It’s important to have the right countertop in your kitchen. After all, this is where you clean, chop and prepare ingredients before you actually cook them. The right countertop can make all the difference. Fortunately, there are many types of kitchen countertops that you can choose from. You need to keep in mind the functionality, aesthetics, durability, and, of course, the price.
Quartz is among the most sought-after materials for kitchen countertops. This is not only because it comes in a variety of colours. It is also durable and easy to maintain. What exactly is quartz? In its original form, it is a hard, crystalline mineral that is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is abundant on earth, and has been put to many uses.
When it comes to kitchens, most of the countertops are made from engineered quartz. This is created by combining quartz with other substances such as resins and polymers. The result is a hard, granite-like material.
The Importance of Cleaning Quartz Countertops Properly
To begin with, countertops need to be kept tidy and clutter-free. Anything that is not needed for immediate use should be put away in its own place. That includes items such as spice jars, cutlery, and cookbooks. If this is not done, preparing ingredients and cooking them will become a chore.
If countertops are not cleaned regularly, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Over time, this can actually cause health problems. The more food you prepare on the countertop, the more important it is to keep it clean.
Fortunately, engineered quartz countertops are non-porous. This means that, in general, bacteria stay on the surface. However, cleaning is still important to remove these harmful germs, as well as to get rid of food spills and splatters.
The Proper Way to Clean a Quartz Countertop
You should clean your kitchen countertop after every session of food preparation. Once a week, it’s a good idea to carry out a more intensive cleaning. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to clean quartz countertops. Here are the basic steps to follow.
- Start by making a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water.
- Dip a sponge or a soft cloth into the liquid and start to clean the countertop using a regular motion. Some areas, such as near the stove, will require more care.
- Now, wipe down the surface with clean water.
- Let the countertop dry.
Here’s what you can do to tackle food that is stuck, tough stains, or grease.
- Make a solution of baking powder, lemon and water. Dip and sponge into this and gently clean the area.
- For stuck food, use a plastic scraper to gently dislodge it, and then carefully wipe the spot.
- In case of tough stains, try applying a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it away.
Caring for Quartz Countertops
Because of their durable properties, quartz countertops are easy to clean and care for. However, there are a few things to avoid if you want your countertop to remain looking like new.
Some cleaning solutions such as vinegar and bleach can actually damage the quartz surface. And abrasive materials can scratch the surface over time. Keep these away from your countertop.
Do not place heated pots and pans directly on the surface of the countertop. This can lead to discolouration. Instead, use small plates and trivets. Similarly, cutting and chopping of ingredients should be done only on a cutting board. Otherwise, the countertop could get chipped and scratched.
Apart from the above, the best way to care for your countertop is to clean it immediately after use. This will ensure that there is no heavy grease build-up and hard-to-remove food particles.
What to Pay Attention to When Cleaning a Quartz Countertop
Even if you regularly clean your quartz countertop with the right materials, there are some bad habits to look out for.
For a start, after the cleaning process, you should let the quartz dry properly, or wipe it down with a soft cloth until it is completely dry. Otherwise, there are chances that water stains will make the surface less attractive. Often, when we clean countertops, we pay attention only to the exposed areas and ignore the rest. This may be all right once in a while, but not in the long run. It will lead to food particles and other substances piling up under objects such as coffee makers, mixers, and cutlery stands.
Ideally, you should move such objects out of the way before starting to clean. This will ensure that the entire countertop is impeccably clean. It is also extremely important to disinfect the countertop after preparing food such as eggs and chicken. For this, you should use any household disinfectant spray or solution. Make sure to clean the entire surface and don’t rush through the process. If you keep all of the above in mind, you can be sure that your quartz countertop will be a faithful kitchen companion for years to come.
From caring for countertops to caring for all your interiors, the design experts at HomeLane are ready and waiting with even more tips and expert advice for homeowners. Find out more about uplifting your home decor today.
