How to Maintain Your Quartz Countertop

Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines the look of natural stone with excellent durability and low maintenance. With proper care, a quartz countertop can stay looking like new for many years. Here are some tips on how to maintain your quartz countertop.

Clean Regularly

  • Quartz is resistant to most spills and stains, but it’s still important to clean quartz regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and grime. Use a mild soap and warm water to wipe down your quartz daily. For tougher stains, a non-abrasive cleanser can be used.
  • Avoid using very acidic or alkaline cleaners on quartz, as this can damage the surface over time. Stick to pH neutral cleaners specifically formulated for stone surfaces.
  • Disinfect the surface periodically with a stone-safe disinfectant to kill germs. This is especially important in kitchens and bathrooms.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

  • Never use abrasive cleansers, alkaline chemicals, or acidic chemicals on your quartz countertops. This includes bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and other harsh products. They can eat away at the resin that makes up quartz and cause etching or dulling of the surface.
  • Don’t let cleaners that contain lemon, lime or orange oils sit on the quartz. Citrus can break down quartz given enough time. Rinse off any spills from citrus fruits right away.
  • Take care with wine, coffee, and tomato sauce spills which can stain if left for prolonged time periods. Blot up spills quickly to avoid permanent discoloration.

Prevent Scratches and Chips

  • Quartz is very durable, but not completely scratch or chip proof. Take care not to drag pots, pans, or appliances across the surface. Always use a cutting board for food prep.
  • Small scratches can be carefully smoothed and buffed out of quartz. But deep scratches may require a professional fabricator to resurface the quartz.
  • Use trivets and hot pads under hot pots and pans. Excessive, direct heat can damage quartz. Don’t put roasting pans or other items straight from the oven or stovetop onto quartz.

Re-seal as Needed

  • Over time, the sealant on quartz can wear away, making the surface more vulnerable to staining. Re-sealing quartz every 1-2 years will renew protection. Use a stone sealant specifically made for quartz.
  • Take extra care to seal seams, edges, and areas near the sink where exposure to moisture is higher. These spots are prone to wearing down the sealant faster.
  • Follow the product instructions carefully to ensure proper application and curing of the new sealant. Avoid heavy use of the countertop for 24-48 hours.

Avoid Sitting Water

  • While quartz resists water exposure well, it’s still best to avoid letting water pool and sit on quartz surfaces. Standing water can work its way into seams and cause damage over time.
  • Always wipe up spills and cleaning water promptly with a dry cloth. For kitchen sinks, consider using a drying rack that can drain into the sink.
  • Check that your quartz is properly sealed to prevent liquids from soaking in at weak points in the surface. Re-seal annually or biannually.

Professional Resurfacing

  • If your quartz countertops become excessively scratched or worn, consider having them professionally resurfaced. This process polishes out imperfections for a like-new finish.
  • Resurfacing should only be done by an experienced professional fabricator. DIY kits can sometimes damage the countertop instead of improving it.
  • Ask ahead of time whether the specific issues with your quartz can be resolved with resurfacing. Severely damaged quartz may need a full replacement instead.

Repairing Chips and Cracks

  • Small chips or cracks in quartz can often be repaired with color-matched filler products. These are available through quartz manufacturers.
  • Larger chips may need a professional repair. The damaged section can be carefully removed and replaced with a quartz plug of the same color and pattern.
  • Cracks may signal movement or instability in underlying cabinets or foundation. Have these issues addressed before repairing cracks in quartz countertops.

When to Call a Professional

  • For problems like deep scratches, stains, or major damage, call in a professional quartz company. They have specialized techniques and tools to repair or restore quartz countertops.
  • Professionals can also resurface, reseal, and sanitize your quartz countertops to keep them looking like new for longer.
  • Have professionals periodically inspect and service your quartz, especially if you notice staining, damage, or wear. Early intervention prevents bigger problems.

Maintain the Seal

  • Quartz countertops are sealed at installation, so maintaining that seal is important. Reseal your countertops every 1-2 years with a compatible stone sealant.
  • Sealers help prevent stains from absorbed liquids, particularly in areas around sinks and stove tops where spills are common.
  • Visually inspect countertops for signs of wear, like water marks and stains. That’s an indication it’s time to reseal. Professionals can also test seal integrity.
  • Be sure to use a non-toxic sealer specifically designed for quartz surfaces. Some silicone-based sealers change the look of quartz.

Know Your Warranty

  • Quality quartz comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. Know what is and isn’t covered under the terms.
  • Most warranties cover certain manufacturing defects for 10-15 years. Damage from misuse or lack of maintenance usually isn’t covered.
  • Save your paperwork with batch numbers and warranty information. You’ll need to provide it if filing a warranty claim down the road.
  • If you purchased a warranty extension, be familiar with what it includes and how to file a claim if repairs are needed.

Deep Clean Periodically

  • Over time, quartz countertops are subject to stubborn dirt, grime, and soap scum buildup that regular cleaning won’t remove. Perform a deep clean 1-2 times per year.
  • Mix a non-abrasive degreaser (like Simple Green) with warm water and scrub with a soft brush and sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
  • For tougher stains in grout lines or textured areas, use a toothbrush, Q-tip, or stiff nylon brush to lift buildup gently.
  • Avoid using too much pressure or abrasive pads during deep cleaning to prevent dulling the quartz finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best daily cleaners for quartz?

For routine daily cleaning, use a mild pH neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid harsh alkaline or acidic cleaners.

Can you use bleach or vinegar to clean quartz?

No, avoid using bleach, vinegar, ammonia, alkaline, or acidic cleaners on quartz. They will damage and dull the stone surface. Use only pH neutral cleaners.

Is sealing quartz countertops mandatory?

Sealing is highly recommended every 1-2 years to protect the surface, especially around sinks and stoves where spills occur. Sealers prevent stains.

How can you get rid of hard water marks on quartz?

Hard water stains can be removed with a little bit of non-abrasive cleaner and gentle scrubbing with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using too much pressure.

Is quartz heat resistant?

Quartz can withstand brief, intermittent heat exposure up to about 150°C. However, consistent, direct high heat can damage the solid surface resin. Always use trivets for hot pans.

Conclusion

With regular care and maintenance, quartz countertops can stay looking pristine for decades. By using the proper methods for cleaning, sealing, and protecting your quartz surfaces, you can prevent damage and keep your counters in tip-top shape. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions closely to get the longest life from your investment. With some basic maintenance habits, your quartz counters will retain their beauty and last for years of daily use.


Posted

in

by

Tags: