Routine Care for Quartz Countertops?
Opaly® Quartz countertops are no doubted very beautiful, however, to maintain their shine and appearance a routine cleaning and care is required. It can be well maintained with basic precautions thereby preventing dents, stains, or scratches. Quartz countertops are the source of beauty for the interiors of homes and offices. It is therefore important to maintain the lustrous and beautiful appearance of your Quartz countertop with a simple cleaning routine, which includes; cleaning with water and a damp cotton cloth. However, one can use a soft cleaner as well.
Though Quartz surfaces are resilient to permanent stains from liquids, tea or coffee, juices, fruits, vegetables, etc. In case if a spill occurs, wipe it up immediately. If the spill has dried, try using a scrub pad, particularly a Scotch Brite with a little cleaning agent or a mild surface cleaner.
What to Avoid?
- Cutting
- Chipping
- Wax & Polish
- Bleach
- High pH Cleaners
- Cooking Grease
- Permanent Markers
- Solvents & Chemicals
- Heat
- Tough Materials
Avoid
Few maintenance tips can keep your quartz solid surface as new as ever. To keep it vibrant and a new one should avoid spills and scratches and dents. Also should be a careful while;
Cut & Chop
Quartz Stone is resistant to stains but they aren’t scratch proof. Metal may scratch the quartz so do not use metal knives and utensils directly on the countertop. When chopping vegetables, slicing bread, or preparing other foods with sharp utensils, Use a proper cutting board and avoid cutting, slicing, and chopping food directly on the counter surface.
Chipping
Quartz surfaces are chip-resistant but not chip-proof. Proper care and caution can avoid damage to the surface and chip, especially around dishwashers and sinks.
Wax & Polish
Quartz countertops are nonporous and don’t require waxes or sealants.
Bleach & High pH Cleaners
Don’t use bleach cleaners they can harm the lustrous surface and its shine. Read the instructions before using any cleaner. Avoid using pH cleaners or high alkaline products like those used for cleaning ovens and knobs.
Liquids & Oil
If your countertop gets in contact with grease or cooking oil, juices, tea, coffee, etc. Immediately clean the surface with a mild cleaner.
Permanent Markers
Be careful while using permanent inks and markers around your countertop. In case if it happens use a good cleaning agent and rub with a dry cloth and rinse with warm water.
Solvents & Chemicals
Avoid direct contact with solvents and powerful chemicals like paint removers, chloride, nail polish remover, acids, and sprays, and try to keep them away from your Quartz countertops.
Heating objects
Quartz Stones Surfaces are heat resistant but not invincible. Therefore precautions are necessary while placing heat-generating items such as frying pans, toaster ovens, heat lamps, griddles, etc. The best is to use hot mats and trivets to place pans if you need to set them down.
Tough Materials
Some materials harden and become tough when they dry. Like gum, paint, and foodstuff. To get rid of these tougher materials use a plastic putty knife and gently scrape.
Steps to clean Quartz Surface
It’s very easy to maintain the quartz stone surface without the hassle and investing less. What you need is Dish soap, sponge, spray bottle, water, isopropyl alcohol (optional), and a clean rag or towel.
Step 1: Cleaning
Do make sure that you take everything off your countertops before cleaning, from small appliances or any decor items. This would make sure that you have properly cleaned every single corner of the surface. Don’t scratch the surface while cleaning.
Step 2: Removing the Debris
Use a dry sponge and scoop the crumbs and debris off. This would make the cleaning process easier and faster.
Step 3: Scrubbing the Surface
Wet the surface using a few drops of dish soap and a non-abrasive dish sponge. The sponge helps to scrub the quartz counter thoroughly. If the residues and caked spots are tough and hard you may need to scrub a bit harder.
Step 4: Rinsing the Soap
After the counter has been scrubbed, rinse all the soap suds properly. The use of soap helps to lifts the dirt. Wash the dirt away with water. You can use the sponge and a soft cloth to wipe. Keep rinsing your sponge or cloth a few times. Lastly use a dry cloth or a towel to wipe the counter surface.
Step 5: Disinfecting the Surface
It’s good to disinfect the surface. Use a simple disinfectant; mix 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and two cups water and pour it in a spray bottle for better usage. 1-2 drops of essential oils can be added to add fragrance. Spray the mixture on the countertop Allow the disinfecting solution to settle for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Drying the Surface
After a few minutes of disinfecting process, use a clean/dry cloth to wipe away any remaining. Now, your countertops are cleaned, disinfected, and as good as new.
Conclusion:
Quartz Stone surfaces are very easy to maintain and can be cleaned very easily. Use a mild detergent/soap, water, and a soft cloth then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid using harsh scouring pads or abrasive cleansers that contain bleaching ingredients. Since Quartz Stone is an engineered stone, therefore its surfaces don’t require any polishing to keep them smooth and shiny. However, they require proper cleaning to maintain their shine and beauty.
For larger commercial environments, a slow-speed buffer or walk-behind scrubber can be used to clean the floor surface areas. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to maintain the shine and beauty of the floor.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about the maintenance and care of engineered stone surfaces. We can help you to keep your Quartz surface new always.
