If you are contemplating doing a kitchen remodeling project where you replace your existing countertops with new ones made of quartz, you will soon enjoy the eye-catching look of a stone countertop without a ton of maintenance to keep it looking nice. Many people opt for using quartz in their kitchen as it is durable and less prone to staining than pure stone slabs. Here are some tips to use to keep quartz countertops looking their best for years to come.

Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners

When cleaning a quartz surface you want to avoid using anything that will scratch the material. Stick with a non-bleach, non-abrasive, mild detergent when wiping down your countertops. Use a piece of microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge when scrubbing areas with caked on grime. If you need to remove something that has hardened onto the counter, use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape it from the surface before wiping it down with detergent and water.

Keep Chemicals Away

Items with a high acidic or alkaline content can cause damage to quartz countertops. Avoid placing furniture stripper, turpentine, oven cleaner, bleach, oil soap, nail polish remover, paint removers, and other strong chemicals on your quartz countertops. If something of this nature is spilled on a counter, wipe it off immediately with a damp piece of microfiber cloth.

Reduce Staining Risk

Quartz countertops are constructed with resin added to the aggregate to help the material become durable and able to resist stains. While it is a material that is not prone to staining as easily as other countertop materials, you will still want to wipe up materials that spill as soon as possible using a piece of microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge. Use an oil-based cleanser to remove ink or permanent marker from your countertop. If you have spilled grease on the surface, use a non-abrasive degreasing agent to remove. 

Avoid Scratching The Surface

Quartz countertops should be kept free of extremely hot temperatures to avoid thermally shocking the material which can cause cracking of within. Always use a trivet or hot plate to reduce the temperature from cookware you had just taken out of the oven when placing it on a countertop. Keep items with excessive weight off your quartz countertops as increased pressure can cause chipping of the stone. Always use a cutting board when using a knife to minimize the risk of scratching the surface of your countertops. Contact a local stone center, like Artisan Granite & Marble, for more care information.

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