One of the admirable qualities of having quartz countertops in your home is that they won’t wear off anytime soon–that’s if you take care not to damage them: more on that later.
When compared to natural stone, they're a smart choice for kitchens because of how these countertops are made. Quartz countertops are famous for their durability, stain-resistant surfaces, low maintenance, and decorative appeal. They can also withstand scratches and don't soak up liquid.
But there’s one tiny problem: how can they continue to maintain the luster that first endeared them to our hearts?
For that reason, this guide on polishing quartz countertops will show you how to keep your countertop shiny and lustrous.
But first, let me answer this quick question:
Can quartz countertops lose their luster?
Yes, they can!
Whether you like it or not, dust particles (that you can’t see) form a layer of dirt on their surfaces, over time. But maintaining a good and thorough cleaning routine with soapy water and washcloth can preserve your quartz countertop’s shine.
So to ensure your counter continues looking brilliant and radiant, here’s what to do.
Tools you’ll need to clean and polish your quartz surfaces
You don't need any special item to maintain your countertop's luster. Some household cleaners and a few other items will suffice;
- Sponge/brush
- Warm soapy water
- Water (for rinsing)
- Soft towels or paper towels
- Vinegar
Now let's crush this little DIY project.
How to Polish Your Quartz Countertop
Here’s your step-by-step guide to polish your counter so they can sparkle as new.
1. Wipe off initial spills
Before you begin cleaning your quartz kitchen countertops, chances are some particles that can be wiped off: first dust them off.
And for an excess buildup of food or dirt, scrape them with a putty knife.
2. Next, scrub your quartz countertop with soap and warm water
Yes, you can scrub your quartz counter without damaging the surface. So don’t be scared to use your brush on its surface. Albeit, be wary of abrasive pads as they leave streaking on the polish or residue on the quartz.
So use a spray bottle to soak your quartz countertops (kitchen or bathroom, whichever it is) with warm soapy water. Then gently wipe down the engineered stone with a brush, soft towel, or washcloth depending on the amount of sparkle you want. Scrub as many times as you can.
Avoid using oil-based soaps as they’re meant to soak into porous countertops like granite countertops: quartz counters are non-porous. And for spots with stubborn stains and scratches, you can apply a little amount of vinegar and leave a wet rag on it for a few minutes.
3. Rinse your quartz kitchen countertops with water
After scrubbing and scraping, you’re going to rinse the countertop with distilled water (tap water can also be used) and wipe it off with a sponge.
Generously soak your counter with the water using your spray bottle. Remember that unlike granite countertops, quartz countertops are non-porous, so streaks can form as a result of soap residue.
When doing this, you might also want to add some elbow grease to make sure the water washes off completely. Also use a squeegee, dry cloth, or paper towel to dry the surface of your countertop.
4. Spray Windex or any other window cleaner
Now your bathroom and quartz kitchen countertops are clean.
But this guide aims to show you how to polish your quartz countertop so it's looking shiny.
So you’ll need to apply Windex or any other window cleaner you’ve got on the surface of the countertops. However, don’t over-spray.
These agents make your windows lustrous and can do the same for your countertops. They’re also very effective against grease and will cut through those stubborn grease stains that settle on your countertop when cooking.
5. Wipe off the countertop one last time
Now your counter is all shiny, you can wipe down the surface with a soft cloth from left to right and from top to bottom.
If you’ve got lint on your kitchen countertop, you can use a paper towel, instead. And if you’ve got a problem with chemical contamination, many natural or organic window cleaners can tackle these problems.
6. A final thought on polishing your countertop
After going through the process outlined above, you won’t need an extra polish product to make your countertop shine.
But if you’re ever going to use a degreaser or other cleaning products, be sure to confirm it’s safe for quartz countertops. You can ask your vendor before going ahead with such a decision.
And I’ll also like to point out that using these products won’t eliminate the processes outlined here. If you apply a product and skip this process, you will end up with a duller surface.
Things to Avoid when Polishing Your Quartz Countertops
Is there a kind of product that can bleach out the resin in your engineered stone? Yes, there are. So you'll need to avoid cleaning your quartz counter with these types of products as much as you can.
The list includes;
- Degreasers, oven cleaners, and ammonia with high pH value.
- Acidic chemicals like lemon juice, lime-based products, and hydrofluoric acid.
- Bleach and acetone.
- Any product like abrasive cleaners that will dull the luster of your quartz counter.
- Scouring or brillo pad.
Maintenance Requirements for Ensuring Your Quartz Countertop Lasts Long
Quartz is stain-resistant and very easy to care for. And these are some of the top reasons you probably installed it in your home.
However, some measures need to be taken to ensure that your quartz counter is always looking its best any time, any day. They are;
- Wipe away spills as soon as you find any. A lot of times, we can’t stop our coffee, tea, juice, or wine from spilling on our quartz stone. But as easy as immediately your counter wiping may sound, it can ensure the longevity of your beautiful-looking countertop.
- Another important point is to never cut directly on the quartz countertop's surface. We all know the quartz counter can handle scratches when compared to granite and marble, but do use a cutting board when slicing.
- Protect your quartz countertop from high temperatures. It’s a known fact that quartz countertops are not very heat resistant. So to avoid damaging your countertop, don’t place hot objects like tea or coffee cups and hot pots or pans on their surfaces. Instead, place them on a mat or trivet.
- Ladies, please keep your nail polish away from your quartz countertops. Some other things you shouldn’t use on your quartz counter are acidic or alkaline solutions or cleaners, bleach, lemon or lime-based juice, oven cleaner, turpentine drain cleaner, and methylene chloride. If peradventure any of these come in contact with your countertop, quickly clean with a wet cloth and mild detergent.
In conclusion
Countertops made from quartz are different from those made of natural stone. And so is the way for caring for both of them at home.
Even though your countertop type is durable, take extra precautions to ensure they’re looking the best version of themselves.
Avoid using what can damage them, and stick to the basic cleaning and maintenance guidelines. This way, your quartz count
