There are very few things as exciting and beautiful as seeing the brand new quartz countertops that have just been installed in your Minneapolis home. Before the newness and excitement wear off, life must continue in your kitchen, and that means spills, dried-on food, and other potential stains that can break your heart when you think they will leave a permanent mark on your new quartz countertops. Fortunately, these fabulous countertops are very forgiving when it comes to cleanup and eliminating stains, as long as you know a few helpful tips.
The Daily Process
As with any countertop, you will want to wipe up spills with a soft dishcloth or microfiber towel and some dish soap as soon as possible. For daily cleaning, the same process is ideal. For stuck-on foods that have hardened, you might need to put a little effort behind a clean putty knife to remove the goop. But work carefully and apply pressure evenly to avoid scratches. Again, a plastic putty knife is a better choice than metal for the safety of both you and your countertops, even though it could require a little more effort.
A Greasy Mess
When you have food grease or oil spills, use a quartz-safe degreaser that is bleach-free. Any bleach products will damage the surface of the quartz countertops. Instead, spray the degreaser on the countertop and wipe it off with a soft sponge or dishcloth.
The Dreaded Permanent Marker
Accidents can happen, but when the accident involves a permanent marker, it can appear devastating. Fortunately, these blemishes can be removed with an application of Goo Gone. First, rub it over the stained area and then rinse with warm water to remove any cleaner residue.
The Forbidden Cleaners
The fastest way to ruin any quartz surface is to apply an abrasive cleaner or use a rough scouring pad. Any cleaner that feels gritty between your fingers will scratch the surface of the quartz and create dingy flat-looking marks on the surface. Rough scrubbing pads will produce the same result.
Also, never use cleaners that are acid or alkaline. Things like nail polish remover, turpentine, and drain cleaner will begin to eat away the bond between the ground quartz and the resin binding agent. It is also important to note that dishwasher rinse agents will cause the same issue. So when using them in your dishwasher, be very careful to avoid contact with your quartz countertops.
More Helpful Tips
When preparing food, it is vital that you always use a cutting board. Never chop, cut, or slice directly on the quartz surface to avoid damage. While the surface is scratch-resistant, it is not scratchproof. Finally, extremely hot temperatures will damage the quartz countertop surface. Always use a trivet or hot pad to prevent damage to your new countertops.
For more helpful information about quartz countertops, call 612-270-4239 to speak to the Rock Solid Tops experts. For over 30 years, Gordy and his team have been known throughout the region as the rock-solid authority on all things related to high-end custom countertop fabrication, installation, and care.