Whether you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project or building a home from the ground up, choosing which type of countertops to install is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. If you’re attracted to the timeless beauty and luxurious appeal of quartz, you should know it’s not the same as quartzite, which requires special maintenance.
Quartz is a man-made, engineered type of stone that necessitates much less stringent routine care. Below, the experts at Wholesale Granite Direct explain what every quartz countertop owner needs to know about routine maintenance.
Quartz Countertops: Basic Cleaning
If you’re like most homeowners, your kitchen is one of the busiest places in the house. And with all that action, your countertops require a quick cleaning once, if not multiple, times per day. Fortunately, quartz countertops don’t require any special type of cleaner.
For minor messes, cleaning quartz is as simple as hand-washing your dishes. Use a damp, soapy washcloth, and give the surface a thorough wipe-down. If you prefer to use a cleaner, opt for an ammonia-free window or surface cleaning product that won’t damage the stone’s surface. Avoid using cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals and surfactants, and whatever you do, never use steel wool or any abrasive material to scrub away stubborn messes!
Dealing With Spills on Quartz Countertops
You’re bound to deal with at least a few spills on any countertop. Luckily, quartz, unlike certain types of porous stone, handles spills very well. Because it’s nonporous and mold, bacteria, and mildew resistant, quartz is one of the most naturally sanitary countertop options on the market. Even better, it naturally resists staining from a wide variety of foods, drinks, and other products that are notorious for marring countertop surfaces.
Cleaning a spill on a quartz countertop is relatively simple. Here’s what you can do:
- Simple spills. Simply blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth. Your countertop will look flawless without the need for any special cleaning products.
- Dried-on, stubborn spills. Gently scrub away the spill with a magic eraser product. If it’s really stubborn, apply a baking soda–water paste, and allow it to sit on the spill for no more than five minutes before wiping. Alternatively, you can apply a quick-cleaning countertop polisher made specifically for stone countertops, which will tackle the stuck-on gunk and give the quartz a beautiful, streak-free shine.
Even if you’re dealing with a persistent stain, never use steel wool pads or any type of scouring product to remove it. You should also avoid using cleaners with abrasive ingredients, and any highly acidic, alkaline, or lemon-based cleaning products.
Handling Hot Pots, Pans, and Styling Tools on Quartz Countertops
Quartz is naturally heat resistant, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can set piping-hot pots and pans or hairstyling tools on a quartz countertop. Although brief contact with hot objects won’t result in damage, temperatures in excess of 300 degrees Fahrenheit can crack the countertop or disintegrate the resin within the quartz. Prolonged exposure to moderate heat may also damage quartz, so here’s what you should do:
- Allow pots and pans to cool before setting them on a quartz countertop.
- If you must set hot objects on the counter, use trivets or hot pads.
- Avoid exposing quartz countertops to open flame.
- Avoid setting hot styling tools directly on a quartz countertop. Use a heat-resistant silicone mat or heat-protection pad beneath curling irons, straighteners, and other hot styling tools.
- If you spill hot oil or grease on a quartz countertop, clean up the spill immediately. Do not let it sit on the counter for any length of time, or it may begin to damage the resin.
Quartz Countertops: General Maintenance Tips
Of all the stone countertop materials on the market today, quartz is one of the easiest ones to care for. That said, it’s not completely maintenance- or worry-free. If you’re considering quartz for your kitchen or bath, here are a few general maintenance and care tips you should know:
- Quartz is hard and non-porous, but it’s not hard enough to resist damage from sharp objects. If you’re slicing and dicing in the kitchen, always use a cutting board on quartz countertops to avoid marring the surface.
- Quartz is generally not recommended for outdoor installations, such as in your backyard barbeque area or outdoor kitchen. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause quartz to fade, warp, or split, so if you choose to install quartz outdoors, you do so at your own risk. It’s also important to note that manufacturer warranties only cover indoor use, so if you do incur damage, you’ll pay out of pocket for necessary repairs or replacement.
- Using cleaning products that fall on either extreme of the pH spectrum can gradually disintegrate the bonds between the resin and the quartz. Generally, simple soap and water will tackle any mess you might encounter on a quartz countertop.
- Though quartz is quite hard, it can absolutely crack or chip under stress. Avoid placing excessive pressure on quartz countertops, and do your best to avoid dropping or slamming heavy kitchen items on a quartz surface.
Wholesale Granite Direct: Your DFW Source for Stunning Stone at Wholesale Prices
Ready to discuss your stone countertop options? Get in touch with our team at Wholesale Granite Direct! We offer an extensive selection of natural stone, granite, and quartz for residential and commercial installation, and we also specialize in custom fabrication. To learn more about your stone countertop options, contact us online, or give us a call today at 817-962-2616. You can also stop by one of our showrooms located in Richardson and Arlington, TX, and we’ll be happy to show you around!
