Not only is quartz practical and durable, it looks fantastic. It’s unsurprising, then, that quartz is now a leading worktop choice for homebuilders and buyers around the world. But as its popularity soars, many people have questions about how to care for quartz worktops.
Here’s our guide on how to take care of quartz worktops.
The benefits of quartz
Unlike marble and granite, quartz is an engineered stone. That means it is specifically made to stand up to daily use. Quartz is extremely durable and easy to take care of, so first, let’s remind ourselves of the advantages of quartz worktops.
Quartz is non-porous. That makes it highly resistant to stains from everyday products, including coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil and vinegar.
Quartz is acid resistant. As one of the hardest minerals in the world, quartz is durable and has a high resistance to most acids.
Quartz is impact resistant. That means it will stand up to daily use and look the part for many years to come.
Quartz is highly resistant to scratches due to its hardness.
As well as its durability, there’s a level of control over the aesthetics of quartz that isn’t possible with natural surfaces. Quartz is made using a blend of quartz minerals and resin plus pigments. That means manufacturers can customise the appearance of quartz, choosing exact shades or adding veins or flecks.
How to care for quartz worktops
To delve a little further into how to care for quartz worktops, we’ve taken a look at some of the most commonly asked questions.
How to clean a quartz countertop?
As an engineered stone known for its durability, cleaning quartz is quite straightforward. The best way to clean a quartz countertop is with warm water and soap. Mild dish soap is ideal for removing light, day-to-day dirt.
If your quartz has any dried-on build-up, gently scrape it off with a plastic or silicone spatula or knife. You can then use something stronger, like oxygen or alkaline cleaner. Just make sure that it’s quartz safe first. Avoid very strong chemicals and bleach. Strong chemicals can break down the resin in the quartz, particularly if left on for a long period of time. Glass cleaner is a simple, safe option for cleaning stains off quartz.
Do quartz worktops stain?
Quartz worktops are impervious to liquids and highly stain-resistant. However, they’re not completely stain-proof. Unlike some natural stone surfaces, spilt substances generally don’t present a problem on quartz as the resin gives it water-resistant properties.
The main way staining occurs on quartz is if a spilt liquid is left for too long on the surface. The best way to avoid stains on quartz is to keep on top of any spills and make sure they’re wiped up straight away before they have the chance to permeate the resin.
If you do notice a stain on your quartz worktop, this can often be cleaned away with a white vinegar and water solution or a gentle scouring powder.
What should you not use on quartz countertops?
While quartz is durable, it’s best to avoid using anything harsh or abrasive during cleaning. We would recommend staying away from:
Abrasive spongers or scourers. These can wear away at the top layer of the quartz over time, giving it a dull appearance. A soft cloth or sponge is usually all that’s needed to remove dirt.
Harsh chemicals. Anything with a very high pH should be avoided. This includes paint removers, concentrated bleach and ammonia-based cleaners. These can wear away at the bonds between the quartz and resin, reducing shine and making the countertops more liable to stains.
Sharp objects. While quartz is scratch resistant, it’s best to avoid using very sharp objects as light scratches can occur. We’d recommend avoiding sharp knives to remove food residue and dirt build-up and opting for plastic or silicone instead.
Sealant. Many people think that quartz needs to be sealed like other natural stone surfaces, but this is not the case. Due to its binding resins, quartz countertops are naturally not porous and don’t need sealing.
Can you put hot plans directly on quartz worktops?
Quartz countertops are heat resistant, although not completely heat-proof. This means you should still take care to protect a quartz surface from heat damage.
Generally, quartz can withstand heat up to around 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Celsius. Placing a cup of tea or coffee directly onto a quartz surface shouldn’t present a problem. However, we’d recommend exercising caution and using coasters and hot pads if you plan on placing hot items on your quartz surface. Heat can wear away at the resin within quartz over time and make it more susceptible to stains and damage.
Can you use bleach on quartz worktops?
We’d advise against using bleach on a quartz surface. Because quartz is non-porous and stain-resistant, a harsh cleaner like bleach is not generally required. Bleach is also toxic and extremely harmful if ingested. Using it on a surface where food is prepared isn’t recommended regardless of the potential for damage to the surface.
Harsh, concentrated bleach can cause permanent loss of shine and discolouration on a quartz surface, making it lose its elegant finish. For peace of mind, we’d always recommend milder cleaners. Due to the durable, non-porous finish of quartz, these should always be more than effective at keeping your quartz looking its best.
We hope this taught you how to effectively care for quartz worktops. If you’re a housebuilder or developer looking for quality quartz upgrades for your projects, our Forza Quartz range could be perfect for you. Get in touch to find out how we can help.