Cleaning and maintaining quartz countertops by Cambria regularly is key to preserving their beauty and durability for years to come. Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals bonded with resins and pigments, making it very resistant to scratches, stains and heat. However, like any countertop material, quartz requires proper care and cleaning to look its best. Follow these tips to keep your Cambria quartz sparkling.
Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
- Mild liquid dish soap or stone soap
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Microfiber towels
- Non-abrasive scrub pad
- Water and vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water)
Avoid using any abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, bleach, alkaline or acidic cleaners as these can damage and dull the surface.
Daily Cleaning
- Wipe down quartz daily with a soft, damp cloth or sponge and a small amount of mild soap and water. This prevents buildup of dirt and residues that can become harder to remove later.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel. Don’t let liquids sit on the surface.
- For dried spills or light stains, use a non-abrasive scrub pad with soap and water and gently scrub in a circular motion. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
- Make a vinegar and water solution. Using a soft cloth or microfiber towel, wipe down the entire surface. This helps neutralize alkaline residues from daily use that can build up over time.
- Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes so it can dissolve stuck-on dirt and grime. Don’t let it dry on the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft towel. Buff dry with a microfiber cloth.
- For stubborn spots and stains, use a non-abrasive scrub pad with the vinegar solution and gently scrub. Take care not to scrub too hard.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Preventing Damages
- Use cutting boards and trivets when preparing food to protect from knives and hot pans which can scratch and scorch quartz.
- Clean up spills immediately before they have a chance to seep in and stain.
- Avoid abrasive cleansers and scouring pads which can dull the surface.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealer to prevent staining and etching.
How to Remove Common Stains
Grease and oil: Clean with mild dish soap, rinse and dry. For dried grease, lay a paper towel over the stain and apply an iron on medium heat – the heat will draw out the grease. Wipe up residue with vinegar water.
Wine, coffee, juice: Clean right away with mild dish soap, rinse thoroughly and dry. For dried stains, use a baking soda and water paste and gently scrub.
Nail polish: Use a non-acetone polish remover and a soft cloth, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Avoid acetone-based removers.
Harsh chemicals, paints, dyes: Try cleaning right away with mild dish soap and water. For dried stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Hard water deposits: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the marks and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Use a vinegar-water solution for periodic overall cleaning.
Etching: Avoid exposing quartz to acidic cleaners, oils and abrasives. For light etching, rub a polished marble along the mark using circular motions. Use an automotive polishing compound for deeper etching.
Know When to Call a Professional
For significant damages that require extensive polishing or repairs, or if you are unable to remove certain stubborn stains yourself, don’t hesitate to call in a professional stone restoration company. They have specialized tools and expertise to properly restore quartz to like-new condition.
Cleaning quartz countertops regularly with mild soap and water, and deep cleaning weekly with a vinegar solution is the best way to maintain their pristine appearance and durability. Avoid harsh cleaners and always wipe up spills quickly to prevent stains. With proper care, Cambria quartz countertops will stay looking flawless for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach or alkaline cleaners on my Cambria quartz?
No, avoid bleach, alkaline cleaners, or abrasive scrub pads/cleansers as these can damage and dull the surface. For daily cleaning, use mild liquid dish soap and water.
How can I get dried stains out of my quartz countertop?
Make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it into the stain using a soft cloth or non-abrasive scrub pad. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For stubborn stains, a vinegar-water solution also helps dissolve grime.
What is the best way to clean hard water stains from quartz?
Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the marks. Let sit for 5 minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft cloth or pad. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Use a vinegar-water solution weekly to prevent hard water buildup.
Can quartz countertops be damaged by heat?
Yes, exposing quartz to excessive heat can cause cracks, scorch marks, or discoloration. Always use trivets under hot pans and appliances. Brief exposure, under 150°F is okay but prolonged high heat can damage the solid surface resin.
How often should I seal my Cambria quartz countertops?
It is recommended to reseal quartz every 1-2 years using a penetrating sealer made for natural stone. This prevents stains from seeping in and etching the surface. Be sure to clean thoroughly before applying the sealer.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and prompt treatment of spills and stains is key to keeping Cambria quartz countertops looking like new for years. Avoid harsh chemicals and clean with mild dish soap and water daily. Deep clean weekly with a vinegar-water solution to remove residues. With proper care and maintenance, quartz countertops are an extremely durable, low-maintenance option that can handle the demands of any busy kitchen.