How to Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz is known for its stunning appearance and minimal maintenance requirements, but even this sturdy surface deserves special care to keep it looking as good as new. Perhaps you've recently renovated your kitchen or bathroom and want to protect your investment. Or maybe you've had quartz countertops for years and want to restore their natural shine. Either way, you've come to the right place!
Despite its hardy composition, quartz does have its vulnerabilities, and it’s important to know what to avoid so as not to damage your beautiful countertop. This blog post will walk you through the best practices for cleaning and maintaining quartz countertops. From everyday cleaning tips to tackling tough stains and spills, we’ll go over the following:
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Gentle Cleaning Solutions
There's no doubt that kitchens can get messy. While it may be tempting to buy a chemical-loaded cleaner to take care of spills, many of these cleaners are abrasive and harsh. In other words, the chemicals can damage or scratch your countertop surface. Here are some more gentle solutions that you can make at home:
- Dish soap: In addition to cleaning your plates and silverware, dish soap can clean your countertops. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, then clean using a towel or sponge.
- White vinegar: White vinegar is slightly acidic, which makes it an effective cleaning tool. To make the solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. When you're done, rinse with plain water to eliminate vinegar scents.
- Lemon juice: If you don't have white vinegar, you can use lemon juice instead. Like vinegar, lemon juice has acidic properties that make it useful for cleaning. Simply combine equal parts lemon juice and water, then wipe your countertops.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water for a slightly stronger cleaning solution. Rather than wiping your countertops, however, you should put this solution in a spray bottle. A few sprays are all you need.
- Baking soda: For tougher stains, you can make a paste using baking soda and water. Once you have a paste-like consistency, apply it to the stains, then gently scrub it off and rinse.
If you don't want to make your own cleaning solution, there are commercial solutions specifically designed for quartz.
Avoid High pH Cleaners
If you decide you'd rather purchase a commercial cleaner for quartz countertops, be sure to check the pH levels. High pH cleaners, such as heavy-duty alkaline cleaners, are known for their corrosive nature. While they effectively eliminate grease, residues, and other stains, they can also inadvertently damage your countertops. The last thing you want is for your stunning countertop surfaces to be eroded.
Use Non-Abrasive Cleaning Tools
In addition to using gentle cleaning solutions, using non-abrasive cleaning tools is a good idea. Things like scouring pads or brushes with thick bristles can be too harsh for your countertops. Here are some gentler cleaning tools to use instead:
- Soft sponges: Sponges with soft, gentle textures can help remove stains without damaging the countertops.
- Microfiber cloths: Known for their soft, lint-free materials, microfiber cloths make excellent cleaning tools. For more effective cleaning, dampen them first.
- Silicon spatulas: Are there dried substances clinging to your countertops? Use a silicon spatula (as opposed to anything metallic).
- Soft bristle brushes: If you use a cleaning brush, ensure it has soft bristles.
- Paper towels: Paper towels can be used for simple, easy-to-clean spills.
No matter which tool you use, make sure you're not scrubbing too aggressively. Using gentle, light motions can go a long way toward preserving your countertops.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
A common question homeowners ask is, "Do quartz countertops stain?" While quartz is stain-resistant, it's not entirely immune to stains. However, you can prevent stains from remaining by cleaning them immediately. The sooner you take on the stain, the less likely it is to stick.
Another way to prevent staining is by relying on high-quality materials and installation services. At Cabinet Coatings of America, we have over two decades of experience helping homeowners upgrade their kitchens. Not only do we use long-lasting, durable materials, but we also consider aesthetics and appearance. Once we're done, you'll be left with a kitchen you love.
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