How to Care for Your Quartz Stone Benchtop
Engineered stone benchtops have taken the kitchen and bathroom industry by storm. One look at their incredible characteristics, and it immediately becomes clear why. One of the most appealing aspects of these stunning benchtops is how little maintenance they require compared to their natural stone counterparts.
So, what goes into caring for your quartz benchtop? Check out our guide and get all the details.
What Makes Quartz an Ideal Material for Kitchen or Bathroom Countertops?
Are you looking for the best material for your kitchen or bathroom countertops? Start by making a list of everything you want from such material. Chances are quartz will tick most, if not all, of your boxes.
As an engineered stone, quartz is highly durable and resistant to the common adversaries of natural stone benchtops like stains, scratches, and heat. Since it’s also non-porous, this material won’t allow liquids to penetrate through the surface, which is a must for a countertop constantly surrounded by water and other liquids. Throw in this material’s low maintenance and a broad range of colours and designs into the mix, and it becomes clear why quartz has become the go-to material for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Caring for Your Quartz Benchtop: 101
Here’s everything you need to know to take good care of your quartz stone benchtop.
Cleaning
Cleaning your quartz benchtop will be a breeze since there are no nooks and crannies where dirt and grime can hide. Mix a few drops of mild detergent with water and wipe your benchtop clean with a soft cloth or a paper towel. Believe it or not, that’s all you have to do daily.
Sealing
Most natural stone benchtops, like granite and marble, require sealing every few years. Sealing is what allows these materials to keep their appearance and functionality. But what about quartz?
How Often Should You Seal Your Quartz Benchtop?
The short answer is – never! Unlike its natural stone counterparts, engineered stone benchtops don’t require sealing. Why? The answer is simple – they’re non-porous. Their non-porous surface acts as a natural sealant, preventing liquids and bacteria from penetrating it.
Stains
No benchtop material is fully damage-proof, and quartz is no different. While engineered stone benchtops are highly resistant to stains, these can still occur under certain circumstances. Remember not to panic and only use non-abrasive cleaners when tackling the stain.
What Items Can Cause Stains on the Stone Kitchen Benchtops?
Here are some of the items that can cause stains on stone kitchen benchtops, which can be challenging or even impossible to remove:
- Permanent marker, ink, and dye
- Acidic liquids like citrus juices and vinegar
- Red wine and other red-coloured liquids and food (especially on light-coloured quartz)
How to Deal With Bleach or Battery Acid Patches on Your Stone Benchtop
Bleach and battery acid are referred to as caustic substances. In simple terms, this means that they can burn through things easily. Unfortunately, your stone benchtop isn’t immune to these substances, and they’re likely to damage its surface.
If your benchtop comes into contact with them, a light patch will form on the surface. The only way to remove this patch is to grind down your benchtop past the caustic burn patch and polish it afterwards.
Can Engineered Quartz Be Polished?
Yes, engineered quartz can be polished. However, it is rare that they would lose lustre under normal circumstances, so adding this task to your regular maintenance routine isn’t necessary.
How Do You Get the Shine Back on Engineered Stone?
If you feel like your engineered stone benchtop has lost some of its shine, here are some steps you can take to get it right back:
- Do some light cleaning. Sometimes, soapy water is all it takes to jazz up your benchtop.
- Try deep cleaning. If dirt and stains have settled on your benchtop, you might need to spend more time cleaning it. Give a more potent (but still non-abrasive) cleaner a try.
- Polish your benchtop. If all else fails, polish your stone benchtop to bid dullness farewell.
How to Get Your Quartz Benchtop Looking Like New Again
With engineered stone benchtops, it’s all about regularly taking proper care of them. If you somehow accumulate some unsightly stains and scratches, polishing your benchtop might be the best way to make it look brand-new again.
Enjoy Hassle-Free Maintenance With Quattro Stone Quartz Benchtops
Apart from some extreme scenarios, taking care of your stone benchtop will be a breeze. Choose the perfect quartz benchtop for your kitchen or bathroom at Quattro Stone and enjoy its stunning appearance and impressive functionality for years to come.
