12 Do’s and Don’ts of Quartz Countertop Maintenance
While quartz countertops are the easiest stone countertops to maintain, it's essential to care for them properly to preserve their beauty. In this blog, we will share 12 dos and don'ts of quartz countertop maintenance, based on expert advice from our countertop company, to help you enjoy your countertops for years to come.
What are quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops in Waterloo are a man-made material that looks like stone and is very popular in kitchen countertops today. They consist of various mixes, but they typically include ground quartz, resins, and pigments that create various designs and colours.
When pressure is applied to the mixture, it creates a hard surface that is cured. The slabs are then polished and cut to size.
1. Do use a gentle cleanser on quartz countertops
Although quartz is very hard-wearing, you must use a gentle cleanser to avoid ruining the finish. Ideally, you want a mild, pH-neutral cleanser. A good option is to simply use a mild dishwashing soap with a bit of water. This will easily tackle typical kitchen messes. If you prefer, you can also invest in a quartz-friendly cleanser.
2. Don’t be too rough on quartz countertops
If you’re faced with greasy or crusty messes, it’s hard to resist the temptation to scrub the surface. However, quartz prefers a gentler hand, using a soft cloth that won’t cause tiny scratches that ruin the finish.
3. Do use a circular motion for quartz countertops
Using a gentle, circular motion on quartz will help provide enough momentum to remove gunk and crusty buildup without damaging the surface. Rubbing back and forth will not be as effective and can damage the quartz.
4. Don’t use scrub pads on quartz countertops
Just like you shouldn’t use abrasive cleansers, using scrub pads and other abrasive cleaning tools is not recommended for quartz. Always use a soft sponge, paper towel, or microfiber cloth when cleaning your countertops.
5. Do wipe away stains right away
Although quartz doesn’t require sealing like marble and natural stone countertops, lighter-coloured quartz can be prone to stains from things like tomato sauce, red wine, coffee, tea, etc. if allowed to sit too long.
When working in the kitchen, be aware of any spills, drips, or spatter and act fast to wipe away anything that is deep in colour. If the stain doesn't come right off, use the same process mentioned above, including a soft cloth or sponge, a gentle cleanser, and a circular motion.
6. Don’t apply direct heat to quartz countertops
Quartz is mostly heat-proof, but it still helps to use a heat pad under hot pans right out of the oven. Direct high temperatures can damage the surface and cause discolouration.
Perhaps more worryingly, a hot pan placed on a cold stone surface could cause severe cracks. It’s best to play it safe and always use a heat pad or keep hot pans on your stovetop until they have time to cool down.
7. Do use baking soda if absolutely necessary to remove quartz countertop stains
If you come across a stubborn stain, you can apply some baking soda to the area with a bit of water to help remove the discolouration.
Use a soft cloth to gently massage the paste into the surface in a circular motion. The stain should begin to disappear. Then, rinse the area with warm water and remove the remaining residue with mild dishwashing soap and water.
8. Don’t chop directly on quartz countertops
In theory, you should be able to chop food directly on your quartz countertops. However, it’s better to use a cutting board instead. Depending on how vigorously you chop, you can make tiny nicks and scratches that make the counters vulnerable to increasing damage.
The scratches also allow bacteria to thrive, which can make you sick. As the damage worsens, you’ll likely start to see permanent staining from bright-coloured spices like curry and turmeric, tomato sauce, red wine, etc., as the pigments settle into the small cracks and pits.
9. Do avoid DIY cleaning concoctions for quartz countertops
Many blogs, social media channels, and influencers praise natural DIY cleaning concoctions to clean kitchen surfaces. While some of these tips work, it depends on the surface you’re cleaning.
Using acidic products like vinegar or lemon juice on quartz can be highly damaging, creating a dull surface that is more prone to stains and bacteria. So, while baking soda can be your emergency go-to for stains, adding vinegar or lemon juice to the mix is not advised.
10. Don’t use highly acidic products near your quartz countertops
Most kitchens store and use very acidic products and ingredients near the counters. It’s important to take precautions to avoid direct contact with quartz counters.
This includes nail polish remover, oven cleaners, bleach, and cleaners like dishwasher rinses. Even a small spill of overly acidic materials can damage and dull your quartz surface.
11. Do use quartz countertop manufacturing instructions and recommendations
When in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer’s or countertop company’s instructions to avoid damaging your quartz countertops. We will provide clear instructions on proper care to keep your countertops looking their best and protect your investment.
12. Don’t ignore noticeable damage to your quartz countertops
If you notice fine scratches, dents, cracks, or other signs of damage to your quartz countertops, it’s important to call your countertop company to perform repairs.
Every little scratch can create vulnerabilities that increase the risk of stains, bacteria, and germs penetrating the surface, making it harder to clean properly. Also, damaged countertops are easier to crack when they come into direct contact with hot pans.
Visit Our Gallery for Quartz Countertops in Waterloo
Following these 12 dos and don'ts will help protect the beauty of your quartz countertops and avoid costly countertop replacement.
For more information about quartz kitchen countertops, visit Quartz Co’s Waterloo showroom, or contact us here to book an appointment at the showroom nearest you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts here with your questions.
