The resins used to seal quartz make the finish resistant to everyday dust, dirt, stains and mold. Warm water is more effective for releasing resilient messes than cold water.
Get in the habit of scrubbing your countertops every time you do any major cooking, baking or meal prep.
Soaps can dry into a scummy residue if they’re not properly washed away. Once your countertop is dry, wipe it down with your hands to make sure that no food remains.
The natural grain and color pattern of quartz may cause some messes to go unnoticed. With a modest amount of maintenance, you can keep your quartz countertops looking new for years.
Use only flexible plastic scrapers (never metal) or nonabrasive sponges and be careful not to apply too much pressure. Doing so may create small scratches or abrasions that can worsen over time. Soak paper towels in hot water and use them to cover messes that are spread out over a large area.
If you don’t have any vinegar on hand, you can also use an equivalent amount of hydrogen peroxide. Vinegar is a useful natural cleaner, but its sour smell can be overpowering. Mixing in a few drops of lemon juice or your favorite essential oils will infuse the room with a pleasant scent.
Ordinary rubbing alcohol may also be useful for loosening unusual substances. [2] X Research source
Common household products like Windex, Clorox Multi-Surface and 3M Glass Cleaner are all safe to use on quartz. After using glass cleaner, wipe the countertops with a cloth or sponge rather than a paper towel to avoid leaving behind tiny fibers.
It’s never a good idea to scour quartz with steel wool, sandpaper, pumice stone or any kind of stiff-bristled brush. Use a separate cutting board when preparing meals to prevent accidental scratches and gouges.
Most types of quartz are only designed to tolerate temperatures of up to 300-400°F (150-200°C). More extreme temperatures may cause sudden and severe cracking. A quartz countertop may not the best place for appliances that generate a lot of heat, like toaster ovens or metal rice cookers.
For your outdoor furnishings, you’re better off going with materials like stainless steel, aluminum, synthetic plastics and water-resistant woods such as teak and cedar. [5] X Research source If you do decide to have quartz countertops installed in an outdoor area (a poolside bar or patio kitchen, for example), make sure they’re securely covered by an awning or overhang to protect them from direct UV light and precipitation.
