Like most people, you probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. One thing that can make or break the look and feel of your kitchen is the countertops. If you have quartz countertops, then you’re in luck! Cleaning your quartz countertops is a relatively easy task! The professionals at McArthur Homes have some tips on keeping them looking their best.
How You Can Care for Your Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials because it is durable and low-maintenance. To keep your quartz countertops looking their best, you can do a few things.
Routinely Clean Your Quartz Counters
Take care of fresh messes using a mild dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth. Even though quartz will resist permanent staining when exposed to most common kitchen liquids, it’s essential to wipe up spills immediately—before they dry.
Use a putty knife to remove any stuck-on dirt or food particles and scrape lightly when removing any excess buildup.
Deep Clean Your Counters
At least once a week, you should give your counters a more thorough cleaning. To deep clean your quartz countertops, you will need more than soap and water. Try using a non-abrasive cleanser like diluted vinegar or glass cleaner. You can also use a commercially-available stone cleaner or even isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
Apply the cleanser to the countertop with a sponge or soft cloth and scrub in small circles. Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and dry it off with a soft cloth. This will help with any tough stains that would not come off with a simple water and soap mix.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Countertops
Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on your quartz countertops – including anything from steel wool pads to harsh chemicals like bleach. Abrasive cleaners will damage the surface of your countertops and leave them looking dull.
Steer clear of using any acidic or alkaline substance, too. If a highly acidic or alkaline liquid falls on your countertops, get a wet cloth dampened with water and mild detergent and clean it up right away. Avoid nail polish, oven cleaner, turpentine, drain cleaner, and other harsh chemicals.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Quartz Counters
Even though quartz is very tough and durable, there are still a few things you should avoid doing to prevent any damage.
First of all, you should never use abrasive cleaning tools on your countertops, including anything from steel wool to hard bristle scrub brushes. These can scratch the surface of your quartz counters and dull their shine.
You should also avoid placing hot pans directly on your countertops. While quartz can withstand high temperatures, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use a trivet or hot pad instead.
Finally, do not use your counter as a chopping block. Cutting or chopping food directly on your counter can be tempting because quartz is durable and rugged, but it is not a good idea. We encourage you to keep a cutting board nearby and use it! Quartz is scratch resistant but not scratch-proof.
Caring for your quartz countertops is a simple and easy task that will help keep them looking their best for years to come! For more home maintenance tips, check out the McArthur Homes blog. We are Utah’s premier home builder, and our team is passionate about helping our customers maintain their beautiful homes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!
