Cambria quartz countertops are beautiful additions to any kitchen or bathroom. Made from natural quartz stone, these countertops are durable, stylish, and easy to maintain. With proper cleaning and care, Cambria quartz countertops will stay looking like new for years. This guide will walk you through the best practices for keeping Cambria quartz sparkling clean and polished.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning and Polishing Cambria Quartz
Cleaning and polishing Cambria quartz requires just a few simple supplies:
- Soft microfiber cloths or sponges
- Mild dish soap or stone cleaner
- Water
- Quartz polish or sealant (optional)
Avoid using abrasive pads or cleansers that could scratch the surface. Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and acidic cleaners should also be avoided. Sticking to gentle products designed for natural stone will ensure the counter retains its lustrous finish.
Daily Cleaning of Cambria Quartz Counters
For regular, daily cleaning, Cambria quartz needs little more than a simple wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge and a small amount of mild soap. Here are the steps:
- Rinse the countertop with clean water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Alternatively, use a specialty stone cleaner.
- Dip the cloth or sponge in the soapy water and wring it out thoroughly so it is just damp. Avoid excessive water.
- Wipe the cloth over the entire counter, rinsing it as needed.
- Rinse the counter with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
This quick daily cleaning removes light messes, dust, and fingerprints to keep counters looking polished and new. For tougher stains or buildup, additional steps may be needed.
Removing Stains and Buildup from Cambria Quartz
Though Cambria quartz resists stains better than other natural stone, spills can still leave behind discoloration if left too long. Certain materials like wine, coffee, and oil may stain if allowed to soak in. To remove tougher marks, use the following steps:
Step 1: Try dish soap and warm water
- Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap into warm water.
- Apply the soapy water to the stain with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Gently scrub the area using a circular motion.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface completely.
This may be enough to lift many new stains off the quartz.
Step 2: Use a quartz cleaner if needed
For stubborn stains that remain after soap and water, reach for a specialty stone cleaner made for quartz.
- Spray a small amount directly on the stain as directed.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so it can penetrate.
- Scrub gently with a soft bristle cleaning brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
The active ingredients in quartz cleaners help break down and dissolve stains. Repeat as needed for difficult marks.
Step 3: Try baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
For old or very set-in stains, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide:
- Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda with 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide to form a spreadable paste.
- Coat the stain with the paste, covering the area generously.
- Let the mixture sit for 2-4 hours, keeping it moist.
- Scrub away dried paste with a soft nylon brush.
- Rinse and dry the area.
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts stains, while peroxide whitens and disinfects. Let this paste soak in to lift stubborn marks.
Polishing Cambria Quartz Countertops
Though quartz is very hard and durable, the surface can become dull over time with regular use. Polishing brings back the glossy shine and protects the finish. Try these options:
Quartz Polish
- Apply a dollop of quartz-specific polishing cream to a soft cloth.
- Rub the cream over the counter in small circular motions.
- Rinse and buff dry with a clean towel.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
- Squirt lemon juice onto counter and rub over surface.
- Pour small amount of olive oil and continue rubbing.
- Let sit 5 minutes, then rinse clean.
Sealant
- Apply a thin coat of food-safe quartz sealant with a microfiber applicator.
- Let dry 20 minutes and buff off any residue.
Sealing fills microscopic pits to create an impermeable surface that prevents buildup. Reseal every 1-2 years.
Do’s and Don’ts for Cambria Quartz Counters
To keep your Cambria quartz counters looking like new:
Do:
- Clean up spills quickly to prevent stains.
- Use cutting boards and hot pads to protect the surface.
- Reseal periodically with a quality quartz sealant.
Don’t:
- Use acidic or abrasive cleaners.
- Allow heat directly on the counter; use hot pads.
- Let spills sit; clean promptly.
With proper care, your Cambria quartz counters will stay looking beautiful and stylish for a lifetime. By using only recommended cleaners and sealants, you can maintain their polished, lustrous finish. Follow these tips to keep your counters clean, stain-free, and shining like new.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my Cambria quartz countertops?
It’s recommended to clean Cambria countertops daily using just soap and water to remove surface dust, fingerprints, and other marks from regular use. Weekly, do a deeper cleaning using quartz cleaner to keep the finish looking its best.
What should I never use to clean Cambria quartz?
Avoid the following products that can damage the quartz finish: vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon juice, abrasive pads, and acidic or harsh cleaners. Only use gentle dish soap, warm water, and cleaners made specifically for natural stone.
Can you polish Cambria quartz yourself?
Yes, you can polish and reseal Cambria quartz countertops yourself at home using specialty quartz polishing creams and sealants. Simply apply the polish with a soft cloth and buff using gentle circular motions. Resealing once a year will maintain the glossy finish.
Will Cambria quartz stain?
While less prone to staining than other natural stone, Cambria quartz can still become stained by prolonged exposure to certain materials like oils, dyes, or wine. However, most stains can be removed with the proper cleaning methods. The key is addressing spills quickly before they have time to set.
Does Cambria quartz need to be sealed?
Cambria does not require sealing as often as some other quartz and natural stone. However, it is recommended to reseal your Cambria countertops every 1-2 years using a penetrating quartz sealant. This helps prevent etching and makes cleaning easier.
Conclusion
With a routine cleaning regimen and proper care, Cambria quartz countertops will maintain their sophisticated style and durability for many years. Avoid abrasive cleaners or letting spills sit too long. Daily cleaning with mild soap and water keeps counters fresh, while periodic polishing restores the polished finish. Follow these best practices and your Cambria quartz surfaces will stay looking like new.