Quartz worktops (or quartz countertops) are among the most popular kitchen worktops in the UK. They’re durable, long-lasting and can make any kitchen space look stunning.
However, quartz worktops are only long-lasting when they’re cared for, cleaned and maintained properly. Our team at Granite House has collated a guide on maintaining your quartz worktops that should help keep your precious worktops in tip-top conditions for years on end.
The Process of Cleaning Quartz
Because of their durability, easy maintenance, and attractive appearance, quartz worktops are popular in many homes. Nonetheless, adequate cleaning and maintenance are required to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Here’s a step-by-step method to effectively clean quartz.
Materials Required:
· Warm water
· Quartz worktop cleanser or mild detergent
· Microfibre clothes or soft clothes
· The paper towel
· Wipes with antiseptic properties (optional)
· distilled white vinegar (optional)
· Designed to remove stubborn stains (optional)
· Using rubbing alcohol (optional)
Cleaning Procedure:
1. First, use a cloth or paper towel to remove any food waste or crumbs from the quartz worktop.
2. Combine warm water and mild detergent or quartz cleaner in a bucket. Use a soft or microfiber cloth to dip in the solution and wring it out until it’s moist.
3. Wipe the worktop gently with a damp towel. Harsh chemicals and abrasive scouring pads should be avoided since they can harm the surface.
4. Use a quartz worktop cleanser to remove stubborn stains or markings. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and apply the cleanser directly to the affected area.
5. To clean up spills or stains created by cooking, use a moist towel and a small quantity of dish soap. Clean the surface with warm water and dry cloth.
6. Use disinfectant wipes or a solution of white vinegar and water to clean the worktop. Wipe the surface with a soft or microfiber cloth after mixing equal parts white vinegar and water.
7. Use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and gently rub the afflicted area to remove difficult stains like ink or wine. Clean the surface with warm water and dry cloth.
Tips for Persistent Stain Removal
· Use a specialised cleaner developed to remove oil stains from quartz surfaces to remove oil stains.
· To remove grease stains, combine warm water and dish soap and wipe the area with a soft cloth. Clean the surface with warm water and dry cloth.
· Hot pans should not be placed directly on the quartz worktop surface since they can cause heat damage. Instead, use a trivet or hot pad.
· To avoid stains and buildup, blot spills quickly and clean the quartz surface regularly with a soft cloth and soapy water. Avoid strong chemicals to remove stains.
Maintaining Quartz Worktops
Just like any other surface in your home, they need regular upkeep to preserve their beauty and ensure that they last a long time. The following is a list of advice on how to properly maintain your quartz worktops and things to avoid:
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Maintaining Quartz Worktops
· Always use a cutting board while you are chopping or preparing food to protect your quartz worktops from getting scratched.
· To protect surfaces from damage caused by heat, always place a trivet or heat-resistant cushion underneath hot pots and pans.
· On the worktop, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or scouring pads that are too abrasive because doing so can damage the surface.
· When using cooking oil, try to prevent oil to come in contact with the worktop.
· In order to avoid stains or etching, immediately clean up any dirt or grease that may have occurred.
· It is important to clean the worktop frequently using gentle soap and warm water to preserve its beauty and avoid accumulation.
· Choose the right cloth for cleaning. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that won’t restrict your movement while cleaning. Avoid wearing anything with buttons, zippers, or other metal hardware that could scratch the quartz surface. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from any cleaning chemicals you might use.
· Avoid using strong chemical products on quartz worktops. One can buy specialised cleaners that are specially designed for this purpose.
· Avoid using cleaning products that contain ammonia, bleach, and polish or wax.
Techniques for Polishing and Restoring
Before applying the polisher, rinse the surface with water. Applying a polish or cleanser designed specifically for quartz to the worktop using a microfiber or plush cloth is recommended.
To restore the surface’s sheen, buff it in a circular motion while applying light pressure.
If the surface has deeper scratches or stains, you should seriously consider having it repaired or refinished by a professional.
What are Some daily, weekly and monthly tips for Cleaning Quartz Worktops?
Quartz worktops will continue to look their best if they are properly maintained over the course of their lifetime. The following are some maintenance suggestions that can be used on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis for your quartz worktops:
Daily Tips:
Remove any dirt from the surface as soon as possible by cleaning it with a gentle detergent and a soft cloth that has been dampened. A regular cleaning routine is one of the best ways that will require low maintenance in future.
Because they have the potential to scratch the surface of the quartz, strong and abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
When you place hot pots or sharp objects on the worktop, use cutting boards and trivets to protect yourself.
Weekly Tips
To ensure that your quartz worktops are spotless after cleaning, it is recommended that you make use of a cleanser that does not contain abrasive ingredients.
If you want to keep the surface of your quartz from getting scratched, you should avoid using any cleansers that are acidic or alkaline.
The quartz worktop’s sheen can be restored using a soft cloth and a quartz polish to buff the surface. This will also remove any superficial scratches that may have developed.
Monthly Tips
Check the surface of the worktop for any cracks, chips, or stains that could need to be repaired by a professional.
In the event that it is required, reseal the worktop in accordance with the advice provided by the manufacturer.
It is important to refrain from placing heavy objects on the worktop because doing so can cause it to crack or chip over time.
If you follow these guidelines daily, weekly, and monthly, you will be able to retain the gorgeous appearance and practicality of your quartz worktops for many years to come.
FAQs
1. How often should I clean my quartz worktops?
You should clean your quartz worktops consistently, preferably right after each use. To clean the surface, wipe it down with a gentle dish soap or cleaner and a sponge or cloth that isn’t too rough. Scratches can be caused by using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, so it’s best to avoid using them.
2. Can I use vinegar to clean my quartz worktops?
Although vinegar is a natural cleaning solution, you should avoid using it on quartz worktops if possible. Vinegar contains an acid that can cause the surface to become damaged, making it appear dull or even etched. Instead, you should use a gentle dish soap or cleaner made especially for quartz surfaces. There are several cleaning products available in the market.
3. Do I need to seal my quartz worktops?
Quartz worktops do not need to be sealed. Quartz is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb liquids or stains, unlike natural stone surfaces such as granite and marble, which are porous. Because of this, it is much simpler to clean and maintain compared to other kinds of worktops. But you should clean up any stains as quickly as possible to prevent them from becoming permanent.
4. How do I maintain the shine on my quartz worktops?
To keep your quartz worktops gleaming, avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbers, which can harm the surface. Instead, wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge with a light dish soap or cleanser. You can also use a quartz cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar to restore the sheen.
5. Is it possible to repair quartz worktops if they become damaged?
Quartz worktops can be repaired if they are damaged. A specialist can repair minor scratches or chips with special equipment and techniques. Larger damages, on the other hand, may need the replacement of the entire worktop.
