Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from engineered stone, quartz is an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance option that can add value and style to your home. However, new quartz countertops require some special care, especially right after installation. Follow these tips to keep your new quartz counters looking like new.
Clean and Condition Regularly
- Clean quartz surfaces at least once a day using a soft cloth or paper towel with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- After cleaning, rinse well and use a clean, dry cloth to remove any soap residue.
- Occasionally use a stone cleaner and sealant made specifically for quartz to condition the surface. This helps prevent staining.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Never use abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or acidic/alkaline solutions on quartz. This can etch and dull the surface.
- If spills occur, wipe them up immediately to prevent possible damage.
- For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad with the stone cleaner.
Prevent Thermal Shock
- Avoid exposing new quartz counters to extreme temperature changes.
- Always use trivets, hot pads or mats when placing hot pans, dishes, or appliances on the surface.
- Don’t pour boiling water directly onto quartz. Thermal shock can damage the material.
Handle Spills Gently
- Quartz is stain-resistant, but spills should be cleaned up quickly.
- Blot liquids gently instead of wiping to prevent staining.
- For dried spills, scrape off gently with a plastic putty knife and use a damp cloth to remove any marks.
Avoid Standing Moisture
- Always keep quartz dry. Wipe up spills and splatters promptly.
- Don’t allow excess water to pool around sinks or faucets. Dry with a soft cloth.
- Use a cutting board for food prep rather than slicing directly on the counter.
Use Trivets and Cutting Boards
- Use trivets when setting hot pots or pans on quartz.
- Chop vegetables or slice foods directly on a cutting board, not on the counter.
- Keeping heat and knives away from the surface will prevent damage.
Caring for your new quartz counters doesn’t require much time or effort. With routine cleaning and observation of a few simple care guidelines, your counters will stay looking pristine and damage-free for many years. Be sure to use only recommended quartz cleaning products and treat spills gently. Avoid exposing the surface to extreme heat or temperature changes. With proper care, quartz countertops are an extremely durable and low-maintenance addition to your kitchen or bath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Quartz Countertops
How often should I clean my new quartz countertop?
- It’s recommended to clean quartz counters at least once daily using a soft cloth, mild soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. After cleaning, rinse and dry completely.
What should I never use to clean quartz?
- Never use abrasive cleaners, bleach, vinegar, ammonia, acidic or alkaline cleaners. They can etch or dull the surface. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners as well.
How can I get rid of dried spills or stains?
- For dried spills, gently scrape the area with a plastic putty knife or non-abrasive pad. Apply a damp cloth and a small amount of quartz cleaner to remove any marks.
Should I condition my new quartz countertop?
- Yes, use a dedicated quartz cleaner and sealant once a week or so to condition and protect the surface from staining. Make sure any product used is specifically designed for quartz.
How can I prevent damage from heat?
- Always use trivets, hot pads or mats when placing hot items on quartz. Never expose the surface to sudden and extreme temperature changes as this can cause cracks and damage.
Is it okay to cut directly on quartz counters?
- It’s best to avoid cutting or slicing foods directly on quartz. Always use a cutting board to protect the surface from knife marks.
Caring for quartz surfaces is simple with regular cleaning, prompt spill removal, use of trivets, and avoiding harsh chemicals. With proper maintenance, your counters will stay looking like new for many years. Be sure to use specialized quartz cleaners and treat spills gently as they occur.
Conclusion
- Clean quartz daily with mild soap and water, rinse well and dry.
- Never use abrasive cleaners, bleach, vinegar or other harsh chemicals.
- Prevent damage from heat by using trivets and avoiding temperature shock.
- Gently blot spills instead of wiping to prevent stains.
- Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the surface.
- Apply a quartz-specific sealant regularly to condition and protect the counters.
With routine care and by following these simple guidelines, new quartz countertops will maintain their beauty and durability for decades. Avoid exposing them to excessive moisture, heat, and harsh chemicals that can damage the engineered stone surface. Quartz requires minimal maintenance compared to other counter materials. By caring for them properly, homeowners can enjoy stain-resistant, stylish counters that add value and elegance to any kitchen or bath.