cleaning countertop

How to Care for Your Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are a beautiful, lustrous choice for any home. Whether you have quartz bathroom counters or kitchen countertops, you’ve made an elegant choice. Not only do quartz countertops look fabulous, they’re also easy to care for. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your quartz countertops.

Ontario home builders often specify quartz countertops because they have the look of custom granite kitchen countertops and they’re low maintenance. Unlike natural stone counters, quartz counters do not need to be sealed. This has to do with the difference in how granite and quartz countertops are made.

For example, natural stone countertops are mined and installed as slabs. The stone is cut from the mine, transported to your home, and installed in a continuous sheet. Natural stone countertops are porous and must be sealed to keep debris and bacteria from seeping into the surface.

Quartz bath and kitchen countertops in Ontario are made from natural stone, too. However, quartz is combined with polyester resins and pigments in a factory to form ‘engineered’ countertops. The resins and quartz harden into a non-porous, low-maintenance surface.

Caring for your newly installed quartz countertops is as simple as:

  • Wiping the counters with soapy water each day
  • Avoiding harsh chemicals
  • Avoiding scouring pads
  • Tackling stubborn stains with a gentle cleanser

Whenever food or liquids spill on your quartz countertops, promptly clean them up. Though quartz countertops are non-porous and stain resistant, few surfaces are 100 percent resistant to stains. Why take a chance when you can quickly wipe your counters clean. With their smooth surface, quartz counters are a dream to clean. Simply wipe and rinse with a soft, absorbent cloth.

Rinse your countertops thoroughly with warm water after cleaning. For stubborn, stuck-on food, cosmetics, or other surface stains, pre-soak with a warm, wet rag or paper towel. This will soften the substance and make it easier to remove. If a gentle scrubbing does not lift the substance, carefully use a plastic putty knife to remove it. Avoid excessive force and pressure.

Harsh chemicals and scouring pads should never be used as they can damage the surface of your countertops. Always use non-abrasive cleansers such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel and always avoid harsh cleansers. Most quartz countertops manufacturers in Ontario include care instructions with your installed product. Many will recommend specific cleansers that are approved for use with their products. When in doubt, look at your user’s manual.

It’s also smart to find out if your quartz countertops have a special finish. For example, some have a polished finish while others do not. The finish of your countertops may require special care.

Like custom granite kitchen countertops, you should use hot pads and trivets to protect your quartz countertops from heat. Though quartz and stone counters can withstand some heat, they need to be protected from extremely high temperatures. Never place a hot pot directly on your counters!

When it comes to bathroom and kitchen countertops, Ontario homeowners with quartz countertops don’t have to spend much time labouring over cleaning. With their multicoloured patterns, quartz countertops tends to hide crumbs and water droplets so they always look great even when you haven’t had a chance to wipe them down. Though they always look good, get into the habit of regularly wiping your counters. Doing so will keep them sparkling and reduce the amount of time you need to spend on heavier cleaning.

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