Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. Honed quartz finishes have a matte look that hides fingerprints and smudges well, but still require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. Follow these simple steps to clean and care for your honed quartz countertops.
What is Honed Quartz?
Honed quartz has a soft, matte finish that gives quartz a more natural, stone-like appearance compared to the high-gloss polished quartz. The honed finish doesn’t reflect light, so it hides fingerprints, smudges, and minor scratches better. However, honed quartz still needs regular cleaning and maintenance like other quartz countertops.
Routine Cleaning of Honed Quartz
- For routine cleaning, wipe down honed quartz with a soft, damp microfiber cloth and a mild soap and water solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots.
- For dried on messes, use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge with warm soapy water. Avoid scrubbing too harshly.
- Disinfect periodically with an all-purpose cleaner made specifically for stone surfaces. Look for non-acidic, non-abrasive formulas.
- In the kitchen, clean up spills immediately to prevent stains, especially oils, wine, coffee and other liquids that can soak in.
Preventing Damage to Honed Quartz Surfaces
- Always use cutting boards and trivets to protect honed quartz from knives, pots, and heat.
- Don’t let spills sit. Clean all spills quickly before they have a chance to soak in and stain.
- Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners which can etch and dull the surface over time.
- Reseal honed quartz countertops every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealer made for natural stone to prevent staining and etching.
Removing Stubborn Stains from Honed Quartz
- For dried on food, grease, soap scum, and hard water marks, make a paste with baking soda and water and gently scrub the stain. Rinse thoroughly.
- Mix a mild bleach-based cleaner (like Soft Scrub) with water and scrub gently to remove stubborn stains and mildew.
- Use a poultice made specifically for stone to draw out deep set stains. Apply the poultice, allow time to work, and rinse thoroughly.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like paint remover, oven cleaner and drain cleaner which can damage, corrode, and etch quartz surfaces.
Restoring Dull or Etched Honed Quartz
If honed quartz loses its matte finish and becomes dull or etched over time, it can be refinished by a professional stone restoration company. They have specialty equipment and compounds that polish out etch marks and restore the original honed finish. For deep scratches, the surface may need to be lightly sanded and re-honed.
Preventing Bacteria Growth on Quartz Countertops
- Clean quartz regularly with a disinfecting cleaner made for stone to kill bacteria. Look for EPA-registered products.
- Avoid cutting raw meat directly on the quartz. Always use a cutting board.
- Clean up meat juices, blood, and other protein spills right away. Decomposing proteins can allow bacteria to grow.
- Sanitize surfaces with a chlorine bleach solution after preparing meats (1 tablespoon bleach per 1 quart water). Rinse thoroughly.
FAQs About Cleaning Honed Quartz Countertops
How often should I clean honed quartz countertops?
It’s recommended to clean honed quartz at least once a week with a mild soap and water solution to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Clean up spills immediately as they occur, especially in the kitchen.
What natural cleaner can I use on honed quartz?
A mix of vinegar and water works well for cleaning honed quartz. Avoid acidic cleaners which can etch the surface over time.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to disinfect honed quartz?
Yes, rubbing alcohol is generally safe for occasional disinfecting of quartz surfaces. Avoid excessive rubbing as it can dull the finish.
What is the best way to remove dried food from honed quartz?
For dried on food, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub and rinse. Avoid using abrasive scrubs which can damage the finish.
How do I get rid of hard water marks on honed quartz?
Hard water stains can be removed with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray on the stain, allow to sit for 5 minutes, scrub with a soft sponge and rinse thoroughly.
Can I use lemon juice to clean my honed quartz countertops?
No, you should avoid using lemon juice or other acidic cleaners which may etch and dull the surface of honed quartz over time. Use a mild pH-neutral stone cleaner instead.
Conclusion
With regular cleaning and proper care, honed quartz countertops will maintain their soft matte finish and natural stone-like beauty for years. Be sure to seal honed surfaces periodically and follow safe cleaning methods to prevent etching or damaging the finish. Periodic professional restoration can remove stains and scratches and refinish dulled honed quartz. Consistent care will keep honed quartz looking like new.