How to Clean Viatera Quartz Countertops

Introduction

Viatera quartz countertops are made from natural quartz combined with high-performance resins and polymers to create an extremely durable, non-porous and stain-resistant surface. However, even the most durable countertops require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best.

Cleaning viatera quartz regularly not only keeps it free of dirt, debris, and stains but can also extend its life by preventing buildup and damage from spills. Using the proper cleaning methods and products specifically formulated for quartz is key to safeguarding your investment.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about keeping viatera quartz sparkling clean. We’ll cover daily maintenance, removing different types of stains and messes, disinfecting, polishing, and other vital cleaning tips for long-term care. With the right techniques and products, maintaining the beauty of your viatera quartz countertops is simple. Let’s get started!

Daily Cleaning of Viatera Quartz

Daily cleaning is the foundation of keeping viatera quartz looking its best. Follow these steps for routine daily care:

Use a Soft, Non-Abrasive Sponge

Always use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth when cleaning quartz. Never use anything abrasive like steel wool or scouring pads, as they can dull and scratch the surface.

Warm Water and Mild Dish Soap

Warm water and a couple drops of mild dish soap, diluted in water, are ideal for everyday cleaning. Avoid harsh detergents.

Gently Wash with Circular Motions

Apply the soap and water solution to the surface and gently wash in circular motions. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.

Rinse Well and Dry Completely

Rinse thoroughly with clean water, removing all soap residue. Wipe dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Remaining moisture can lead to buildup.

Remove Spills Promptly

Wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible to prevent staining, etching, or difficult-to-remove dried-on messes.

Use a Quartz Cleaner Regularly

In addition to daily washing, use a quartz-specific cleaner designed for routine maintenance 1-2 times per week. This helps boost shine and prevent grime buildup over time.

Take Extra Care with Seams and Grout Lines

Pay close attention when cleaning near seams and grout lines. Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush to remove debris that can collect in these areas.

By following these simple daily cleaning steps, you can keep your viatera quartz spotless and looking like new every day.

How to Remove Stains and Messes from Viatera Quartz

Even with dedicated daily cleaning, spills and messes still happen. Here are some of the most common stains and messes you may encounter on viatera quartz, along with the best removal methods:

Grease and Oil Stains

Greasy smears from food and cooking oils can stain and feel sticky on quartz surfaces. To remove:

First, blot up any excess grease or oil with an absorbent cloth. Don’t aggressively scrub yet, as this can spread the stain.
Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water and wash the oily area with gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.
For stubborn grease stains, apply a small amount of baking soda and water into a paste. Gently rub the paste over the stain with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly. The baking soda will help absorb and cut through the grease.
Avoid harsh degreasing chemicals, as they can damage or etch the quartz over time. Mild dish soap, baking soda, and warm water are the safest and most effective grease removers.

Dried-On Food and Sauces

Pasta sauce, jam, and other sugary foods can adhere to quartz and get baked on by the heat of stovetops and ovens. To remove:

First soften the dried food by covering it with a damp paper towel or sponge for 10-15 minutes. This makes scrubbing much easier.
Gently scrub the loosened food residue away with a soft scrubbing sponge, warm water, and dish soap.
For very stubborn stuck-on messes, make a paste from baking soda and water. Apply the paste and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing. The baking soda will help dissolve the bonds sticking the food to the quartz.
Avoid using metal scrapers or utensils to chip away at food residue. These can scratch quartz. Plastic scrapers are ok, but soak and soften the mess first.

Etching from Acidic Foods and Cleaners

Substances with a highly acidic pH, like citrus, vinegar, or harsh bathroom/kitchen cleaners, can etch (lightly damage) the quartz surface over time with repeated exposure. To prevent etching:

Wipe up acidic spills like lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, etc. as soon as possible. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Avoid using highly acidic cleaners on quartz surfaces. Stick to mild dish soap or specific quartz cleaners.
If slight etching occurs, buff the spots gently with a white polishing pad designed for quartz and a quartz polish. This can often reduce the visibility of mild etching.

Hard Water Marks and Mineral Deposits

Hard tap water can leave behind calcium, lime, and mineral deposits that etch and stain quartz. To remove:

Dilute a small amount of white vinegar in warm water. Apply to the deposit with a soft cloth and let sit for 5 minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft sponge, then rinse thoroughly. The vinegar will help dissolve the mineral deposits.
Avoid abrasive scouring powders, as they may scratch the surface while trying to scrub off hard water marks.
Install water softeners and limescale removers on fixtures like faucets to prevent recurring hard water stains on quartz.

Dried Liquid Spills and Rings

Spills like wine, coffee, tea, and juice can leave behind colored rings if not wiped up promptly. To remove dried rings:

Wet the stained area with warm water and dish soap and cover with damp paper towels for 10-15 minutes to soften the stain.
Gently scrub the area in circular motions with dish soap and a soft sponge or rag.
For stubborn rings, apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and scrub gently with baking soda and water paste.
Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing. Repeat process if needed for lingering stains.

Marker and Ink Stains

Permanent markers and pens can leave indelible stains. To remove:

Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the stain and let sit for 5 minutes. This will help dissolve the ink bonds.
Scrub the area gently with a soft rag or magic eraser sponge.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward.
Repeat as needed for tough marker stains. Hairspray also helps dissolve permanent marker. Apply, let sit, then scrub.

Disinfecting Viatera Quartz Surfaces

Routine disinfection of quartz countertops, especially in kitchens, is important for killing germs and bacteria. Here are safe ways to disinfect viatera quartz:

Make a diluted bleach cleaning solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Apply to quartz with a soft cloth, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse.
Use an EPA-approved disinfectant designed for quartz and stone surfaces. Lysol and Clorox both make effective quartz disinfectants.
Avoid excessive bleaching or disinfecting, as this can damage quartz over time. Disinfect only once or twice per week for general purposes.
For food prep areas, use a mild dish soap and warm water wash followed by a diluted vinegar rinse. The vinegar naturally kills bacteria.

Disinfecting your viatera quartz regularly eliminates harmful bacteria without using harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.

Polishing Viatera Quartz Countertops

While solid-surface quartz does not require sealing or waxing, periodic polishing helps maintain the glossy just-installed sheen. Here are some tips:

Use a Quartz Polish and Buffing Pad

Apply a marble, granite, and quartz polish formulated specifically for engineered stone. Rub over entire surface with a buffing pad or soft cloth using circular motions. Avoid wax-based polishes.

Focus on High-Use Areas

Quartz near the stove, sink, and prep areas tend to lose shine the fastest. Target polishing on these high-traffic spaces.

Polish 1-2 Times Per Year

For residential kitchens, polishing viatera quartz once or twice per year is sufficient to renew the surface’s luster. Commercial spaces may need polishing every 2-3 months.

Remove Residue and Reseal

Always rinse thoroughly after polishing to remove any polish residue. Reseal joints near sinks and backsplashes afterwards with a clear caulk.

With occasional polishing, your viatera quartz counters will maintain their beautiful factory sheen for years before needing professional resurfacing.

Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Viatera Quartz

To summarize, follow these do’s and don’ts when cleaning and caring for viatera quartz:

DO:

Use soft sponges, cloths, and scrub pads only. Never abrasive scouring pads.
Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains.
Use mild dish soap and warm water for daily cleaning.
Disinfect periodically with diluted bleach or EPA-approved disinfectants.
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove residue.

DON’T:

Use acidic or alkaline cleaners and solutions. Stick to pH neutral products labeled for quartz.
Allow grease, oil, wine, coffee, or other staining liquids to sit.
Use abrasive pads, scrub brushes, or cleaning tools.
Apply wax, sealant, or polishes that contain wax/oils. Use quartz-specific polish.
Soak or immerse areas of the quartz countertop in water.

By following these simple do’s and don’ts for cleaning and maintenance, your viatera quartz countertops will stay looking like new for decades.

Common Questions about Cleaning Viatera Quartz

Still have some lingering questions about keeping your viatera quartz counters clean? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

What’s the best way to clean viatera quartz daily?
Use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Wash gently with circular motions, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely.

How can I make viatera quartz shine like new again?
Use a polish made specifically for quartz along with a soft pad to buff the entire surface 1-2 times per year. Focus on high-use areas.

What should I use to disinfect a viatera quartz kitchen countertop?
Mix 1 part regular bleach to 10 parts water for an effective disinfecting solution. Apply to the quartz, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid frequent bleaching.

Is it ok to use a magic eraser sponge on viatera quartz?
Yes, magic eraser sponges can safely be used to remove some dried-on stains and marks from viatera quartz surfaces. Be sure to wring sponge thoroughly first and scrub gently to avoid erasing any polished finish.

What is the best way to remove dried or baked-on food?
Soften dried food by covering with damp paper towels for 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub loosened food reside away using warm water, mild soap, and a soft scrubbing sponge. For stubborn messes, apply a baking soda paste and let sit before scrubbing.

How can I get rid of hard water marks on my viatera quartz?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Apply to the hard water stains and mineral deposits and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Will lemon juice or vinegar permanently damage my quartz countertop?
No, occasional short exposure will not permanently stain or etch quartz. But do wipe up acidic spills quickly to avoid potential long-term etching. Avoid prolonged contact with acidic fluids.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for preserving the flawless beauty and durability of viatera quartz surfaces. By using the proper techniques and quartz-safe products, keeping your counters clean is simple. Just be sure to seal surfaces after cleaning, polish periodically, and avoid abrasive cleaners or pads.

With this complete guide, you now have all the information needed to keep viatera quartz countertops spotless. Implement these cleaning methods and recommendations to help your quartz counters retain their just-installed appearance and last for decades. Just a little regular care will maintain the sparkling shine, sleek look, and luxurious feel that makes viatera quartz such a worthwhile investment.