Quartz countertops are popular in many modern kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, even quartz can lose its luster over time from everyday use, spills, grime, and typical wear and tear. The good news is that with some regular cleaning and care, you can keep your quartz counters looking like new and make them shine again.
What Causes Quartz Countertops to Look Dull?
There are a few common culprits that can cause quartz countertops to appear dull and lose their shine:
- Day-to-day use – Regular prep, cooking, cleaning, and placing objects on quartz leads to gradual dulling over time. Things like cutting, chopping, pans, and appliances can wear down the surface.
- Spills and stains – Liquids, oils, food, and other spills that aren’t wiped up promptly can seep into the pores of the stone and leave behind a residue.
- Hard water spots – Mineral deposits from tap water and other hard water sources leave spots and film.
- Soap scum and grease buildup – Using soaps and greasy products regularly without thorough cleaning can lead to accumulation.
- Sun damage – UV exposure from sunlight can damage and discolor quartz over an extended period of time.
How to Clean Quartz Countertops Properly
Cleaning quartz countertops regularly is key to keeping up the shine and appearance. Here are some tips:
- For everyday cleaning, use a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Gently wipe the surface to lift dirt and grease.
- Rinse well with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Ensure no soapy residue remains.
- For dried spills or stains, spray a specialized stone cleaner and let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping away. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
- About once a week, go over the entire surface with a quartz cleaner or polish to maintain the finish.
- For prevention, always use trivets, cutting boards, and coasters. Promptly blot spills.
- Check the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific quartz. Some can safely use vinegar, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide cleaners.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, alkaline cleaners, acetone, and abrasive pads/scrubbers as these can etch or dull quartz.
How to Make Quartz Countertops Shine Like New Again
If your quartz has lost its original luster and become dull over time, don’t worry – it can frequently be restored to a gleaming finish again. Here are tips:
1. Deep Clean the Surface
- Remove everything from the countertop. Mix a mild degreaser like Simple Green with warm water in a spray bottle.
- Liberally spray the solution over the entire surface. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help break down residue.
- Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the quartz in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with soft cotton towels.
2. Treat Stains and Etch Marks
- For stubborn stains, apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide directly on the mark.
- Gently scrub with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse. Repeat as needed.
- For etched spots, rub a bit of fine-grit sandpaper using minimal pressure. Buff gently.
3. Polish and Seal
- Use a quartz polish or specialized stone polish like Granite Gold to buff out any remaining dullness or discoloration. Work in small sections.
- Finish by applying a water-based quartz sealant as per manufacturer instructions. This adds protective shine.
- Buff dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using the countertop for 12 hours.
4. Maintain with Daily Cleaning
- Prevent future dullness by cleaning quartz daily with mild soap and water.
- Use trivets and wiping up spills promptly.
- Re-apply polish and sealant every 6 months.
With some work, your quartz countertops can often be restored to a like-new, brilliant shine again! Be patient and take care to follow techniques carefully. Seek help from a countertop pro if needed.
Common Questions About Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about keeping quartz counters clean and shiny:
Is it okay to use vinegar?
Most quartz can safely be cleaned with a diluted vinegar solution. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water and wipe gently with a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged contact. Check manufacturer guidelines.
What about using bleach?
Avoid bleach and products containing chlorine. These chemicals can damage, discolor or etch quartz. Opt for hydrogen peroxide instead for stubborn stains.
How can I remove hard water marks?
Hard water spots and films can be treated with a paste of baking soda and water. Rub gently, then rinse. Vinegar can also help dissolve mineral deposits.
How do I clean oil stains?
Degreasers like Simple Green work well for breaking down oil and grease. Spray and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. Avoid harsh solvents.
Is it okay to use magic erasers?
Magic erasers contain light abrasives, so use minimally and very gently if needed on quartz. Too much scrubbing can dull the finish.
How often does quartz need to be resealed?
Reapplying a quality quartz sealant every 6-12 months will help maintain the protective barrier. Use when the water stops beading on the surface.
Professional Restoration for Badly Damaged Quartz
For quartz counters that are badly etched, scratched, stained or just won’t shine despite deep cleaning efforts, professional restoration may be needed:
- Mechanical polishing – Pros have specialized tools to buff out etching and wear. Light sanding may be used to even the texture.
- Deep chemical cleaning – A professional grade stripping agent can be used to pull up stubborn stains from the stone.
- Spot treatments – Trained technicians can make repairs and touch ups to isolated damaged areas.
- Full resurfacing – Worst case, the entire slab can be ground down and resurfaced with quartz material to renew.
- Sealing – A pro sealant will be applied after restoration work to protect the finish.
Seeking professional help can become necessary for badly damaged quartz. But with proper regular care, you can keep your counters looking freshly installed. Be diligent about daily cleaning habits. Follow the techniques outlined to restore shine and luster when needed. With some elbow grease, your quartz can always be returned to its glossy glory.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and maintenance habits are key to keeping your quartz countertops shining like new over the long-term. But even if dullness, stains, and wear occur, there are very effective methods to restore the counter’s brilliance again. With a bit of effort and the right cleaning solutions and techniques, you can renew your quartz surface for a like-new appearance and sparkling shine.