Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are growing in popularity, rivaling granite and laminate surfaces. The quartz can be either natural or created, and it is appealing for many reasons These beautiful countertops come in a variety of colors and are great for kitchens because they are non-porous, meaning they do not harbor bacteria that can taint foods. They are also quite scratch resistant, rating a 7 on the MoH hardness scale. The cost per square foot is often comparable to granite, and they are virtually indestructible.

Another reason why quartz countertops are becoming more desirable is their ease of care. They do not require the same upkeep as granite or other countertops. You don't need to seal them or take special care of them like you would with other surfaces, and the quartz is mostly resistant to stains and corrosion.

These countertops are also very simple to clean. To clean a quartz countertop, follow these easy instructions:

1. First, you'll want to wash the quartz surface with some soapy, warm water. Using a sponge or wet cloth, wipe all over the countertops to get any dirt or spills. Because of the durability of the quartz and its hardness, scrubbing at the surface to remove spots should not do any harm to the countertop, but avoid abrasive pads. If there is a particularly sticky or stubborn area, leave a wet sponge or cloth on the spot for several minutes until it has loosened.
2. If the spots are tougher to get off and soapy water alone won't do, go ahead and try some mild all-purpose cleaner. Wipe the cleaner on with a sponge or cloth and scrub as needed until any spots had disappeared. You can also use a vinegar and water solution for the job.
3. Once you have thoroughly washed your quartz surface, make sure all soap residue and cleaners are rinsed away with plain water so that streaks will not be visible after it is dry. Use a dry cloth on wet areas, wiping or patting the countertop. If you do notice streaks after you are done, go over the area again with water and dry.

Quartz countertops are truly easy to care for and keep clean. They are hard to damage, but do keep in mind that extremely hot temperatures can hurt the quartz. As a precaution, don't set hot pots or pans directly on the surface—used a hot pad or trivet to protect the countertop.