One of the biggest draws to quartz worktops is the promise that they will virtually look after themselves.
But just how true is this claim?
Whilst there’s no denying quartz is the kitchen choice at the moment – right up there with an island unit, wine cooler and designated recycling bin – is it a material that’s dining out on good looks alone?
Great news – no! The rumours are true and quartz surfaces really are every bit as practical as they are stylish. The only problem being, when a surface looks this good, it’s natural to want to make sure it stays that way for as long as possible.
So just how do you look after quartz worktops? Here experts from The Marble Store share their top tips on how to keep quartz surfaces looking and performing at their best.
Day-to-day cleaning
When it comes to keeping quartz looking shiny and new, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s none of the endless buffing associated with the gleam of granite.
The only daily care routine that’s needed is a quick wipe over with warm soapy water.
You can leave quartz to dry naturally without worrying too much about streaks and watermarks but for a fast, smear-free finish that really showcases your worktop, simply wipe over damp surfaces with a microfibre cleaning cloth. It takes just seconds, and the results are totally worth it.
How to tackle stains on quartz worktops
If you’re a messy cook, always spill your drinks or live with teenagers who appear to have never heard of a chopping board, you’ll know how much worktops have to endure.
Thankfully quartz is more resistant to staining than any other stone surface on the market. Being non-porous, stains are less likely to occur than with marble or granite worktops and, if they do, they’re easier to remove. Phew!
It goes without saying that prevention is better than cure, so it’s important to try and clean up spills as soon as possible. Whilst quartz is non-porous, it pays to air on the side of caution and remove any oily or heavily coloured spills – think red wine, curry, or coffee – as quickly as possible.
Using products on quartz
For everyday cleaning, Fairy Liquid mixed with warm water is ideal, but any detergent with a neutral pH can be used.
And if a stain does take hold, what then?
Firstly, avoid strong chemicals and bleach. There’s no need. Problem stains can usually be removed by simply using vinegar mixed with water. Rub the stain with the solution, then rinse with clean water and leave to dry.
Stains to silicon joins can be removed using a small amount of acetone or ethanol but proceed with caution and always ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and wiped after use.
Top tips for maintaining quartz worktops
The rumours that quartz practically looks after itself are true – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a number of ways you can protect its performance and good looks and still keep the chores list to a minimum.
Top precautions include, remembering to use a chopping board. Although quartz is extremely scratch resistant, cutting with knives directly onto the surface will leave marks called “metal transfer”. There’s no need to panic – these can easily be removed using any of the cleaning methods already outlined – but why make work where you don’t have to? Far easier to just use a board instead.
Cutting straight onto quartz is also likely to blunt your knives, another reason to grab a chopping board.
Quartz worktops are conveniently heat resistant. Place a hot pan down and you won’t be left with a melted counter or scorched eyesore – it’s one of the many boons of this type of kitchen surface. That said, repeated exposure to excessive heat will start to leave its mark, so it’s good practice to still use hot pads and trivets.
Non-porous, quartz is naturally resistant to stains – but avoid making the clean-up take longer than it needs to by wiping away any spills as soon as they happen. Less time to take hold means less elbow grease will be needed.
General dos and don’ts
Do
– Keep everyday cleaning simple with warm soapy water.
– Use a vinegar and water solution for troublesome stains
– Use a pH-balanced cleaner if you prefer to use a preprepared product – but always read the label carefully and test on a small inconspicuous area first.
– Use a soft cloth for wiping
– Use a microfibre cloth to dry the surface after cleaning. This isn’t strictly necessary but will really enhance the finished look for a shiny, streak-free surface.
Don’t
– Use bleach
– Allow your surface to come into contact with hydrofluoric acid
– Scrub surfaces with an abrasive cloth or scouring pad
– Get too complacent. Yes, quartz worktops are extremely hardy but to keep them looking their very best it’s still recommended to try and stick to standard kitchen rules. By this we mean, using a chopping board, wiping up spills when they occur to avoid giving them time to take hold, and protecting the surface from hot pans.
How is looking after quartz different to granite or marble?
Market favourites, quartz, marble, and granite worktops, are often branded together – they’re all solid surfaces, all highly durable and all look great.
But in terms of cleaning and maintenance, there are some key differences.
Both granite and marble require sealing. This is because they are porous and, if left untreated, will absorb any liquid and hold stains. Most granite and marble countertops come pre-sealed. However, to stay protected, they will need to be resealed on a regular basis.
In comparison, quartz worktops are non-porous which not only boosts stain protection and hygiene levels but means there’s no need to finance annual reseals.
You’ll also find that after cleaning, quartz surfaces require less buffing to remove streak marks. Yes, a quick wipe with a dry microfibre cloth will shine the surfaces up to look their absolute best, but it’s not essential.
Long-term quartz care
Whilst granite requires annual re-sealing to protect and maintain its good looks, we’ve already established there’s no such requirement with quartz worktops, making the long-term demands of quartz worktops virtually non-existent.
Provided you remove dust and crumbs, wipe up spills quickly, and clean regularly with soapy water and a soft cloth, there’s nothing else to think about. Your quartz will stay looking as good as the day it was fitted.
Order quartz worktops today
For more guidance on looking after quartz worktops visit our advice pages. Alternatively, book a call to chat with a member of our friendly team. Always on hand and ready to help, we will be happy to talk you through the pros and cons of using quartz.
Already convinced quartz is the right material for you? Then take a look at the great range we have available here at The Marble Store and access your free quote now.
