Quartz has rapidly become one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials thanks to its incredible durability and low-maintenance requirements. But that doesn’t mean these premium surfaces are completely immune to damage or don’t need any upkeep at all. The experts at Bedrock Quartz say that proper care is still essential to keep your quartz countertops looking flawless for decades.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Unlike high-maintenance natural stone that requires regular sealing, quartz’s non-porous engineered surface makes daily cleaning a total breeze. Simply dilute a few drops of soap in warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe down the entire quartz surface. This removes any dried spills, grease splatters or dusty residue from food prep.
For tougher, sticky messes, you can gently go over the area with a plastic putty knife to scrape up any gunk before wiping with soap and water. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or brushes that could dull or micro-scratch quartz.
The non-porous quality of quartz makes it extremely stain resistant as well. If you clean up spills in a reasonable time frame, you’ll never have to stress about red wine, coffee, or other liquids leaving permanent discoloration.
Disinfecting Quartz
Besides basic cleaning, it is important to regularly disinfect quartz to kill any lingering bacteria. Fortunately, most common household disinfectants can be used safely on quartz without causing any damage or dull finishes. Look for sprays containing:
- Bleach.
- Ammonia.
- Isopropyl alcohol.
Simply spray the disinfecting solution onto the quartz surface and allow it to sit briefly before wiping away with water and a clean cloth. Make sure to thoroughly rinse any bleach residue.
For an all-natural disinfectant, you can also use white vinegar. The light acid will not etch or dull quartz’s non-porous surface like it can with other stone materials.
Avoiding Countertop Damage
While quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available, that doesn’t mean it’s completely indestructible. You should still take certain practices and precautions to prevent excessive wear and tear.
Use trivets or mats when handling hot cookware straight from the oven or stove. While quartz can briefly withstand heat exposure, prolonged direct heat can cause discoloration or cracking over time.
The surface of quartz countertops might face scuffs or scratches from cutting food items directly on them. Use a cutting board instead of chopping on quartz whenever possible.
Bright sunlight beaming through windows can also gradually cause fading or discoloration on parts of the countertop regularly exposed to those UV rays. Consider tinting windows or closing curtains/blinds at peak sun times.
Chemicals to Avoid
Most household cleaning agents are safe for quartz, but there are some chemicals that should never be used as they could stain, etch, or discolor the surface:
- Drain cleaners.
- Permanent markers/inks.
- Nail polish remover.
- Turpentine or paint removers.
- Cleaner with high alkali/ph.
- Abrasive scrubs.
When in doubt, always spot test cleaners first in a hidden area before using across the entire countertop. Improper cleaners can break down the resins binding quartz over time.
Repairing Damages
Despite your best prevention efforts, accidental chips, cracks, or severe stains could still occur on quartz countertops after years of normal wear and tear. Fortunately, most quartz manufacturers offer professional repair services to fix minor imperfections. Experienced repair crews can restore surfaces to look brand new again.
For major cracks or if entire sections need replacement, most quartz countertop installers keep remnants from prior projects to provide matching pieces. Swapping out just one countertop segment creates a seamless repair.
Conclusion
With some basic cleaning and protective care, your quartz countertop investment can last practically forever. A little routine maintenance goes a very long way.
