Quartz countertops are popular options for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, some quartz countertop owners notice that their counters start to feel gritty or rough to the touch over time. There are a few potential causes for this gritty texture:

Surface Etching

One of the most common reasons quartz can start to feel gritty is from surface etching. Etching occurs when acids come into contact with the surface of the quartz and cause microscopic pits and roughness. Some common causes of etching include:

• Citrus fruits and juices – The acid in citrus can eat away the resin layer and expose the quartz aggregates.
• Vinegar, wine, and tomato sauce – Acetic acid and acids in tomatoes can etch quartz.
• Cleaners with acidic ingredients – Avoid cleaners like bathroom sprays, tub & tile cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners around quartz.
• Spills that are not wiped up promptly – Giving acidic substances time to interact with the surface leads to more etching.

To prevent etching, make sure to wipe up spills quickly, avoid exposing quartz to acidic foods and cleaners, and seal quartz annually with a penetrating quartz sealer. If etching has already occurred, professional polishing or refinishing may be required to restore the smooth surface.

Loss of Shine and Polish

In addition to etching, quartz counters can start to feel rough simply due to wearing of the surface polish and shine over time. Regular use, cleaning, and exposure to sunlight can all gradually degrade the polish. Loss of shine is most noticeable on darker quartz colors and solid surface slabs.

Maintaining the polish requires periodic professional refinishing and buffing. This is recommended every 1-2 years for most quartz countertops. DIY polishing kits can also help restore some shine between professional treatments.

Improper Installation

Sometimes a gritty texture is noticed right away after quartz installation or appears within the first year. This indicates an issue with the original fabrication and installation.

Problems like inadequate seams, uneven surfaces, or imprecise polishing can leave areas of rough texture. This requires replacement of the affected areas to resolve. Thoroughly inspecting quartz at the time of install helps prevent problems down the road.

Deterioration of the Resin Layer

The resin layer on top of the quartz aggregates is essential for structural integrity and smoothness. Over many years of use, this resin can slowly erode, exposing more of the quartz chips. The increased exposure of aggregates leads to a rougher, sandpapery feel.

Unfortunately the only remedy for deteriorating resin is a full quartz countertop replacement. But this type of wear takes 10-15 years to develop in most cases. Keeping up with routine maintenance and polishing extends the life of the resin layer.

Cleaning With Abrasives

Using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on quartz can damage the surface and cause scratches or roughness similar to etching. Powder cleansers, dry scrubbing sponges, and stiff-bristled brushes are too abrasive for quartz.

To keep the surface smooth, quartz should only be cleaned gently with a soft sponge or cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing forcefully during cleaning. If scratches from past abrasive cleaning are causing grittiness, professional refinishing or wet sanding can remove the damage.

Poor Quality Installation Materials

In rare cases, a gritty texture in a new quartz countertop installation points to low quality fabrication materials. Issues like:

• Substandard or impure quartz mixes
• Insufficient resin layers
• Curing issues with slabs

Can all contribute to roughness in brand new countertops. This usually requires replacement with higher grade materials or a different quartz manufacturer to correct.

How to Prevent a Gritty Texture

While quartz is very durable, some care is required to keep the signature smooth surface in top condition:

• Seal quartz annually with a penetrating sealer made for natural stone.
• Immediately wipe up spills, especially acidic substances.
• Avoid exposing quartz to acidic foods and cleaners.
• Use only non-abrasive cleaners and cleaning tools.
• Have quartz professionally refinished every 1-2 years.
• Inspect closely at install time for any flaws in fabrication.

With proper care and maintenance, your quartz countertops can stay smooth and polished for many years before needing replacement. Contact a quartz restoration pro or your countertop provider if your counters develop a bothersome gritty texture that routine cleaning cannot fix.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gritty Quartz Countertops

Can you get rid of etching on quartz countertops?

Yes, etching caused by acids can be polished out of quartz by a professional refinisher. DIY polishing kits can also help improve mild etching between professional treatments. Preventing future etching is also key.

Does sealing quartz countertops help prevent a gritty surface?

Yes, sealing is important to protect the surface. Penetrating impregnating sealers made for natural stone help repel stains and etching acids. Seal quartz every 12-24 months.

What is the best cleaner for quartz countertops?

For routine cleaning, use a pH neutral stone soap or a mild dish detergent. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. Soft microfiber cloths and sponges are safest for the surface.

Can I use Magic Eraser on quartz countertops?

No, Magic Eraser and other melamine sponges are too abrasive for quartz. Their scrubbing action can damage the surface over time.

How often should you professionally refinish quartz?

To maintain the best shine and prevent etching, refinishing quartz every 1-2 years is ideal. Frequency depends on usage and condition. Refinishing can remove etching and light scratches.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops bring many benefits to kitchens and baths, but a developing gritty or rough texture can be frustrating. Acidic etching, wearing of the surface polish, inadequate installation, cleaning mistakes, and long-term resin breakdown are common reasons quartz counters lose their signature smoothness. With prompt attention to spills, proper routine care, regular professional refinishing, and avoidance of harsh cleaners, it is possible to maintain the surface quality and feel of quartz countertops for many years. Addressing any griminess when it first appears leads to the best results long-term. With a bit of maintenance effort, your quartz surfaces can stay looking and feeling like new.