How to Care For Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is one of the most popular countertop material options due to its timeless beauty and strength. It is a versatile stone that can be used in a variety of ways such as kitchen or bathroom countertops. Learning how to care for quartz countertops is an important part of maintaining this amazing stone so that it can last you for decades without showing the wear and tear of daily use.
Introduction to Quartzite
Quarzite countertops bring an up-scale aura to any space they are installed in. They elevate the sophistication of the room. They are also highly durable and resistant to scratches or chipping, making them ideal options for high-traffic areas such as kitchens.
Quartzite is a gorgeous stone with a wide variety of colour and pattern options. This variety allows homeowners to be able to pick the right slab that fits their aesthetic vision perfectly. The hardness of quartzite is comparable to granite and it has a similar look to marble. In other words, by picking quartzite you are choosing the best of both worlds and combining elegant beauty with long-lasting durability.
How to Clean Quartzite Countertops Daily
Cleaning the countertops daily is the most important step in countertops maintenance, regardless of which stone it is made out of. Wiping the countertops daily will prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, and it will make maintenance much easier for you in the long run.
Quartzite maintenance is very easy and straightforward. Moreover, it doesn’t require any special tools or cleaning solutions either. For daily cleaning, you can use things you already have at home, mild dish soap and a soft sponge. An essential part of daily cleaning is not using harsh or abrasive materials. Therefore picking a mild cleaner and soft cloth or sponge is essential.
Another essential part of daily cleaning is always rinsing with plain water to avoid the accumulation of leftover soap on the countertops. Leftover soap can lead to countertops looking cloudy or dirty after a while. Similarly, after rinsing the countertops, dry them with a clean cloth to prevent hard-water build-up.
How to Handle Stains
Even though sealed quartzite is highly stain-resistant, it is still a porous stone. In other words, although stains are unlikely, they aren’t impossible. The most important thing to keep in mind is to wipe away spills as soon as they happen. Wiping them as fast as possible is the best way of combating stains because the longer the spill is left on the stone, the deeper it can seep in.
If you are dealing with a stain that has already set in, you can tackle it with a homemade stain-removing paste. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. If you’re dealing with a very large surface area, you can make more to ensure the paste covers the whole area.
Apply the paste to the stained area and cover it with plastic wrap. Leave it on the countertops for a few hours. After a few hours have passed you can remove some of the paste to see if the stain is removed, if it isn’t you can leave the paste overnight.
Once the stain is removed, wipe away the paste and rinse the area with plain water thoroughly. Dry with a soft clean cloth and apply and polish or sealer depending on the needs of the stone.
Sealing Quartzite Countertops
Sealing quartzite countertops is arguably the most important maintenance step. As a natural stone, quartzite has a porous surface. This porousness makes it susceptible to stains and bacterial growth in its natural state. However, for home improvement projects such as the kitchen or bathroom countertops, the slab should be resistant to stains or moisture for it to be functional.
To achieve this, the countertops are sealed. Sealing the countertops will cover the pores and create a barrier between the stone and the world. Once the quartzite is sealed, it is highly resistant to damage that can be caused by spills, moisture, food particles, or dirt.
After a certain amount of use, you will need to reseal the countertops to replenish the protective barrier. As you use the countertops, the sealant can wear away, leaving the stone unprotected. How often you should reseal depends on how often the countertops are used. For example, someone who uses the countertops once a week and someone who uses them multiple times a way won’t have to reseal them in the same frequency.
Most professionals recommend resealing the countertops once every 6 months to a year. The best way to figure out if the countertops need to be resealed is to observe the stone and see if the shine of the surface has started to fade away. If that is the case, it might be time to reseal the countertops.
Protection Against Heat Damage and Scratches
Although quartzite is a hard stone, it is not indestructible. To avoid scratches and chips, there are a few preventative measures you should keep in mind.
The first and foremost measure is to always use cutting boards instead of directly cutting on the countertops. Cutting on the countertop might not seem like a problem because you won’t see scratches on the surface right away. However, over time, the knife might damage the stone and the protective sealant. Using a cutting board is better for the knife too because the stone will cause the knife to dull quickly.
Quartzite is incredibly heat resistant on its own. Placing hot pans and pots directly on the stone won’t cause any structural or visual changes to the stone. However, the protective sleant on top isn’t as heat resistant as the stone itself. Therefore, it is better to use trivets to protect the sealant, which in turn protects the quartzite slab against stains and dirt.
Avoiding Harmful Chemicals
Avoiding harsh chemicals is one of the most important parts of learning how to care for quartzite countertops. Although quartzite isn’t particularly fussy when it comes to which cleaning supplies can be used on it, it fares better with mild and nonabrasive cleaning supplies.
Acidic cleaners or ones containing ingredients like lemon or vinegar can cause etching on the surface. The etching appears as a small, matte area with a cloudier appearance compared to its surrounding areas. Etched spots will negatively affect the appearance of the countertops, and they will be more vulnerable to further damage. Use pH-neutral cleaners to ensure the countertops don’t get etched.
Don’t use abrasive cleaning pads or tools such as steel wool on the countertops. These items can scratch the surface over continuous use and they can erode the protective layer of the countertops, which can cause stains or discoloration.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Quartzite countertops are an important and long-term investment. If they are cared for properly, they can last you a lifetime. Here are some of the best tips to ensure the longevity of this gorgeous stone.
Regularly inspect the stone to see if there are any signs of damage. These possible damages can come in various forms and various seriousness levels. For example, a big crack and a dull spot can both count as damage, and they would need addressing. Paying attention to minor issues is one of the best tips for how to care for quartzite countertops as spotting them early will allow you to deal with them before they get bigger.
Resealing the countertops is a non-negotiable step of countertops maintenance. Without the protection that the sealer supplies, the stone will get stained and damaged very easily. Moreover, even the highest-quality quartzite will lose its lustre over time. You can restore their original beauty by getting them professionally polished every few years.
Conclusion
Caring for your quartzite countertops might seem like it takes a lot of time, effort, and consideration. However, wiping the countertops daily and resealing them frequently is 90% of the work. Completing these steps and not treating the countertops harshly will help lengthen their lifespan, making them a durable and valuable addition to your home.
When it comes to natural stone countertops like quartzite, you will get out of it what you give it. The more care and attention you provide, the longer it will last you and the better it will look. Quartzite countertops have a striking beauty, and they are a versatile, durable option. They do require some care and maintenance, yet the results make learning how to care for quartzite countertops worth it.
