Honed quartz countertops are growing in popularity for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Unlike polished quartz, which has a shiny glossy surface, honed quartz has a soft matte finish that gives it an elegant, natural stone appearance. However, the porous honed finish requires more careful maintenance than polished quartz. Follow these tips to keep your honed quartz counters looking beautiful for years to come.
Cleaning Honed Quartz Countertops
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone.Look for cleaners that contain no acid, alkaline, ammonia or bleach.
- For everyday cleaning, mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wash surfaces.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and blot dry with a towel. Avoid abrasive scrub pads.
- For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad such as a white Scotch-Brite sponge. Apply pressure lightly when scrubbing.
- Disinfect surfaces occasionally with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth.
Preventing Damage
- Always use a cutting board for food preparation. Never cut directly on the countertop.
- Don’t place hot pots or pans directly on the surface. Use trivets and hot pads.
- Seal and re-seal the countertop every 6-12 months with a penetrating sealer made for honed natural stone. This prevents stains from soaking in.
- Immediately wipe up spills, especially oils, wines and fruit juices that can stain if left unattended.
- Avoid exposing the surface to harsh chemicals like oven cleaners, paint removers or drain cleaners.
- Don’t use abrasive powders, scouring pads or abrasive sponges which can scratch and damage the honed finish.
Repairing Damage
- Small nicks and scratches can often be removed by sanding lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (400-600 grit), always going in the direction of the honing.
- For deeper scratches, use finer grits (up to 3000 grit) to blend the scratch into the surrounding finish.
- Re-seal the sanded area after buffing to restore the honed appearance.
- Severely damaged areas may need professional refinishing. Consult a countertop fabrication specialist.
Maintaining Appearance
- Honed quartz can develop a matte polished area over time from daily use. To restore uniformity, have a professional use a honing powder to give the entire surface a consistent appearance.
- If the overall finish starts to appear too shiny, a mild etching product can be used to restore the honed look. Only apply etching products as directed.
- Avoid wax or polishing products which will create a semi-gloss sheen. Use only cleaners made for honed stone.
With proper care and prompt attention to spills and stains, a honed quartz countertop can stay looking like new for many years. Consistent sealing and avoiding abrasives are key to maintaining the soft, matte finish. Follow these tips, and your counters will retain their natural honed beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I seal my honed quartz countertop?
It’s recommended to seal honed quartz every 6-12 months using a penetrating sealer made specifically for honed natural stone surfaces. Frequent sealing prevents stains from soaking in.
Can I use a polish to create a shine on honed quartz?
No, avoid using any polishing products on honed quartz. Polishing a honed finish creates uneven glossy spots. Use only non-abrasive cleaners formulated for honed natural stone to maintain the consistent matte look.
What’s the best way to clean dried food or grease stains?
Use a gentle circular scrubbing motion with a soft cloth and pH-neutral stone cleaner. You can also try mixing baking soda and water into a paste and applying lightly. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Avoid aggressive scrubbing on stubborn stains which can damage the finish.
My honed quartz developed some glossy areas. How do I restore the uniform matte look?
Contact a professional fabricator to have the surface re-honed using a honing powder. This will remove any uneven polish and restore a uniform matte finish across the entire countertop. Avoid DIY polishing, which can do more harm than good.
Can I use a scrubbing pad on tough dried spills on my honed quartz?
Yes, but avoid aggressive scouring on the surface. Use a soft non-abrasive pad, like a white Scotch-Brite sponge, and apply light pressure as you scrub. Pay attention to the direction of the honing lines, scrubbing parallel to them rather than across.
I accidentally scratched my honed quartz. Should I try to buff and polish the scratch out?
No. For light surface scratches, sand the area very gently going in the direction of the honing using 400-600 grit sandpaper. Smooth deeper scratches with finer 3000 grit paper. Reseal sanded areas when done. Avoid DIY polishing, which will create glossy spots.
Conclusion
Honed quartz countertops add natural beauty to any kitchen or bath. With careful cleaning, prompt stain removal, consistent sealing, and avoiding abrasives, a honed quartz surface can stay looking fresh and damage-free for many years. Pay close attention to prevent scratches and etching. Follow these tips to enjoy durable, easy-care counters that retain their distinctive matte finish. Treating honed quartz with care preserves its understated yet elegant appeal.