How Resistant is a Natural Stone Countertop?

 Quartz countertops are derived from one of the hardest minerals on earth, so if you're looking for something durable for your kitchen, quartz may be the answer. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including browns, blacks, other earth tones, and even bright red and green. Quartz has gained popularity over the past few years, becoming nearly as popular as granite. This is for a good reason - the material is engineered in a factory, making it less porous and prone to stains than granite. Even so, it's important to take care of quartz countertops to ensure that they look nice for years to come. Here are some helpful tips.

Keep Cleaning Simple
Your quartz countertops can be simply cleaned with just water and a paper towel. If necessary, you can also use a quarter-sized amount of non-bleach cleaner, but really, you only need water. The material does resist permanent staining from dark liquids such as red wine, but it's still best to clean up spills as soon as they happen.

Have The Right Gear
As with any sort of countertop, you'll want to invest in some nice, thick cutting boards. Again, even though the quartz shouldn't absorb any stains, it's still best practice to cut staining foods, such as strawberries, on a cutting board. Although the material is durable, it's not invincible. 

Accordingly, you will also want to purchase some trivets or pads to use for hot pots and pans. Never place hot cooking tools directly on the surface. Also, try to avoid cutting or chopping fruits or vegetables directly on your countertops.

Know-How to Deal With Dried On Stains
The last thing you want to do when you've got dried on the stain is start chipping away it wildly and accidentally damage your countertops. Begin by using a glass cleaner. Combined with a soft sponge, you should be able to clean up dried on or crusted stains. The best sponges are those designed for non-stick pans. If something really difficult to remove gets stuck, such as gum, use a plastic putty knife to scrape it away.

Know What to Avoid
Avoid cleaning with highly acidic cleaners. This includes nail polish remover, any substances with bleach, oven cleaner, dishwasher rinsing agents, and drain cleaners. If they spill, make sure to clean up the liquid immediately. It's also important to never try to apply any sealers, penetrants, or topical treatments to the surface under any circumstances.

 Quartz does not require these topcoats. Although it may seem that adding one of these treatments would make your countertops look shiny for longer, as these products wear off, they cause the surface to look dull and inconsistent.

A little bit of maintenance will help your countertops look their best for years to come. Just taking a little extra time in the kitchen to remember some basic cleaning tips will add years to the life of your quartz surfaces!