QUARTZ STONE CARE & MAINTENANCE

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Quartz is an extremely low-maintenance surface that is not easily damaged. Following a few simple recommendations and guidelines for daily use will keep your countertop looking like new for many years to come.

 

A characteristic advantage of quartz countertops is the negligible cleaning needed to keep them sterile and working at their most elevated potential. Although quartz countertops will resist permanent staining when exposed to liquids like wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice, and soda, or fruits and vegetables, it’s important to wipe up spills immediately—before they have a chance to dry.

 

Common household spills – such as tea, coffee, juice, soda, vegetable juice, olive oil, liquid food coloring, or grease spills – are easily removed and the surface is restored to its original appearance by using any commonly available multi-purpose cleaner or mild detergent, then rinse off with warm water after use and dry with soft cloth or paper towel.

 

REGULAR CLEANING

 

CLEANING IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS

 

In general, it is recommended to entrust the cleaning in high traffic areas to specialized companies. However, we list at least some of the most important rules:

 

• For continuously cleaning very dirty floors, use only recommended products and not the mixtures of chemicals.

 

• Quartz surfaces in high traffic areas should be cleaned daily with a clean, dry dust mop or soft bristle broom.

 

• Spills should be spot treated with the use of a damp mop or cloth towel and, if necessary, a small amount of mild soap or specialized stone cleaner.

 

• A floor machine such as a slow speed buffer or walk behind scrubber can be used for larger commercial environments. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any haze residue that may diminish the shine and beauty of the floor.

 

Those wishing to use environmentally safe cleaners may also use a combination of 50/50 vinegar & water, rinsing afterwards.

 

CLEANING STUBBORN STAINS

 

For stubborn or dried spills, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad such as a 3M Scotch-Brite scrub pad combined with a small amount of mild soap or specialized stone cleaner (not directly onto the countertop). Wipe the area using a circular motion, rinsing thoroughly with water and dry with soft cloth or paper towel.

 

DRIED RESIDUE

 

For food, chewing gum, nail polish, paint or any foreign matters that are strongly adhered to any Quartz Surfaces, simply scrape them away with a sharp plastic scraper. If a metal blade is used in scraping, it may leave grey marks on the surface which an ordinary scouring pad will easily remove. Wash and rinse the surface with clean water.

 

EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS AND SOLVENTS

 

Prolonged exposure to any cleaning solutions, chemicals or solvents (especially paint removers or furniture strippers containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride) may cause permanent damage/discoloration to the countertop surface. Avoid exposing Quartz to chemicals, such as oven grill cleaners, floor strippers, paint removers/strippers, oil soaps, toilet bowl cleaners, tarnish removers, furniture cleaners, drain products, battery acid, dishwasher detergent, etc.

 

While casual exposure to alkaline materials will not damage quartz, but highly alkaline (high-pH) cleansers are not recommended when cleaning. If any of the substances listed above come into contact, rinse the exposed surface immediately and thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Do not use strong abrasive and/or alkaline cleaning products.

 

RESISTANCE TO SCRATCH

 

Quartz is one of the hardest materials in nature, which is your assurance that your surface will not easily scratch or chip. To keep the surfaces in immaculate condition for years, always use a cutting board for food preparation. Never cut directly on a countertop surface.

 

RESISTANCE TO HEAT

 

To maintain the natural beauty of Quartz, do not place hot skillets, roasting pans, electric frying pans, crock pots or toaster ovens, directly onto the surface but use a trivet instead.

 

NATURAL STONE CARE & MAINTENANCE

 

Natural stone is a durable and timeless material that brings unique beauty to any space. Because granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, and other natural stones are formed by nature, each slab will have its own variation in color, veining, and movement. With proper care and maintenance, natural stone surfaces can provide years of lasting performance.

 

DAILY CLEANING

 

For routine cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner.

 

Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, and abrasive pads, as they may damage the surface or dull the finish.

 

After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to prevent streaking or water spots.

 

COMMON HOUSEHOLD SPILLS

 

Wipe up spills as soon as possible, especially substances such as:

 

• Coffee

• Wine

• Tea

• Citrus juice

• Vinegar

• Tomato sauce

• Cooking oils

 

Prompt cleanup helps prevent staining and etching, particularly on marble and other calcium-based stones.

 

CLEANING STUBBORN STAINS

 

For dried or stubborn residue, use a non-abrasive pad and a stone-safe cleaner.

 

For persistent stains, a stone poultice may be required. Always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.

 

SEALING

 

Most natural stone surfaces should be sealed periodically to help protect against staining.

 

The frequency of sealing depends on the stone type, finish, and level of use. As a general guideline:

 

• Granite and quartzite: every 1–3 years

• Marble and limestone: every 6–12 months, depending on use

• Honed or leathered finishes may require more frequent sealing

 

To test whether resealing is needed, place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water darkens the stone within several minutes, resealing may be recommended.

 

HEAT RESISTANCE

 

Natural stone is generally heat resistant; however, sudden temperature changes may cause thermal shock or cracking.

 

Always use trivets or hot pads under hot cookware, slow cookers, and countertop appliances.

 

SCRATCH RESISTANCE

 

Many natural stones are highly scratch resistant, especially granite and quartzite. However, knives and sharp objects may still scratch the surface or leave metal marks.

 

Always use a cutting board for food preparation.

 

ETCHING

 

Marble, limestone, travertine, and some other stones are susceptible to etching from acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, and certain cleaners.

 

Etching is a surface reaction that may appear as dull spots and is not considered a defect.

 

CHEMICALS TO AVOID

 

Do not use:

 

• Bleach

• Ammonia

• Vinegar

• Lemon-based cleaners

• Oven cleaners

• Drain cleaners

• Abrasive powders

• Toilet bowl cleaners

 

These products may damage the sealant and, in some cases, the stone itself.

 

OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS

 

Natural stone used outdoors should be cleaned regularly and may require more frequent sealing depending on exposure to weather and UV conditions.

 

NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Natural stone may contain variations in color, veining, fissures, pits, and mineral deposits. These are inherent characteristics of the material and are not considered defects.

 

LONG-TERM CARE

 

To preserve the beauty of your natural stone surfaces:

 

• Use coasters under beverages

• Use trivets under hot items

• Use cutting boards

• Clean spills promptly

• Reapply sealer as needed

 

For specific maintenance recommendations, consult your fabricator or contact Surfaces by Pacific.

 

For more information about our products and services, visit www.surfacesbypacific.com