Cambria quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular in homes due to their durability, style, and low maintenance. Like all countertops, Cambria quartz requires proper care and cleaning to keep it looking beautiful for years. This guide will provide tips on how to care for Cambria quartz countertops to maintain their appearance and functionality.
Cleaning Cambria Quartz Countertops
Regular cleaning is important to prevent buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria on Cambria quartz. Here are some best practices for keeping Cambria quartz counters clean:
Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner
It’s crucial to use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for natural stone when cleaning Cambria quartz. Acidic or abrasive cleaners can etch or dull the surface. A pH-neutral cleaner safeguards the glossy finish. Some recommended cleaners are Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner or Method Daily Granite Cleaner.
Clean After Each Use
Get into the habit of wiping down Cambria quartz after every use. Using a soft cloth, wipe up any spills, crumbs, grease etc. This prevents staining and buildup that becomes harder to remove later.
Disinfect Regularly
Sanitize Cambria quartz periodically with a non-bleach disinfectant cleaner made for stone. This eliminates harmful bacteria that can grow on kitchen and bathroom counters. Popular disinfectant options are Lysol Daily Cleanser and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.
Use a Non-Abrasive Sponge
When scrubbing Cambria quartz, use a soft sponge or damp microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges and pads that could scratch the surface. A Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Sponge works well.
Difficult Stains
For stubborn stains or buildup, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad with your pH-neutral cleaner. Apply light pressure and limit scrubbing to avoid damaging the finish.
Preventing Water Spots
Due to Cambria’s low porosity, water spots and mineral deposits can form from standing water. Wipe up spills immediately and dry with a clean cloth. For water spots, use a countertop spot remover.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use bleach, vinegar, ammonia, bathroom cleaners, or acidic products on Cambria quartz. These can etch or corrode the surface. Check cleaner labels and avoid anything not formulated for natural stone.
Proper Wiping
Always wipe Cambria quartz using light, circular motions. Pressing too hard or aggressive wiping can gradually damage the finish. Wipe gently and allow cleaners to sit before wiping again.
Preventing Damages
Cambria’s durable composition makes it resistant to scratches, chips and cracks. However, the quartz surface can become damaged when proper care isn’t taken. Follow these tips to prevent damage:
Use Cutting Boards
Never cut directly on Cambria quartz. Always use a cutting board to protect the surface from knife marks. Cambria recommends flexible plastic cutting boards that are gentle on countertops.
Pot Holders & Trivets
Use pot holders when placing hot pots or pans on Cambria quartz and set them on a heat-proof trivet. This prevents cracking or discoloration from excessive heat. Let cookware cool before setting it on Cambria.
Coasters for Drinks
Use coasters under glasses, mugs and bottles to prevent etching or moisture rings. Cambria recommends absorbent cork coasters or stone coasters.
Handle Spills Immediately
Promptly wipe up any spills on Cambria quartz, especially liquids like wine, coffee, juice or oils that can stain if left unattended. This limits absorption into the surface.
Avoid Impacts
Prevent heavy impacts on Cambria quartz from objects that could chip or crack it. Don’t bang cookware or drop heavy items on Cambria. Avoid harsh scrubbing that can damage the finish.
Lift Objects to Move Them
Rather than sliding pots, appliances or other objects across Cambria, lift them up to reposition them. Dragging items across the surface can eventually cause faint scratches.
Install a Backsplash
Having a quality backsplash installed protects the wall edges of Cambria quartz from splashes that can seep underneath and cause swelling or discoloration.
Sealing and Polishing Cambria Quartz
Unlike natural stone, Cambria quartz does not require regular sealing or polishing to maintain its finish.
No Need to Seal
Since Cambria is non-porous, sealers cannot penetrate the surface and are unnecessary. Sealers could even damage the glossy finish.
Avoid Applying Polish
Polishing quartz counters with wax or vinegar polishes is ineffective and wastes effort. Cambria’s durable finish retains its luster without polishing.
Consult Cambria First
If you notice the Cambria quartz losing its shine or appearing dull in spots, consult Cambria before applying any sealers or polishes. This could indicate an issue needing professional repair.
Professional Resurfacing
If Cambria quartz becomes severely etched or scratched, professional resurfacing can restore the finish. Qualified fabricators use diamond-tipped tools to carefully polish out flaws.
Additional Care Tips
Follow these extra care recommendations to keep Cambria quartz counters flawless:
- Inspect countertops under lighting monthly to spot early signs of damage.
- Use a grout sealer on backsplashes to prevent staining between tiles that can migrate onto Cambria.
- Avoid exposing Cambria quartz to direct UV sunlight for prolonged periods to prevent fading.
- Have countertops resealed by a professional after 5-10 years depending on use to renew the protective finish.
- When cleaning, always test products on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure compatibility with Cambria.
- For heavy-duty cleaning projects, consider consulting a professional Cambria contractor to avoid mistakes.
- If selling your home, disclose proper Cambria quartz care to new owners to prevent future damage.
DIY Cleaning Recipes
While store-bought cleaners simplify upkeep for Cambria quartz, you can also make effective DIY cleaners using ingredients like vinegar, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide if desired:
All-Purpose Cambria Quartz Cleaner
- 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- 3⁄4 cup warm water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto Cambria and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Disinfecting Cambria Quartz Cleaner
- 1 cup warm water
- 1⁄4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray onto Cambria and let sit 5-10 minutes before wiping. Rinse thoroughly.
Polishing Cambria Quartz Cleaner
- 1⁄4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3⁄4 cup warm water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Mist onto Cambria and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Buff dry with a microfiber towel.
Recommended Cambria Quartz Cleaning Supplies
Having the right supplies makes cleaning and caring for Cambria quartz simple. Here are some recommended products:
- Scotch-Brite Non-Abrasive Sponges – For safe scrubbing of Cambria surfaces
- Weiman Quartz Cleaner & Polish – pH-balanced formula safe for quartz
- Magic Eraser Sponges – For removing stuck-on messes
- Absorene Stone & Quartz Cleaner – Daily cleaner and stain remover
- TriNova Granite Sealer – Protects from oil and water stains
- Granite Gold Daily Cleaner Spray – Cleans without leaving residue
- Method Daily Granite Cleaner Spray – Non-toxic and biodegradable
- ThoroughClean Disinfectant Spray – Kills 99.9% of bacteria
- Giani Granite Countertop Cleaner – Cleans and shines without dulling
- Cutting boards – For food preparation on quartz surfaces
- Cork trivets – To protect from hot cookware
Investing in the proper quartz-safe cleaning tools and non-abrasive, pH-balanced stone cleaners is the best way to keep Cambria surfaces sparkling.
Hiring a Cambria Quartz Cleaning Service
For deep-cleaning or routine maintenance of Cambria quartz surfaces, consider hiring professional cleaners. Ask prospective services:
- If they are familiar with properly cleaning quartz like Cambria
- What quartz-safe cleaning solutions they use
- If employees are trained to avoid damaging finishes
- If they offer services like disinfecting, polishing, and stain removal
- What their experience is cleaning Cambria or similar quartz products
- If they will provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Top cleaning services have specialized training and tools to clean Cambriaquartz without damaging the finish. They can tackle troublesome stains and restore surfaces to a like-new shine.
Caring for Cambria Quartz: FAQ
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about keeping Cambria quartz surfaces looking flawless:
How often should I clean Cambria quartz?
Ideally, Cambria quartz should be cleaned once daily using a pH-neutral cleaner. All spills should be wiped up immediately as they occur. Disinfect and polish periodically as needed.
What cleaners can damage Cambria quartz?
Avoid cleaners containing bleach, vinegar, ammonia, hydrofluoric acid, alkaline, or acidic/abrasive formulas. Only use cleaners specifically designed for natural stone.
How can I remove dried or stubborn stains?
For dried or stubborn stains, use a plastic scraper to gently detach buildup and then clean with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and test scrapers on an inconspicuous spot first.
My Cambria quartz has dulled – how can I restore the shine?
If dull spots develop, use a quartz-polishing cleaner and microfiber cloth to gently buff the surface. Avoid applying pressure during polishing. Consult a professional for resurfacing if dullness persists.
Are there any scratches or chips in my Cambria quartz?
Check for scratches or chips under natural light. Shallow scratches can often be buffed out with polishing cleaner. Deeper defects may require professional repair.
Can I use waxes or sealants on Cambria quartz?
No waxes, sealants, or polishing creams should be used on Cambria surfaces. The integral finish does not require protective treatments which could damage the gloss.
Will routine cleaning remove the polish on Cambria quartz?
Proper routine cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners will not degrade Cambria’s durable factory finish. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and acidic formulas that can damage the glossy polish.
How can I prevent bacteria and mold growth on Cambria quartz?
Disinfect Cambria quartz regularly with a non-bleach cleaner to kill harmful bacteria. Keep sinks, faucets and backsplashes clean to prevent mold. Promptly fix any leaks that allow moisture underneath.
What heat level can Cambria quartz withstand?
Cambria resists brief exposure to heat up to 425°F. However, prolonged direct heat can damage the finish. Use trivets for hot pans and avoid leaving cooking appliances on Cambria for extended periods.
Conclusion
Cambria’s low-porosity quartz surfaces are more stain, scratch, and heat-resistant than many alternatives. However, Cambria still requires proper maintenance to prevent damage and discoloration over time. By using pH-neutral cleaners, addressing spills quickly, avoiding harsh chemicals, and handling the counters with care, you can keep Cambria quartz in pristine condition for decades. Implementing these best practices for cleaning and care makes enjoying the durability and beauty of Cambria easy.