Quartz is a gorgeous, versatile surface celebrated for its ease of maintenance. In this post, the experts at Cosmos SurfacesTM discuss the do’s and don’ts of how to clean quartz surfaces in your home.
Quartz vs. Quartzite
A quick note, for starters: quartz and quartzite are often mistaken as being the same, but they are different. Quartzite forms due to natural processes when quartz-rich sandstone is exposed to high pressure and heat over time. Quartz is actually engineered – that is to say, it’s man-made by combining quartz minerals with binding agents, resins and sometimes pigments. For a more in-depth look at the difference between the two surfaces, take a look at our blog post on quartz vs. quartzite.
The Advantages of Quartz
Quartz achieves the elegant aesthetic of natural stone, but with one big advantage – resin binders make the surface non-porous. This means that while most natural stones, like quartzite, need to be sealed with some regularity, quartz does not. This surface is inherently protected against the mold, mildew, bacteria, staining and odors that can occur in porous stones. That said, regular cleaning and maintenance remains necessary to protect your investment and keep your surfaces looking clean and new.
How to Clean Quartz: The Do’s
Let’s take a look at some routine maintenance and cleaning tips:
- DO wipe up spills as soon as possible. Although quartz is stain-resistant, it’s still wise to wipe up spills before they have a chance to dry. Mild dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth or sponge will do the trick in most cases.
- DO use warm water, mild soap, and a non-abrasive kitchen sponge. Use these items in the event of any spills or stains.
- DO use a mild degreasing product for cooking grease residue. As always, be sure to follow the product manufacturer’s instructions.
- DO use small amounts of Barkeeper’s Friend, rubbing alcohol, and a soft cloth or Magic Eraser for stains like permanent marker or ink. Always ensure a product is safe to use on your surface material and reach out to a manufacturer if you are uncertain! Barkeeper’s friend is a little grainy, do not apply too much pressure while using this product as it may cause small scratches on the quartz surface.
- DO be sure to rinse quartz surfaces thoroughly with water. You should always remove any residue or film left behind by cleaners.
- DO use coasters, cutting boards, trivets and cooling racks. This will protect your countertops from everyday wear and tear.
- Aside from daily wiping, DO perform a deep clean at regular intervals. You can spray a non-abrasive surface cleaner and allow it to sit for roughly ten minutes, then wipe the counter with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse with warm water.
The Don’ts
It’s important to note that the quartz mineral in your surface may be able to withstand cleaners and elements like heat far better than the resin used in manufactured quartz countertops. This means that while something might be safe to use or do on the quartz itself, it can still damage your surface or weaken the bonds between the quartz and resin fillers surrounding it.
Let’s take a look at what NOT to do:
- Don’t use abrasive, acidic, or alkaline cleaners, or bleach.
- Don’t use scouring pads, as these can damage and dull the surface.
- Don’t expose the surface to extreme heat, such as by placing hot pans directly on a counter. Instead, use cooling racks and trivets.
- Don’t expose quartz surfaces to outdoor elements. Quartz is recommended for indoor use. Prolonged exposure to elements like direct sunlight outdoors can lead to warping or cracking.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains
Owing to its non-porosity, manufactured quartz is highly stain-resistant, but certain substances can still leave a mark. The most common stain offenders include hot sauce, vibrant spices like turmeric, curry powder and paprika, permanent marker, food coloring, colored make-up and nail polish. If you find yourself struggling with a stubborn stain, take a look at our detailed post on how to remove stains from quartz.
Conclusion
Quartz is an excellent option for those seeking the timeless, elegant aesthetic of natural stone combined with easy maintenance. Regular cleaning and care will future-proof your investment and keep your quartz surfaces looking fresh and new for many years to come.
Cosmos SurfacesTM offers a range of quartz products in gorgeous patterns and colors to suit any design style. If you have questions about the care and maintenance of quartz, reach out to Cosmos SurfacesTM today! We bring decades of expertise to the table, and our team is always happy to help.
Color of the Month: Lark
This month’s featured trending color is Pantone 16-1324, Lark! The Pantone Color Trend Report says, “Authentic and low-key, Lark is an understated and versatile khaki.”
Palomino is comprised of a rich golden color that will astound and amaze in any space. With a crystalline structure creating diamonds and shapes across the surface, browns and whites swirl with gold to create texture and depth. Palomino is bold and striking – the perfect fit for a room with pizazz, style, and personality. Quartzite is resistant to scratching, staining, and fading, and the beauty is unmatched.
