You might be considering installing quartz worktops in your home, or you probably recently had them installed; either way, you’re making an excellent choice. Quartz worktops are some of the most desired features for bathrooms, kitchens, or bar areas. They not only look stunning but are also extremely durable and hard-wearing.
There’s a lot more you can do to keep quartz worktops in great condition and make sure that they always look good in the coming months or years as they did when you first got them installed. If you also want to install a custom kitchen cabinet along with your quartz worktop, make sure to first get a good kitchen cabinet design.
In this post, we will discuss:
- What you need to know about quartz worktops.
- Protecting quartz worktops from damage.
- Cleaning quartz worktops effectively.
Let’s jump right in.
What you need to know about quartz worktops.
Quartz worktops are man-made products made from about 93% to 94% crushed natural quartz and about 6% to 7% polymer resins. The polymer resin usually acts as the binding agent that helps to keep the color, pattern, and texture consistent throughout the worktop.
There are several benefits of quartz worktops. They include:
- Quartz worktops are generally resistant to stains.
- The quartz worktop surface is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb water.
- Quartz worktops are usually very hygienic.
- Quartz worktops do not scratch easily.
- The quartz worktop surface is also resistant to acids.
- Quartz worktops are heat resistant. They are sealed during the manufacturing process to reinforce this.
- Quartz worktops come with a polished finish, though some manufacturers may provide options in either a leather or satin finish.
Cleaning Quartz Worktops
Generally speaking, quartz worktops are low maintenance. But it’s still important to have a proper cleaning routine for the worktops to help make sure they stay looking their best. There are four main steps to do this:
Always wipe them after use
Get into the habit of wiping down your quartz worktops after every use. This will help prevent crumbs and dust from building up on the surface. Also, make sure that you wipe any spills immediately. Using a wet, soft cloth, like an e-cloth or a microfiber cloth is great for this. Consider also drying them with another cloth to keep the surface pristine.
Get rid of any debris buildup immediately
Don’t let debris like ingrained dirt or sticky food build up on the worktop. The longer dirt is left, the more likely it is to stain or spoil your worktop. Be sure to also avoid using harsh products like abrasive cloths, scouring pads, or chemical cleaners. Instead, try to lift the debris gently using a blunt tool like a putty knife, and then clean it with a soft cloth as described above.
Degrease regularly
Quartz countertops can easily get greased, especially in the kitchen. It’s therefore worth degreasing them regularly. Go for degreasing products that are safe to use on quartz and don’t contain bleach. Wipe or spray the product generously on the worktop, rinse off, and wipe clean with a wet towel or a sponge. Buff the worktop dry if necessary to restore the finish.
Eliminate tough stains as soon as you spot them
While quartz worktops are extremely stain resistant, when you do spot a dried-in stain, you want to tackle it immediately. There are lots of stain removal products in the market, or you could try using isopropyl alcohol or homemade products like a mixture of vinegar and water. When in doubt, check with the worktop supplier or manufacturer for guidance on the best product to use.
Protecting your Quartz Worktops from Damage
Just as with regular cleaning, there are several things you could do to help prevent damage to your quartz worktops. Here are the four most important things to be careful of:
Cleaning up immediately
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to wipe down your quartz worktops immediately after use and get rid of any debris. Besides keeping the countertop clean, this is important as it protects your worktop from damage. Dirt, crumbs, or spills that are left uncleaned could potentially scratch or stain your worktops. So make sure you clean up your quartz countertops immediately after use to avoid this.
Protect the worktops from acid and heat
While quartz countertops are extremely resistant to acid and heat, it’s still wise to apply some level of protection. Consider using trivets or mats when working with hot dishes or pans. Use coasters for drinks that are prone to stain, very hot, or contain citrus. All of these elements might damage your quartz worktops.
Use a chopping board for cutting up
While quartz may be durable, don’t be tempted to use the worktop as your chopping board. It’s a lot better for its longevity to use a separate chopping board instead of the worktop itself. Don’t forget that quartz is scratch resistant by not 100% scratch-proof. It would be a shame to give your quartz worktops little scratches when you could have avoided it.
Never use harsh cleaning products
When you first install your quartz worktop, you will most likely be super careful with it, and do what you can to keep it looking mint. However, as time goes on, you can easily get used to them looking great and it’s quite easy to start falling into bad habits without even thinking about it. However, no matter how long ago you installed your quartz worktops, always keep in mind to avoid using any harsh cleaning products on them. Avoid cutting corners.