What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This creates a durable, non-porous surface that resists scratches, stains, and heat.

Stellar Night is a specific dark gray quartz color option made by various manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone. It has an attractive swirled pattern that resembles a night sky. The high percentage of quartz makes it extremely resilient.

Is Quartz Hard to Clean?

The short answer is no. Thanks to its non-porous nature, quartz repels most dirt and stains. Here are some tips for cleaning Quartz Stellar Night countertops:

Daily Cleaning

• Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Blot spills immediately to prevent staining.
• For dried spills, use a non-abrasive cleaner formulated for stone surfaces.
• Thoroughly rinse off any cleaning products. Quartz is stain-resistant, but residues can build up.

Deep Cleaning

• For more stubborn stains, use a diluted bleach cleaner and rinse well.
• Disinfect periodically with a stone-safe disinfectant.
• Clean grout lines regularly using a specialty grout brush.

With routine daily cleaning, Quartz Stellar Night needs minimal maintenance. Avoid cutting directly on the surface to prevent scratches. But it does not require sealing or polishing like natural stone.

What About Cooking Stains?

Home chefs may worry about grease splatters and wine stains. However, the non-porous material prevents most stains from setting on quartz surfaces. Here are some tips:

• Immediately wipe up food prep messes before they have a chance to stain.
• Use a degreasing cleaner for oil splatters and rinse thoroughly.
• For wine, coffee, or fruit juice stains, clean right away with a mild bleach solution.

With prompt cleaning, Quartz Stellar Night stands up well to heavy usage in the kitchen. Avoid letting stains set overnight. But even dried stains can usually be removed with some elbow grease.

Does Quartz Stain from Everyday Use?

Quartz’s stain resistance makes it very durable for busy kitchens. Here are answers to common questions:

• Greasy residue: Not usually. Wipe up cooking oils and residue promptly. For buildup, use a degreaser.
• Tomato sauce: No. Rinse immediately. If dried, use a baking soda paste.
• Red wine: No if cleaned promptly. For dried stains, use diluted bleach.
• Coffee: No. Hot liquids can leave a mark but won’t stain if wiped up quickly.

While no surface is completely stain-proof, Quartz Stellar Night is extremely resistant. Prompt cleanup is key for any spills.

Does Quartz Need to Be Sealed?

Unlike natural stone, quartz does not need regular sealing. It resists stains without an additional protective coating.

However, some homeowners choose to apply a surface sealer every 1-2 years for added protection. This optional step provides an extra barrier against oils and spills setting into the surface. Stone sealers designed for quartz are recommended.

Does Cleaning Quartz Require Special Products?

For routine cleaning, any mild soap and water will do. Avoid abrasive cleansers.

For problem stains, use a cleaner specifically formulated for stone/quartz. Look for options containing bleach or ammonia for serious stains. Or make a paste of baking soda and water.

Be sure to rinse all cleaning products thoroughly, as residue buildup can lead to cloudiness. With the proper techniques, Quartz Stellar Night can be easily maintained using common household cleaners.

Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Quartz?

White vinegar is fine for cleaning quartz surfaces. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for an effective homemade cleaner.

Use care with other vinegars like red wine or rice vinegar, as these can potentially stain the surface. But white vinegar’s acidic properties safely help dissolve mess while adding shine.

Rinse thoroughly after using any vinegar solution, as large amounts of vinegar may damage quartz over time. Use milddish soap and water for daily cleaning.

Conclusion

Maintaining Quartz Stellar Night countertops is simple with regular cleaning. While no surface is completely stain-proof, quartz resists damage from spills and everyday use. With prompt wipe-ups and occasional deep cleans, this stylish countertop retains its sleek look for years. Consistent care makes living with quartz an easy, low-maintenance choice for busy kitchens.

FAQ About Cleaning Quartz Stellar Night Countertops

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about keeping Quartz Stellar Night countertops looking like new:

Is it okay to cut food directly on quartz?

While quartz is very durable, it’s best to use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the counter. This prevents dulling of knives and avoids deep scratches on the surface over time.

What about high heat – can quartz counters tolerate hot pans?

Quartz is resistant to heat up to 300°F after which the resins may melt. Always use trivets for hot pans and baking sheets fresh out of the oven. Avoid prolonged direct heat.

How can I remove dried or baked-on food?

Use a plastic scraper to gently loosen residue. For stubborn spots, let a damp paper towel soaked in baking soda paste sit on the area for 5 minutes before scrubbing.

What’s the best way to clean a quartz sink?

Use a soft cloth or sponge with a gentle cleaner like dish soap and water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. For tougher stains, use a baking soda and water paste. Rinse thoroughly.

How do I get rid of hard water marks on my quartz?

Hard water deposits can be cleaned with a diluted white vinegar solution. For leftover soap scum, use an ammonia-based cleaner and rinse thoroughly.

Will lemon juice stain or damage a Quartz Stellar Night countertop?

Diluted lemon juice is fine for cleaning quartz. But avoid letting concentrated juice sit for long periods, as the acidity may dull the surface over time. Rinse thoroughly.

What’s the recommended frequency for deep cleaning quartz?

Give the counters a thorough deep cleaning every 1-2 months using a stone cleaner and grout brush. For routine spot cleaning, use dish soap and water daily.