Quartz countertops are one of the toughest household surfaces available on the market today. They are scratch-resistant, stainless and antimicrobial. Furthermore, unlike most other natural stone countertops, quartz countertops are virtually non-porous and never need sealing. Whether you have a quartz countertop or are thinking of installing one, it’s better to know how to clean quartz countertops.

Today we are going to give you a general guideline on how to deal with quartz countertop issues.

Routine Care

Commercial quartz is non-porous, which means it won’t absorb and lock in stains. However, it’s better to wipe up spills, crumbs and other messes immediately. The natural grain and color pattern of quartz may cause some messes to go unnoticed.

Use small quantities of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleaners together with warm water and a wet cloth or sponge. Go over the surface of the countertop using smooth, circular motions. The majority of messes should come right off with little effort. For dried or sticky residue, apply more soap solution as needed.

Rinse the countertop with fresh water and then make it dry with paper. Soaps can dry into a scummy residue if they’re not properly washed away. 

Please be notified that Honed, Concrete and Rough finishes require more cleaning than our Polished finishes.  Metal marks, fingerprints and other signs of daily living may easily show on these finishes. Most of these marks can be removed with little effort and non-abrasive cleaning products such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel.

Stubborn spills and stains

V. Scrape off hardened messes.

You may occasionally have difficulty removing crusty, dried-on gunk with just soap and water, say, chewing gum, nail polish, or similar substances adhere to the surface. In these situations, you can chip away at the spot using a plastic scraper. It will also help to spray the gunk with warm water to soften it and make it easier to lift off with a little elbow grease.

An oil-based stain remover like Goo Gone, or ordinary rubbing alcohol may also be useful for loosening unusual substances. Apply the cleaner lightly to the countertops and let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rub out the mess and the remaining cleaner using a damp cloth.

V. Break down stubborn residue using a vinegar solution.

Food particles and mineral deposits from hard water can cause a film to develop on the countertops that a normal wipe-down may just smear around. A little distilled white vinegar can cut right through this film. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, mist the entire counter surface and run a soft kitchen sponge over it to leave behind a streak-free shine. Vinegar is a useful natural cleaner, but its sour smell can be overpowering. Mixing in a few drops of lemon juice or your favorite essential oils will infuse the room with a pleasant scent.

V. Ink or permanent markers is removed with an oil-based cleaner, like Goo Gone; and then rinse with warm water immediately after the stain is removed.

Rust & Metal Marks

This is for spot cleaning only. Use a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser (powder) or oxalic acid on a wet cloth.  With very light pressure, wipe the area where the marks are in a circular motion.Rinse with warm water, then dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. The cleaning needs to be performed carefully to avoid damaging the surface.

Dried Spills

For dried spills and stains, reanimated with water for several minutes before above cleaning methods. Clean the surface with a wet cloth or sponge.

Disinfecting

It's also important to always disinfect your quartz countertops after they come into contact with raw meats, seafood, poultry or fish. First use paper towels to wipe up residual moisture and debris. Then using a clean paper towel, spray the counter with a multi-surface antibacterial spray cleaner and allow it to stand for a few seconds. Work across the countertop spraying and wiping from end to end until you finish. Bleach-free disinfecting wipes are another great option.

TIPS On How to Preserve the finishes of Quartz Countertop?

U. Use non-abrasive tools and cleaners. Quartz is quite resilient, but it’s not indestructible. Abrasive agents are enough to create small scratches in the soft resin or underlying stone that are often permanent. Similarly, it’s possible for harsh chemicals like bleach and oven cleaner to cause bubbling, staining or discoloration. Play it safe and stick with harmless cleaning solutions like liquid detergents and vinegar.

It’s never a good idea to scour quartz with steel wool, sandpaper, pumice stone or any kind of stiff-bristled brush.·

Use a separate cutting board when preparing meals to prevent accidental scratches and gouges.

U. Avoid exposing quartz to high temperatures. Quartz is not meant to withstand intense heat. Always lay out a hot pad or trivet when serving dishes straight out of the oven. If you need to set down hot pots and pans, do it on the cooktop instead of the counter.  Most types of quartz are only designed to tolerate temperatures of up to 300-400°F (150-200°C). More extreme temperatures may cause sudden and severe cracking.

U.  Never apply sealers or topical treatments to your quartz countertops;

U.  Avoid excessive force or pressure on your countertops especially around the sink and cooktop area; this may crack or split any seams if they are around.

U.  Reserve quartz for indoor countertops. When exposed to constant sunlight, moisture and fluctuations in temperature, quartz is at a greater risk of fading or cracking. For this reason, it’s one finish that’s better suited for kitchens and bathrooms inside your home.

If you do decide to have quartz countertops installed in an outdoor area (a poolside bar or patio kitchen, for example), make sure they’re securely covered by an awning or overhang to protect them from direct UV light and precipitation.

Recommended Care and Maintenance cleaning products :

V. Goo Gone

V. Windex ® Multi-Surface Cleaner

V. Lysol ® products

V. Formula 409 ® Glass and Surface Cleaner

V. Simple Green ® (lime-scale remover)

V. Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser

With a modest amount of maintenance, you can keep your quartz countertops looking new for years.