KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS – Page 5

If you have a quartz countertop in your home, then you know just how beautiful and durable they are. Quartz is one of the most popular materials for countertops because it's strong, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Quartz is usually called 'man-made' or engineered stone because it's made from a combination of natural quartz and other materials like resin and pigments. This makes quartz a little different to care for than other countertop materials like granite or marble. A quartz countertop's looks and lifespan are dependent on several factors, including its construction and materials, as well as how it is used. It is, therefore, important to be aware of the do's and don'ts of quartz countertop care. Here are the do's and don'ts of caring for your quartz countertop: Do's Of Quartz Countertops 1. Wipe up spills immediately Quartz is stain-resistant, but it's not completely resistant. If you spill something on your countertop, wipe it up right away. Some products may stain your countertop if they're left to sit on the countertop for a period of time. For example, dye will stain your countertop when ignored for too long. Other liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine can also cause staining. You can wipe immediately with a paper towel or a clean, damp cloth. If the spill is more stubborn, you can use baking soda and water solution to remove it. 2. Do clean it regularly You should clean your quartz countertop on a regular basis to keep it looking its best. You can use a mild soap and water solution or a glass cleaner. To clean, simply spray your chosen cleaning solution onto the countertop and wipe it down with a clean cloth. You can also use a soft sponge if you prefer. 3. Use a cutting board Quartz is strong, but just like any other countertop material, it can still scratch. To avoid scratching your countertop, don't cut directly on the surface of your quartz countertop. Use a cutting board when you're cooking. You can also use placemats or coasters to protect your countertop from scratches. If you do scratch your countertop, don't worry. Quartz is easy to repair. You can usually buff out small scratches with a soft cloth. For bigger scratches, you may need to sand the area and then reseal it. 4. Use trivet or hot pads Quartz is heat-resistant, but it can still be damaged by extreme heat. Use a trivet or a hot pad to protect the surface of your countertop. If you do accidentally put a hot pan on your countertop, don't worry. The damage is usually cosmetic and can be repaired easily. 5. Use a mild soap and water When it comes time to clean your countertop, use mild soap and warm water. You can also use a specialized quartz cleaner. Most of the time, plain water and soap will get rid of stains. 6. Use coasters for glasses and cups To avoid water rings, use coasters for glasses and cups. Water rings on your quartz countertop can be removed, but it's best to avoid them in the first place. If you do get a water ring, you can usually remove it by wiping the area with a damp cloth. 7. Spot test cleaning products before use Before you use any cleaning product on your quartz countertop, it's always a good idea to spot-test it first. This will help you avoid any damage to your countertop. To spot test, simply apply the cleaning product to a small area of your countertop and wait a few minutes to see if it causes any damage. Don'ts Of Quartz Countertops Just like anything else, there are a few things you should avoid doing to your quartz countertop to keep it looking its best. Here are a few things you should avoid doing to your quartz countertop: 1. Don't use harsh chemicals In an attempt to get rid of stubborn stains, sometimes people resort to harsh chemicals. For instance, using an oven cleaner to clean the countertop. This is a harsh chemical meant for the oven because its high ph level can cut through grease and grime in ovens but it will damage your quartz countertop. Another example of a harsh chemical is bleach and ammonia. These products will dull the shine of your quartz and can even cause etching. If you need to use a stronger cleaning product, make sure you test it in an inconspicuous area first. To remove tough stains, using baking soda and water can be just as effective and it's much gentler on your countertop. 2. Don't put hot pans straight on the countertop We mentioned this in the do's, but it bears repeating. Don't put hot pans on your quartz countertop without using a trivet or hot pad first. Extreme heat can damage the surface of your countertop. It is true quartz is durable and heat resistant but extreme temperature changes can still cause damage. To avoid any damage, use a trivet or hot pad whenever you're cooking. 3. Avoid abrasive scrubbers Abrasive scrubbers can damage the surface of your quartz countertop. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive sponges when you're cleaning your countertop. Instead, use a soft cloth or sponge. 4. Don't use your countertop to slice Cutting vegetables on your quartz countertop will not only scratch your countertop, it can also damage the blade of your knife. Use a cutting board when you're cooking to avoid damaging your countertop or your knives. 5. Don't use a metal knife to remove a stain/solidified products If you spill something on your countertop or you notice a solidified product on your quartz countertop, don't use a metal knife to remove the stain. This will only scratch the surface of your countertop. Instead, use a plastic putty knife or a soft cloth to remove the stain. 6. Don't use permanent markers on your quartz countertop Permanent markers can be difficult to remove from quartz countertops. This is particularly important when you have kids around. If they do happen to draw on your countertop with a permanent marker, it might be difficult to remove it with anything but a harsh chemical. If you do need to use a marker on your countertop, make sure it is non-permanent. Non-permanent markers will come off easily with soap and water. Best Way To Clean Quartz countertops Quartz countertops are easy to maintain and care for. The best way to clean your quartz countertop is with mild soap and water. You can also use a specialized quartz cleaner. If you encounter stubborn stains like dye, it might be difficult to clean and you might be wondering how to remove dye stains from your countertop. You'll need baking soda and water in this case. Baking soda and water is the most effective way to remove tough stains from your quartz countertop. To remove stains; Mix baking soda and water to create a paste.Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes.Then, use a soft cloth to rub the paste in a circular motion.Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel. The stain should be gone.If the stain is still visible, you can repeat these steps. In conclusion, quartz countertops are a beautiful and durable addition to any kitchen. With a little bit of care and maintenance, your quartz countertop will last for years to come.