Quartz worktops are a popular choice for kitchens. They are hard-wearing, stain-resistant, hygienic and all-in-all very low maintenance. All these properties stem from the way quartz is manufactured. It consists of 90-94% quartz crystals with the remainder being made up of a resin that binds everything together and makes the material dense and non-porous.
As a result, bacteria can’t nestle themselves into any small cracks and crevices, which makes quartz one of the most hygienic kitchen worktop options. It also means that quartz surfaces don’t absorb water or other liquids as easily, so most stains can simply be wiped off.
However, the reason for its durability is also its Kryptonite. The resins used in quartz worktops can react with chemicals such as high pH cleaners or acidic liquids, which are likely to be used in kitchens. But fear not, you don’t have strike wine, tomatoes and citrus fruits from the menu. Below are a few tips on how to keep your quartz surfaces looking shiny for years to come.
Everyday maintenance of quartz worktops
While abrasive and harsh chemicals such as chlorine and bleach shouldn’t be used on quartz, most household multi-surface sprays are perfectly fine to use. But really, some warm soapy water and a soft cloth will do the job just fine. When in doubt you can always patch test new products in a hidden corner, under the microwave or where the kettle normally sits.
No matter what cleaning agent you choose to clean your kitchen worktops, we recommend rinsing the surface with water afterwards and then drying it off thoroughly. This prevents residue from building up which can make your kitchen counters look dull.
Removing stains from quartz kitchen surfaces
If you wipe your kitchen countertops after use, you likely won’t have any nasty stains to deal with. Quartz is much more stain resistant than other natural stone surfaces, such as marble or granite. But we’re all human and stains happen.
Limescale, for example, can be removed with cleaning vinegar and water. If you use limescale remover, make sure to dilute it and don’t leave it on for too long (1-2 minutes should do the trick). Afterwards, don’t forget to rinse and dry off your quartz worktop.
You also don’t need to be afraid of getting out the green side of your kitchen sponge to scrub away stains. As long as you don’t overdo it or scrub the same spot repeatedly, it won’t do any harm.
Things to avoid on quartz surfaces
We've said it before, quartz is very forgiving when it comes to stains and cuts. But to keep your kitchen counters looking like new, you might still want to avoid using them as a chopping board.
While stains on quartz are pretty easy to get rid of, there are a few things you want to wipe off quickly. One example are acidic foods and liquids such as tomatoes, citrus fruits and wine, which can affect the resin within the quartz. Another common occurrence in kitchens are oils and water spills. They might not cause stains, but can leave a dull residue on you surfaces, so we recommend keeping on top of them when cooking.
As far as heat resistance goes, it’s best not to put hot pots and pans straight onto your kitchen worktops. This is due to the resin in the material not being able to withstand high temperatures. Quartz can take some heat but a sudden shift from cold to hot or a longer exposure to hot pans is likely to damage your counters.
DO:
Use warm water and soap
Use non-abrasive cleaners (e.g. multi-surface spray)
Rinse with water and wipe dry afterwards
Patch test new cleaning products
Use a soft cloth for everyday cleaning
Wipe stains away quickly
DON’T:
Use harsh chemicals such as chlorine or bleach
Let residue build up by forgetting to rinse and dry
Use knives on your quartz counters
Place hot pots and pans on the quartz
If you're interested in some quartz worktops, get in touch with Purple Granite today!