Maintaining and cleaning quartz worktops is the best way to ensure that they stand the test of time.
Luckily, quartz is an incredibly resilient material that can easily last decades but, as with any material, if you mistreat it or fail to care for it, you’ll shorten its lifespan.
To help you keep your kitchen worktops in tip-top condition, we’ve put together this handy guide that will show you how to take care of quartz worktops like an expert!
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Cleaning Quartz Worktops
To keep your surfaces looking pristine, it’s important to know how to clean quartz countertops properly. If you want your worktops to last a lifetime, you’ll need to clean them every day in order to prevent staining.
Every once in a while, you may also need to carry out a deeper clean to get rid of grease and grime. Here’s how to get them sparkling…
Daily Quartz Cleaning
If you’re one of those people that detests housework then you’ll be pleased to know that cleaning quartz counters are a relatively straightforward, fuss-free job.
All you need to do is spend a few minutes each day wiping down your quartz surfaces to keep them clear of crumbs, oils and food particles.
Step by Step:
Apply warm water with just a drop of surface cleaner or light detergent and then wipe down with a soft microfibre cloth. Quartz does not require harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners so stick to something gentle.
When cleaning quartz countertops, It’s important not to leave your surfaces damp so after you’ve applied your product and rinsed off any excess, use a paper towel or clean dishcloth to dry them off. This will prevent your worktops from looking dull.
Deep Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Cleaning up food and drink spillages as they happen will reduce the need for deep cleans however if you do need to remove built-up grease and grime from your worktops,
Here is the best way to do it.
Step by Step:
To create an effective quartz cleaning solution, start by mixing together isopropyl alcohol and dish detergent. Your solution should be 50:50 combination of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol.
Transfer your solution into a spray bottle and distribute it sparingly over your stone surface before allowing to sit for 5 minutes. If there are any stubborn stains or splotches you’ll want to apply a bit more solution to these areas.
After 5 minutes, rinse off your solution with water and wipe down with a clean microfibre cloth. This will remove any excess solution and help to disinfect your quartz worktops whilst restoring their natural shine.
When carrying out a deep clean on quartz counters, resist the urge to reach for scratchy sponges or scourers as these can do damage to the stone. The steps above should be more than adequate for tackling built-up surface stains.
Cleaning Quartz Worktops (Do’s and Dont’s)
Do:
- Mop up spillages immediately
- Clean your surfaces on a daily basis
- Use gentle cloths or sponges
Don’t:
- Use glass cleaner, bleach or other household cleaners
- Use anything acidic to clean, such as vinegar or citrus
- Use bathroom, tile or grout cleaners
- Use anything abrasive to clean with — no scourers!
How to Take The Best Care of Quartz Worktops
Aside from cleaning, there are other things you can do to make sure your quartz worktops last as long as possible. The way that you use your surfaces from day to day when cooking and preparing food can have an impact on their overall condition.
Preventing Scratches and Chips
Although quartz is a robust material, it can still be vulnerable to damage from sharp objects and heavy impacts.
To avoid scratches, always use cutting boards or mats during food preparation and refrain from dragging rough or heavy items across the surface.
When handling heavy objects, lift them from your surface rather than sliding them to minimise the risk of chips or dents from accidental impacts.
Does Heat Affect Quartz Worktops?
Quartz worktops are generally very resilient to heat although they are not completely heatproof.
Quartz counters can withstand moderate heat exposure up to around 150°C for brief periods. However, sudden extreme heat or rapid temperature changes may cause thermal shock and lead to cracking or damage to the resin binder.
To protect your worktops, always use heat-resistant pads or trivets when placing hot items on the surface and avoid direct contact with hot sources. If minor heat damage occurs, seeking professional repair is recommended to ensure the worktop’s longevity and appearance.
When caring for your quartz worktops…
Do:
- Use cutting boards for food preparation
- Use coasters for glasses and cups
- Invest in heat pads or stands for pots and pans
Don’t
- Cut or chop directly onto your work surface
- Sit or stand on your worktops
- Store chemical cleaning products on your surfaces
Do I Need to Seal Quartz Worktops?
If you’re wondering whether a seal will help to make your worktops last longer, the answer is no!
Applying a sealant to a quartz worktop is unnecessary and can be counterproductive.
Since quartz is a non-porous material, the sealant will not be absorbed, and it will sit on the surface. This can lead to an uneven appearance and create a sticky or cloudy film on the countertop.
Enjoy Your Quartz Counters!
Although this sounds like a lot, in reality, it takes very little work (and just a bit of care and attention) to keep your quartz worktop in great condition.
As we mentioned earlier, quartz is a fantastically resilient and hardwearing material — so following the advice in this blog, you can expect it to last you a lifetime.
Interested to find out more about how to clean other worktop materials? Take a look at our helpful guides: how to clean granite kitchen worktops and how to clean marble worktops.