The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your White Quartz Countertops

If you have chosen quartz, one of the trendiest and most practical materials for your kitchen countertops, it is crucial to know a few key points about its care. Similar to other natural stone materials, quartz can be affected by chemical substances and demands special attention for prolonged usage. So, let us explore some practical methods on how to keep your white quartz countertops in tip-top shape. 

What's Inside Quartz's Structure?

Quartz is this versatile mix of resin and pigments, making it a top-notch choice for kitchen countertops in both remodels and day-to-day use. One of its perks is that it's more manageable compared to other marble types and granites. Plus, it's a breeze to clean and maintain. However, even though quartz requires less upkeep, there are still a few regular tasks to ensure it stays in its prime. 

Quartz is a tough and durable material, but to keep it looking its best, routine maintenance is a must. The basic elements in its composition can wear down when exposed to acidic substances. Therefore, steer clear of highly acidic or alkaline materials when it comes to your white quartz countertop. For regular upkeep, a mix of warm water and a touch of soap makes for a great cleaning solution. 

Your white quartz countertop makes perfect for everyday use in the kitchen while binding to face its fair share of spills. Whether it's fruit juice, a splash of lemon, or a bit of oil, wiping off spills pronto not only makes cleaning a breeze but also helps prevent wear. Leaving substances on the countertop for an extended period can lead to both wear and stubborn stains. 

Here's a handy tip: In areas with hard tap water, the buildup of hard water on your kitchen countertop can result in orange stains that mimic rust. Traditional methods like using bleach can soften and clean these stains. However, keep in mind that bleach is a potent cleaning agent that can expedite wear and tear on your countertop. So, it is always better to keep your countertop dry before resorting to such methods.

Well, if a tough stain or food residue has adhered to your white quartz countertop, how can you clean it? Quartz is a material that usually allows stains to be easily wiped away even with a damp cloth. However, there are instances where a simple wipe may not suffice, and a more robust approach is needed to tackle stubborn grime on the countertop. To do this, you can use a hard plastic scraper to remove dried debris from the quartz. 

If the substance you want to remove is more of a solid particle-type stain rather than a liquid mark, the go-to method is scraping. Without adding any water, use a hard plastic tool to scrape off as much of the solid particle stain as possible. This technique works wonders for dried spills and other accumulations like paint and gum.

For removing dried materials, you can even keep a plastic scraper in your kitchen. However, if the stain has dried a long time ago and has firmly stuck to your white quartz countertop, resorting to chemicals becomes necessary. This time, start by pouring some hot water over the stain to soften it. Then, spray a bit of bleach or a grease/stain remover cleaning product onto the stain, letting it sit for a few minutes. 

In the final step, use a firm plastic tool like a spatula to scrape off the softened stain more easily. After the scraping process is complete and the stain is entirely gone, be sure to thoroughly clean your countertop. Remember, if any residue from cleaning agents is left behind, it can inadvertently cause wear and pose a risk of contaminating the food you place on the countertop.

For tough stains on quartz, using an oil-based solvent is the best option. Just make sure the agent doesn't contain bleach. You can tackle it with a diluted solution of laundry bleach, but this comes with some risk. A glass cleaner also works wonders for removing oil stains. After successfully removing the stain, rinse the area with warm water to get rid of any remaining chemicals. 

When dealing with more stubborn stains like permanent markers or ink, you have a few options. Start by using adhesive cleaners with a gum-like texture. Glide the substance over the stain that you have softened with hot water. After application, clean the area again with warm water and don't forget to dry it. If the adhesive cleaner fails, you can use isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Once again, clean the area with warm water to remove the chemical. 

There are various methods to get rid of stains, but preventing staining in the first place is a more prudent care approach. Here are different things you can do to protect a quartz countertop from unwanted stains: Firstly, shield the surface from extreme temperature changes. Always use pot holders or trivets for hot pots and pans, and use coasters for drinks, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus. Quartz is good up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit but does not handle sudden temperature fluctuations well. Avoid cutting directly on the quartz surface. Use a cutting board instead to prevent the surface from chipping or damage. 

While quartz can handle a lot of abuse, cutting into it with a sharp knife or similar tool can cause scratching. Despite its resilience, be cautious when placing large or heavy objects on the countertop. Avoid leaving anything heavy on the surface, as it can lead to cracking and chipping along the surface.

Things to Note: Quartz is not a suitable choice for outdoor countertops; continuous exposure to the elements can cause the quartz surface to warp and delaminate. Avoid using chemicals that contain acid or alkali on quartz. These chemicals can damage the surface and cause erosion over time. If any of these cleaners spill on the countertop, promptly wipe it off and clean the area with soap and water. Among the general cleaners to avoid are turpentine, nail polish remover, bleach, oven cleaner, drain cleaners, methylene chloride, dishwasher cleaners, and trichloroethylene.

Cleaning Steps from Easy Stains to Stubborn Dirt 

So far, we have covered what to consider during cleaning due to the nature of quartz. Now, let us take a look at how to apply a cleaning process from easily removable stains to stubborn dirt.

• Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water. For keeping quality white quartz countertops clean, you typically will not need more than a gentle detergent solution. It is best to use a mild dish soap that does not contain abrasives or harsh chemicals, as these substances can wear down the quartz when used regularly. The resins used to seal quartz make the surface resistant to daily grime, dust, stains, and mold. Warm water is more effective in breaking down stubborn dirt than cold water.

• Wipe the affected area. Gently wipe the surface of the countertop with soft, circular motions. Most of the dirt should come off with a little effort. For dried or sticky residues, use more detergent. Make it a habit to wipe and scrub the countertops whenever you cook substantial amounts of food, bake, or engage in meal preparation.

• Rinse the countertop with fresh water. Wring out the cloth or sponge, moisten it again, and then wipe the countertop once more to eliminate any remaining traces of detergent. Absorb the remaining water with paper towels and allow the quartz to air-dry. If detergents are not properly rinsed, they can dry and leave a soapy residue. Ensure there is no leftover food when the countertop is dry by wiping it with your hands. 

• Break down stubborn residues using a vinegar solution. Over time, food particles and mineral deposits left by hard water can lead to a layer that a regular wipe-down may spread around. A bit of plain white vinegar can break down this layer. 

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, apply it to the entire surface of the countertop, and gently wipe over it with a soft kitchen sponge to leave a streak-free shine. If you do not have vinegar, you can also use equal parts hydrogen peroxide. While vinegar is an effective natural cleaner, its sour smell can be overpowering. Adding a few drops of lemon juice or your favorite essential oils will impart a pleasant fragrance to the room.

Conclusion 

White quartz countertops are among the widely preferred choices for kitchen use in today's homes. One of the most significant reasons for this is the material's durability and easy maintenance. However, as we have seen in this article, it is essential not only to ensure cleanliness but also to take certain precautions for the long-term use of the material. Regular maintenance and cleaning with appropriate materials are crucial. To this end, you can clean your white quartz countertop for extended durability using the methods we discussed above. For the highest quality materials and various countertop designs, you can visit worldclassgranite.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does quartz stain? 

Thanks to its superior durability, quartz is robust and has a non-porous structure that does not absorb liquids, making it a hygienic surface coating material with resistance to staining.

How to clean a quartz countertop? 

You should regularly clean quartz with a cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid anything too acidic or alkaline, as it can wear down the quartz. A mixture of warm water and a bit of soap is a good cleaning solution to use for regular maintenance.

How to get rid of kitchen countertop yellowing? 

Spray hydrogen peroxide on discolored and worn light-colored kitchen countertops. Initially, rub each section with a sponge for a few seconds and wait. During the waiting stage, the yellowish appearance will begin to fade from the countertop. After waiting for about 10 minutes, continue wiping the countertop with a sponge.

Quartz countertop or marble? 

While marble countertops are not very resistant to scratches, white quartz countertops exhibit durability against scratching and abrasion, and they are stain-resistant. Both types of countertops have antibacterial properties, but since quartz countertops have no pores, there are no stages for bacteria to breed and multiply.