to extreme heat can damage your quartz countertop, even though this type of stone is generally heat-resistant. Temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit can melt the resin used in the manufacturing process, causing cracks in your countertops – especially if it experiences a very sudden change in temperature. Always use a trivet if you decide to set a hot pan or plate on it.
3. Use Cutting Boards
While quartz countertops are resistant to scratches, they are not completely scratch-proof. Be sure to use a cutting board if you plan to do any cutting, chopping, or slicing food. If you prep food directly on the surface, scratches and other marks may remain over time. Plus, your knives will become dull.
4. Do Not Use Abrasives
Avoid using scouring pads and abrasive cleaners on your quartz countertops. Make sure not to spill nail polish remover, turpentine, commercial drain cleaners, oven cleaners, dishwasher rinsing agents, and bleach on your counters. These substances are too harsh and can disintegrate the bonds between the quartz and the resins that bond it together. Use water to rinse the exposed surface thoroughly if these chemicals do spill on your countertops.
Contact Granite Guy
If you need more tips on caring for your quartz countertops, contact us today at 508-460-7900.