Now that you’ve installed a beautiful quartz vanity top, it’s important to take the right steps to maintain its integrity.
Although quartz vanity tops are made from natural materials, they are engineered, combining 90% ground quartz (a naturally-occurring, hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard, granite-like and natural-looking surface. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added.
They are extremely durable, have a non-porous and glossy sheen, and are stain and crack resistant, making them the easiest kind of countertop to clean. However, they are not very heat resistant.
Proper cleaning and care are easy if you know what to do. When it comes to countertops, different materials require different products, and it’s no different for quartz. What’s good for some countertops are bad for others, and vice versa.
Here’s a list of materials you should have on hand:
- Paper towels
- Soft towels
- Sponge
- Warm water
- Mild soap
- Plastic putty knife
- A spray bottle filled with distilled water
- Window cleaner
- Goo Gone
- Cutting board
Once you have your materials in order, here’s the lowdown on what to do and what not to do.
Daily Cleaning of Your Quartz Vanity Top
Quartz countertops do not require sealing or resealing in order to resist stains. In fact mold, mildew, and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface, so go ahead and place that raw chicken right on the countertop (though you might want to clean it before chopping vegetables).
However, if you do spill liquid, it’s best to clean it up right away before it dries, using a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap. This will take care of 99% of the cleaning you’ll ever need to do.
To rinse off your quartz vanity tops, you can use a spray bottle to spray the entire counter and get it all wet. Since the material is nonporous, it will not absorb the water or leave any kind of residue. Then take a sponge and scrub the surface and wipe it off with a clean and dry cloth. Check to make sure there are no streaks after it has dried off.
If a spill does dry, don’t fret. That can be cleaned with some dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge. Let it soak for 10 minutes or so. You may have to work your muscles a bit but try not to resort to an abrasive cleaner or sponge.
Keep in mind, however, that although quartz vanity tops are scratch-resistant, they are not impenetrable.
Unforeseen Circumstances
A plastic putty knife can be used to scrape off hardened food, nail polish or glue from your child’s school project.
If oil splatters on your quartz vanity tops, which will happen, use a degreasing product to loosen the oil from the surface, and then follow with a mild soap.
If your child’s project requires permanent markers and that too gets on your countertop, you’ll need to take a couple extra steps to remove it. Permanent markers are pretty much paint, similar to nail polish. Using non-fragrant acetone, which is the base of most nail polish removers, should do the trick.
If that doesn’t work, then Goo Gone is another option. Rinse with warm water and then follow by cleaning with a mild soap and soft cloth. If all else fails, try rubbing alcohol.
Of course, there are also water issues to contend with. Specifically, hard water can cause calcium buildup around the sink. If this happens, use a bit of lemon juice, just enough to cover the surface, and then rinse away with lots of water to counter the acid.
For soap scum, avoid abrasive cleaners and use a natural soap scum removal cleaner instead.
Deep Cleaning
If you do all of the above basic daily maintenance, you should be in good shape.
But experts also recommend an overall deep cleaning at regular intervals, once every couple of weeks, or more often if your countertop gets a lot of use. To do this, spray a generous amount of a non-abrasive surface cleaner over your countertop and let it sit for 10 or more minutes. Wipe away with a soft sponge or cloth.
Watch Out for Extreme Heat
Though quartz is heat-resistant, the resin used to make quartz countertops is plastic. This plastic can melt when coming in contact with any heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, a change in temperature created by placing a hot pot on its cool surface or prolonged exposure to heat from a pan left on the countertop may cause the quartz to crack.
Always use a trivet or hot pad, and don’t place hot pots, irons, curling irons, or a hair dryer directly on the countertop.
Use a Cutting Board
Quartz vanity tops are hard, but not hard enough to cut food on without scratching the surface. Always use a cutting board when using a knife or any sharp object to avoid scratches.
What NOT to Do
Now that we covered what you should be doing, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t be doing to your quartz vanity tops.
Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. They will dull the surface. If you have a really tough spill that’s dried, it may be tempting, but you’ll regret it. Instead, use a little elbow grease and repeat cleaning if necessary.
Don’t use cleaning solutions that are either too acidic (vinegar or lemon juice) or too basic (ammonia or borax).
Don’t use bleach or any cleaner, regardless of pH, that is gritty or abrasive.
Don’t use wax or polish. On quartz counters, it just isn’t necessary. Never use oil-based products on a quartz vanity top either, because this will discolor and dull the shininess of your counter.
Paint strippers, silver cleaners, sealers, and furniture strippers are all things to keep off your quartz bathroom countertops as well.
Finally, quartz countertops are not a good choice for outdoors. The sunlight will lead to fading and may cause the surface to warp or crack.
A Quartz Vanity Top for a Lifetime
You may have cleaners around that you use for other surfaces. Use caution when using them around your quartz vanity top.
Otherwise, maintaining your countertop is pretty easy, they’re durable, stain-resistant and a great investment. If you do all of the above, you’ll have a beautiful countertop that can last a lifetime.
