Quartz countertops are among the most common materials used in homes, and knowing how to take care of them is essential.
Quartz is one of the most reliable materials used for countertops and other features throughout countless homes and businesses. This engineered stone is designed to be resilient, durable, and resistant. Despite that, there are still things you should and should not do when caring for and maintaining your quartz counters.
So, what exactly are these dos and don’ts? Continue reading to learn more.
What is Quartz?
It’s best to know a little about quartz, the mineral itself, so you can completely understand the fundamentals of maintaining your quartz countertops. We briefly touched on this above, but to start, despite the organic look of quartz counters, it is not a natural stone.
Of course, quartz is one of the earth’s most common minerals and can be found worldwide. In its raw form, quartz looks very similar to crystals. But that final countertop material is not completely composed of that mineral.
The fabrication process for quartz countertop slab consists of crushing quartz crystals and other forms of highly resistant stone particles before adding bonding resins and coloring agents. This mixture is made up of 90 to 93 percent quartz crystals. After that, it is put into a high-temperature vacuum chamber to form a super durable slab. It is then polished, finished, and sold.
Many types of materials are used for kitchen countertops, but quartz tops them all in terms of durability. Between the unique stone mixture and the hard resin, quartz counters are elegant and highly durable. While this countertop is tough and can withstand wear and tear, it is not indestructible.
Proper care is crucial to ensuring they last for their entire lifespan. Lack of regular maintenance or a thoughtless accident could damage even the heaviest-duty slab. Today, we are filling you in on everything you need to know.
The Dos and Don’ts of Maintaining Your Quartz Countertops
DO NOT Let Spills Linger — Spilled liquids (even water!) can seep through tiny, undetectable scratches in your countertops, leaving stains below their surface. Acidic foods and liquids, like citrus fruit, wine, vinegar, and more, are especially fast-acting and strong staining agents.
Keep your countertops in excellent, stain-free condition by cleaning up all spills the moment they occur. Don’t forget to dry the area thoroughly with a clean, soft microfiber cloth when they happen or as soon as you notice them.
DO Gently Clean Quartz Countertops Regularly — Going along with what we mentioned above, a great way to keep your countertops looking pristine is to wipe them down as often as necessary throughout the day.
A soft, dampened washcloth and, if necessary, a bit of mild dish soap should do the trick. Wiping away the crumbs and other messes as needed should keep your countertops free of grime, germs, and dust, and should stop stains in their tracks.
Check your countertops at eye level to ensure you get a thorough clean and have not missed any crumbs and other particles. If you want to use a store-bought cleaning solution, make sure the product is specifically made for quartz counters.
DO NOT Do Projects on Your Quartz Countertops — The kitchen countertop might be a convenient place for your kids to do their homework or work on an art project. However, it is not wise to let them work here, especially if they are using ink, permanent markers, or paint.
These and other substances can adhere to your countertop surfaces and be extremely tricky to remove. Water-based products at the counter are okay, though you might want to consider covering them during art time, no matter what they are using — just to play it safe.
DO Utilize Trivets and Hot Pads — Quartz counters can withstand extremely high temperatures; after all, they were fabricated in a super hot oven! Despite that fact, drastic and sudden temperature changes can alter the color of quartz or split it right down the middle. It is also critical to remember that the smooth polish on the surface of your slab is not nearly as heat resistant as the stone underneath it.
Homeowners should always place trivets and/or hot pads between the quartz counter and hot pots and pans. Always use caution when using countertop appliances, such as a toaster oven or an air fryer. Moreover, hot hair tools, like straightening or curling irons, should be used carefully and put down gently on the counter.
DO NOT Scratch Your Quartz Countertops — Quartz counters are scratch-resistant; however, they are not scratch-proof. It is essential to remember that despite these countertops being durable, they are not meant to be used as a cutting board. Do not cut directly on them. Doing so can scratch the finish and make the stone a lot more vulnerable to stains.
If you do scratch the stone surface, make sure to address the problem area right away. There are ways to fix the damage yourself; however, the best way to deal with scratches is to call a professional.
DO Get Your Quartz Countertops at Intermountain Stone & Marble
If you want quartz countertops in your property, Intermountain Stone & Marble in Salt Lake City is the best place to get your materials.
Our team of professionals is ready to help you find the best countertops for your home or business at a price that fits your budget. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is invested in your project and is here to help you find the best options for your kitchen and bathroom countertop needs.
We strive to provide our clients with a fantastic experience by offering top-tier customer service and high-quality materials like marble, quartz, granite, and other luxurious stones.
If you live in Salt Lake City, Park City, or a surrounding area in Utah, contact us today to check out our extensive selection and receive a quote.
