Quartz countertop requires a certain level of care and maintenance to ensure its durability and aesthetic. Here are 3 important and required ways to care for your quartz countertops.
Quartz Countertop #1: Taking Precautions To Prevent Staining
Avoiding stains is a great tip in keeping quartz countertops as pleasant as they ought to be and also to look polished. Although quartz is made to be impermeable and resistant to stains, there are several types of substances that have the ability to cause some form of damage regardless.
Most of the common things one uses such as coffee, tea, wine, vinegar and oils, may eventually discolour the surface if they stay on it for too long. To prevent that, clean up spills immediately. Most spills can be cleaned simply by wiping down the surface with a soft cloth or sponge, warm water and a mild dish soap. Since quartz is non-porous and it does not readily absorb liquids, stains are less likely to set in as they might in natural stones like marble or granite. This, however, does not eliminate the importance of timely cleanups.
There is also the use of non-abrasive cleaners and avoiding the use of bleach, ammonia or oven cleaners to maintain its original colour without staining. The harsh chemicals will break down a countertop’s surface — making them more vulnerable to stains. If you do have a bit of a tougher stain, use a cleaner suitable for quartz together with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads as these will scratch the surface with micro-scratches that one may not see but will eventually dull the surface and provide minute grooves where stains can eventually settle in.
Preventative measures are especially important with items that may have strong pigments. Examples are work with food and spices like turmeric or saffron where the use of cutting boards or placemats would be advisable to avoid contact directly with the countertop. Besides that, a lot of food and liquids as well as any products usually available in the household like makeup or nail polish will likely leave marks if precautions are not strictly followed; therefore, whenever possible these kinds of items need to stay away from the surface.
Finally, drinks should be set on coasters and everything else should be set on trays. Even though it is tough, this added precaution will make sure that nothing that might be too acidic or heavily pigmented comes into contact with the surface for longer than it has to. These simple habits will greatly reduce the possibility of any staining that could preserve aesthetic appeal and longevity of the countertop. Prevention of stains is easy with regular attention and gentle cleaning habits that help keep quartz countertops as beautiful as they were on the first day of installation.
Quartz Countertop #2: Being Aware Of Heat Damage
Quartz countertops are heat-protected in a way that the beauty and durability can be preserved since extremely high or low temperatures can burn the surface. Nevertheless, although quartz countertops have very strong resistance to heat, they do not fully withstand the impacts of high temperatures. Because of its engineering, quartz includes a mixture of natural quartz stone and resins. It has a composite structure that may discolour, warp or crack due to direct heat.
Trivets, hot pads or heat-resistant mats are highly recommended for use under any hot cookware that will be taken out of the oven and placed on the countertop — examples of which include pots, pans, baking sheets and slow cookers. This helps insulate the quartz from sudden temperature changes that may cause stress cracks on the surface or lead to discolouration over time.
The mere momentary contact with hot objects may lead to discolouration or blemishes on quartz countertops as resin components can be damaged once their limit of heat tolerance is reached. Also, all the appliances which generate heat such as toasters, kettles or air fryers (when used) should always have some sort of barrier or mat in between them and the surface for protection against concentrated heat in one place at any given time. Unlike some natural stones such as granite which can be a bit forgiving to direct heat, taking precautionary steps can help in assuring a long life with good looks.
The other factor is exposure to sunlight. Quartz can turn yellow or discolour if it is in direct sunlight too long because of the ultraviolet rays degrading the resin in the countertop material. This pertains more to outdoor kitchens and large windowed indoor spaces when a lot of sunlight hits the countertop area throughout much of the day. If this is a problem, consider using blinds, UV-filtering window films or other window coverings to reduce direct sunlight exposure.
Routine care in avoiding direct heat or sunlight can help protect the original colour and integrity of quartz countertops. Helping prevent thermal shock and minimising the occurrence of cracks and discolouration will let home owners enjoy the longevity of a polished-looking quartz. You can experience the beauty and practicality of quartz by being conscious of how heat might affect it and enabling you to maintain it in optimal condition for years.
Quartz Countertop #3: Conducting Daily Cleaning Processes
Daily cleaning is vital in trying to keep your quartz countertops clean while maintaining durability for a very long period. Being an engineered stone carved from natural quartz and resins, the material is non-porous and can resist bacteria, staining and moisture better than most materials used for making countertops. Start the day with wiping down your quartz surface each day with a soft damp cloth or sponge, taking away surface dust, crumbs and minor spills.
All that is required for general cleaning is a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Gently scrub with the cloth, taking a little extra care over sticky or dried-on areas, then clean off any soap with a clean, damp cloth. Harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive sponges are not recommended as they can damage the finish on quartz. High acid or high alkaline products, such as vinegar, bleach, or ammonia should be avoided because it breaks down the resin and dulls the sheen in a countertop.
Otherwise, pH-balanced cleaners labeled safe for quartz may be used if necessary. It is just prudent even though quartz is highly resistant to stains to immediately clean up spills-especially those acidic or pigmented substances like coffee, wine, tea or citrus based products. These can leave marks on the surface if left sitting for too long. Greasy spots can usually be cleaned using a few drops of dish soap and warm water but stubborn grease could call for a non-abrasive choice that is safe for quartz. Apply it sparingly, making sure to rinse well afterward.
Be careful not to drop heavy pots, sharp knives or metal utensils onto the tops, lest scratching or chipping occurs upon impact or dragging across the surface. A final touch could be to dry the countertop with a clean, dry microfibre cloth to retain the shine on it. The regular wiping down of quartz countertops helps maintain not only their glossy outlook but also keeps the surface clean from bacterial or any kind of deposits that develop on a day-to-day basis.
With these soft, non-abrasive cleaning practices incorporated into your daily routine, you can be certain that your quartz countertop will remain an attractive and durable addition in your kitchen or bathroom for years to come.
