Introduction
Quartz worktop is one of the most demanded products for kitchen and bathroom refurbishment due to its durability, invulnerability to stains, and beautiful look. In addition to making your space appear more elegant, these surfaces are built to be resilient to the average levels of use that your home experiences. However staying your quartz worktops looking like this for several years will require applying the right care and maintenance techniques. As a follow-up to our previous articles about this subject, in this guide, we’ll be sharing some professional advice on how to care for your quartz worktops.
1. Daily Cleaning: The surrounding surfaces should be cleaned with only gentle treatments which do not include the use of abrasive cleaning solvents.
Daily cleaning is very advised in order to keep that shine of your quartz worktop intact and looking as beautiful as when it was first installed. Any coarse material must be avoided and instead, you should use a soft cloth or sponge and warm water that contains a little dishwashing soap for rinsing. For the same reason, do not use a cleaner that might contain abrasive chemicals because they may harm the resin that is used in the quartz worktops. Remember to dry the surface with a microfiber cloth to avoid water marks on the surface after cleaning.
2. Preventing Stains: Address Spills Immediately
Although quartz is nearly impervious and more resistant to staining than other stone products, it is not completely stain proof. Some of the stains include products that might be spilled on the surface including wine, coffee, tea and cooking oils. Additionally, make sure that you constantly clean spills to avoid them getting in contact with your skin, by using a damp cloth to clean the affected area.
3. Heat Resistance: Use Trivets and Hot Pads
This means that quartz worktops can take some amount of heat, but they cannot be considered heat proof totally. Effects of thermal shock happen when the cookware is subjected directly to hot temperature, for example, hot pots and pans may crack or turn colors. When placing cookware on worktops make sure you use trivets, hot pads, or heat resistant mats.
4. Prevent Scratches: Use Cutting Boards
Despite its hardness that is somewhat higher than that of other stones, quartz is not scratch proof. When the worktop is exposed to direct cutting with knives’ or other sharp implements, it is bound to develop scratches. To avoid this always make sure you use a cutting board when preparing your food.
5. Avoid use of strong chemicals and detergents
Quartz worktops can be easily stained if they come into contact with bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaners and paint strippers. These products can in general give the surface a bad look over time as well as degrade it. Any of these substances spilled over your worktops must be cleaned with warm water and gentle soap right away.
6. Protect Against Sunlight: Limit UV Exposure
Daily convention dictates that quartz counters are not to be exposed to direct sunlight for long since it may weaken their surface. UV rays on the surface wears it off or cause it to change color over time. This is particularly crucial if your quartz worktop is located in an area where your surfaces come into direct contact with sunlight including sun patches, outdoors kitchen areas or sun rooms
7. Regular Polishing: Enhance the Shine
Nonetheless, quartz worktops typically do not have to be sealed; however, they may have to be polished from time to time. There are some specialty quartz polisher that you can purchase to give your surface back its natural luster. However, it is recommended not to use traditional wax polishes because it forms a layer that over time gives the items a cloudy look.
8. Avoid Using Abrasive Tools
Still, on the topic of cleaning, it’s good to remember that Italy’s minimalist style applies here – ‘Less is More’. Do not scrub the surface at all with steel wool, abrasives sponges or scrubbing pads as they might scratch the surface. Avoid using harsh materials such as rake and brush instead use soft microfiber cloths or non abrasive sponges in cleaning.
When confronted with stubborn stains, simply apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, let it soak for about 10-15 minutes then scrape off the residue with either a plastic scraper or a silicone spatula, wipe the counter with a damp cloth.
9. Maintain Edge Protection
Quartz worktopsps have prognosis of chipping on the outskirts of the counter as compared to the flat area. One must be more careful where placing heavy objects, especially close to the edges or frequently leaning on them, using them to put significant weight.
If there are minor chippings you can easily repair them with the available Quartz Repair kits in the market. While serious damages can be easily fixed, it is advisable to call an expert in the matter.
10. Seasonal Deep Cleaning: Refresh Your Worktop
However, to ensure your work surface looks as good as new, it is important to clean the quartz worktops at least three months. To clean the quartz, use a pH-balanced quartz cleaner, you may also follow with a polish to bring out its natural shine.
If you are patient and like doing it yourself then you can add some isopropyl alcohol to water and you have yourself a strong deep cleaning liquid. Apply it on the surface by spraying and allow it to stand for five minutes then wipe it with a dry cloth.
Conclusion
Quartz worktops are a very good decision which brings value and sophistication into your house. With the help of these advise form the experts your quartz surfaces will remain looking as new for many years to come. Of course, clean often, do not use abrasive products, and be careful with heat and scratches. If well taken care, your quartz worktop will remain one of the beauties in your kitchen or bathroom for several years. If you integrate these habits into your everyday practice, you will be guaranteed your quartz worktop looks like the day it was put in.
