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Quartz countertops are more than just home accessories. Although most modern homes are equipped with them to add beauty and element to the space, they also have several uses, from accommodating cooking materials and utensils to preparing foods. Daily cleaning is crucial to preserve their usefulness, glossy texture and beautiful appearance. Learn how to clean quartz countertops and remove stains.
Why Many Love Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops don’t only boost durability — they’re also the most coveted luxury countertop material in the market. You’ll see them in many rich people’s modern-style homes. As 90% of its base materials are recycled industrial waste, the hefty price tag justifies the sustainable feature for people looking to make their homes environmentally friendly. They also look crisp and clean on any kitchen interior, making them an excellent addition to a contemporary home. Here are the reasons why many people love a quartz countertop.
- Versatile design and colors: As they’re man-made, you can customize them based on your preferred pattern and color, even as far as imitating the intricate design of granite or marble countertops.
- Modern-looking: Whether you want a minimalist style or a bold-colored kitchen and layout, quartz countertops can seamlessly blend with the overall home theme and accentuate your space.
- Durable: Unless you overlook regular cleaning, a quartz countertop is a lifetime investment.
- Maintenance-free: Its surface is non-porous. Stains don’t get absorbed and remain on the surface, meaning cleaning and sanitizing is nearly effortless.
- Increased resale value: A quartz countertop is an appealing feature for homebuyers, increasing their value when you sell the home.
How To Clean Quartz Countertops
Although they’re easier to maintain and are sanitary, the daily routine of wiping and drying the surface is crucial to preserving the beauty of your stone benchtops. Here are the different ways to clean your worktops the right way.
Using a Towel
Treat your treasured quartz countertop like your plates or dishes. Every after-use, you must give them a nice wipe-down. You don’t have to go as far as soaping the surface. Set a time for a deep or general cleaning for another day when you have enough free time.
But when you’re in a hurry, a quick mop-up using a soft or microfiber cloth can restore its shine and attractive appeal. Use a damp towel and dish soap if the top has grease, grime, residue, or a foul odor.
Using Vinegar
Can I use vinegar to clean quartz countertops? You’ll hear contradicting answers to this. Some may say yes, while others won’t recommend it, so it’s best to check if your countertops can tolerate acid. Remember, vinegar has natural bleaching properties and if you use it carelessly, it can dull the shine of the counters.
In most cases, it can be an effective ingredient for an all-natural cleaning solution that you can readily concoct whenever you run out of commercial cleaners.
To create the homemade quartz cleaner, mix 50% water with 50% white vinegar. If the stains are small, a few tablespoons of this concoction may suffice. Ensure that you dilute it with the same amount of water. This way, it retains its cleaning and disinfecting properties and makes it less abrasive for surface cleaning.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
A solution with hydrogen peroxide is perfect for clearing away food stains caused by turmeric, tomatoes and other pigmented foods, while disinfecting the surface, making it an effective homemade quartz cleaner. Here are the things you need and the steps to make the solution.
- 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- 1 cup of flour
Create a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide, flour and water. Add water to the mixture slowly, ensuring you achieve a good consistency. Then, apply some to the stain, cover it with plastic and wait 24 hours for it to dry. Remove the plastic and wipe it down with warm water and a soft cloth the next day. You’ll be surprised at how effectively this 3-ingredient natural cleaning mixture can make your countertop look new.
Using Goo Gone
For hard-to-remove ink stains, a Goo Gone or any oil-based cleaning liquid and a damp cloth will solve the problem.
Simply moisten a soft kitchen towel with Goo Gone and rub it in the stain. After removing the ink smudges, rinse with warm water and finish it with a wipe-down to dry the surface.
Using Baking Soda
Another best everyday cleaner for quartz countertops is baking soda. It can dissolve the grime, degrease the surface and neutralize the odor left by food ingredients, making it a practical dirt-removing alternative.
How to clean quartz countertops with baking soda? Making the mixture is easy and you’ll only need two things for this — baking soda and water.
First, mix a teaspoon of water with a heaping tablespoon of baking soda. You should have a consistent white paste. Then, apply it on top of the deep-set stain, cover it with a cling wrap and use painter’s tape to secure the edges. Wait 1-2 days for the baking soda to do its job. Afterward, remove and rinse the area properly.
Using a Glass Cleaner Spray
For stains like spaghetti sauce, tea or coffee spills and hard water spots from faucets, a glass or surface cleaner spray can solve the problem. Before going this route, though, double-check if your counter can tolerate this chemical.
Spray onto the strain and use a nonabrasive sponge to scrub the surface, ensuring you apply enough force to remove the discolored surface. Finish cleaning the area by raising it thoroughly.
Using Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol can best clean makeup stains — like mascara, and ink. Dampen a cotton swab with alcohol and gently scrub it on the dark spot using an outward-to-inward motion. Replace the cotton swab until you completely clear away the smudge. In addition to cleaning, you can also use alcohol to sterilize the counter, which is essential if you frequently use the counter to prepare food.
To make the disinfecting concoction, combine two cups of water with one-fourth of isopropyl alcohol. Add two drops of essential oil if you want a pleasant scent. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and spritz the benchtop with the solution. Let it sit for three minutes and wipe it with a dry cloth for finishing.
Preserving the Appeal of Your Quartz Countertop Is Simple
Quartz countertops are a significant investment in your home. More than their visual aesthetic and modern feel, they’re also durable. With proper care, they can last for your daughter and even grandchildren to use.
Learning how to clean quartz countertops using kitchen ingredients is good for your pocket. Just remember to avoid harsh chemicals, like bleach, scouring pads and oven cleaner. When handling vinegar, be sure to dilute it with water first before applying to the surface. Quartz countertops are resilient, which makes cleaning them straightforward and affordable.