Zodiaq quartz countertops are made from 93% crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments for a durable, non-porous and low maintenance surface. While quartz countertops are more stain and scratch resistant than other countertop materials, it is still important to properly clean and care for them. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean zodiaq quartz countertops:
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Before getting started, it is helpful to have these supplies on hand:
- Mild pH-neutral cleaner or stone soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft scrub brush
- Baby shampoo or diluted vinegar for soap scum (optional)
- Clean water
- Clean towel or paper towels
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia or vinegar as they can damage and dull the surface over time. Always check the product label to ensure it is safe for engineered stone.
Daily Cleaning of Quartz Countertops
To clean quartz countertops on a regular basis:
1. Remove Any Debris
Wipe the countertop with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any crumbs, dust or dirt. Taking this simple step helps prevent scratches and reduces the need for heavy-duty cleaning later.
2. Clean with pH-Neutral Stone Cleaner
Spray a pH-balanced stone cleaner formulated for quartz directly onto the countertop. Use a soft microfiber cloth and wipe gently over the entire surface. This helps lift up any remaining dirt and residues.
Avoid using excessive cleaner or moisture which can seep into seams over time.
3. Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Use a separate microfiber cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soapy residue left behind. Wring out the cloth well before using it.
Make sure to go over the entire counter and dry any excess moisture with a towel. Let air dry for 10-15 minutes as well. This prevents streaks, soap scum buildup and water marks.
Weekly Deep Cleaning for Quartz
In addition to daily cleaning, zodiaq quartz should have a thorough cleaning session once a week:
Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner and Soft Scrub Brush
Spray your chosen quartz cleaner liberally over the surface and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This allows the cleaner time to break up any stuck-on messes.
Use a soft scrub brush and gently scrub the entire counter in circular motions. Pay close attention to high use areas around the sink and stove. The brush friction lifts dirt from the microscopic pores of the countertop.
Avoid using excessive pressure or abrasive scrub pads which can damage the surface.
Rinse and Dry Meticulously
As mentioned for daily cleaning, it is crucial to rinse thoroughly after scrubbing quartz. Make sure to wipe down all corners and crevices where cleaner can collect.
Let the quartz air dry completely after rinsing. Lingering moisture can lead to buildup of hard water deposits and soap scum.
Inspect for Stains
Once a week, carefully inspect the quartz countertops under good lighting. Check along the backsplash, edges and areas around the sink. Any oil stains or residue that remain after cleaning need to be spot treated.
How to Remove Common Stains from Quartz
Quartz is less prone to staining than marble or granite. However, spills should still be cleaned up quickly to minimize absorption. Here are tips to remove some typical quartz stains:
Food Stains like Coffee, Tea and Juice
- Spray stain with pH-neutral cleaner and let sit 1-2 minutes
- Scrub with a soft brush in circular motions
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with microfiber cloth
For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the stain and let sit 20-30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The baking soda will pull out the stain.
Grease Stains
- Apply a few drops of dish soap directly on the grease stain
- Let sit for 3-4 minutes to emulsify the oil
- Scrub with a soft bristle brush
- Rinse and dry completely
For stubborn grease stains, spray with a degreasing cleaner formulated for stone countertops. Let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Dried Food Stains
- Soak stain with hot water for 3-4 minutes using a cloth or paper towel
- Gently scrape off any chunks of food with a plastic scraper
- Spray pH-neutral cleaner and scrub with soft brush
- Rinse and dry
Soaking dried food in hot water helps rehydrate it so it can be lifted off easily with light scrubbing.
Hard Water Stains
- Make a thick paste of baking soda and water
- Apply paste to the stain and let sit overnight if possible
- In the morning, scrub off paste and rinse
- Dry with a clean cloth
The baking soda paste will draw out minerals in hard water stains over time. For extra stubborn stains, try a poultice made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Dried Candle Wax
- Place a plastic bag or parchment paper over the wax spill
- Apply a hot iron on medium heat over the paper for 30 seconds
- Remove paper and flake off melted wax carefully
- Clean any remaining wax residue with pH-neutral cleaner
The heat from the iron will melt the dried candle wax so it can be wiped away easily.
Permanent Marker Stains
- Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain
- Let sit for 1 minute
- Scrub with a soft brush or sponge
- Rinse surface and dry
The alcohol will break down the pigments in the marker. For tough permanent marker stains, use an all-purpose cleaner instead of alcohol.
Rust Stains
- Make a poultice with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
- Apply to the rust stain thickly and cover with plastic wrap
- Let poultice sit for 4-6 hours
- Rinse and dry the area thoroughly
The chemical reaction between baking soda and peroxide will help lift up rust from quartz. Be sure to keep the poultice wet while it sits.
How to Sanitize Quartz Countertops
Sanitizing quartz periodically helps eliminate germs and bacteria:
With Diluted Bleach
- Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach into 1 quart of water
- Spray or wipe diluted bleach onto surface
- Let sit for 5 minutes maximum
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with clean cloth
Avoid using undiluted bleach directly on quartz. Always test first in an inconspicuous spot as extended bleach exposure can damage the surface.
With Vinegar
- Spray undiluted white vinegar onto quartz
- Spread with microfiber cloth and let sit for 10 minutes
- Rinse with clean water and dry with towel
The natural acetic acid in vinegar kills 99% of bacteria and germs. For extra disinfecting power, first clean with soap and water before applying vinegar.
With Hydrogen Peroxide
- Pour small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on quartz
- Let bubble for 5-10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry with a clean cloth
Hydrogen peroxide is effective for sanitizing quartz countertops without leaving any chemical residues. Always start with a test spot first before applying it to the entire surface.
How to Remove Scratches from Quartz Countertops
While quartz is very scratch resistant, cuts and scratches can still occur over time with daily wear and tear. Here are some tips to minimize and remove light scratches:
Use a Scratch Repair Kit
Specialty scratch repair kits contain buffing pads and polishing compounds designed for engineered stone. Follow the product instructions carefully to polish out superficial scratches and restore the quartz finish.
Try a Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Rub it into light scratches using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly after buffing for 1-2 minutes.
Sand Surface Lightly with Fine Grit Sandpaper
For hairline scratches, use 400 grit or higher sandpaper to gently smooth the area. Make sure to sand evenly in all directions. Finish by restoring the polish using a quartz polishing compound.
Heat and Cool Method
For shallow scratches, rub a hot wet cloth over the mark until it is warm. Then immediately place an ice cube on the area to cool it down. The quick temperature change helps minimize the scratch.
Call a Professional for Deep Scratches
If the scratches are deeper than the surface layer, it is best to call a professional stone restoration company. They have specialized tools and training to resurface and re-polish quartz countertops. DIY polishing runs the risk of causing further damage.
How to Prevent Damage to Quartz Countertops
Taking a few precautions can help prevent chips, dings and abrasions in a quartz countertop surface:
- Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the counter
- Clean spills quickly to avoid staining
- Avoid acidic and abrasive cleaners
- Don’t place hot pots or pans directly on the quartz
- Install a sink mat to prevent scratches from metal and ceramic dishes
- Apply a quartz sealer every 1-2 years for added protection
- Handle heavy or sharp objects carefully around the countertop
With routine cleaning and care, zodiaq quartz countertops can stay looking pristine for decades before needing resurfacing. Taking preventative steps also helps maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Zodiaq Quartz Countertops
Can I use vinegar to clean quartz countertops?
Vinegar is fine for cleaning in diluted amounts. Undiluted vinegar or long exposure times can damage the resin binders in quartz. Rinse surfaces thoroughly after using vinegar.
What happens if quartz gets stained?
Quartz is less prone to staining than other natural stone. However, deep oil-based stains may require professional honing to remove instead of simply surface cleaning.
Can I use Windex or other glass cleaners on quartz?
Avoid glass cleaners as they can leave cloudy residues. Use a pH-balanced stone cleaner instead. Check cleaner labels to ensure they are approved for engineered stone.
How do you remove hard water marks from quartz?
Make a poultice with baking soda and water and apply it thickly to hard water stains. Cover with plastic wrap and leave on for several hours before scrubbing away. The baking soda paste will draw out mineral deposits.
What is the best daily cleaner for quartz countertops?
A mild pH-neutral stone soap specially formulated for engineered quartz is ideal as a daily cleaner. Look for brands that contain no acid, alkali or bleach.
Can you use Soft Scrub on quartz?
No, avoid Soft Scrub and other abrasive cleaners on quartz surfaces. They can create micro-scratches over time. Use a soft scrub brush and pH-neutral cleaner instead for regular cleaning.
How do you polish out scratches on quartz?
For minor surface scratches, use a proprietary engineered stone scratch repair kit which contains polishing pads and compounds. Rub in circular motions until the scratches blend away. Avoid DIY polishing for deep scratches.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Sealing is not mandatory but can provide added protection, especially for heavily used countertops. Use a product specifically designed for quartz rather than a traditional stone sealer. Reapply every 1-2 years.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops are fairly simple to keep clean and looking like new with proper maintenance. By using the right tools and cleaners, spills and messes won’t stand a chance. Be sure to clean quartz frequently with a gentle stone cleaner and soft scrub brush. For tough stains, try spot treatments like baking soda paste or diluted bleach. With routine care, zodiaq quartz countertops will stay pristine and damage-free for many years. Implement these best practices for cleaning quartz and you will enjoy durable, worry-free countertop surfaces.