How to care for quartz, quartzite, and solid surface countertops

Whether you choose quartz, quartzite, granite, or another type of stone, it is important to know how to take care of your countertops. Each type of stone requires its own special way to keep it in tip-top shape. Maintenance and proper use help keep your stone good as new. 

In this blog post, we will break down how to take care of each type of stone to help ensure your stone lasts. 

A Quick Note on Countertops

Even though countertops are incredibly durable, a pan or a pot set on high heat can damage almost any stone. Liquids left on the countertop for a long time or moisture on top of the countertop can cause damage. While countertops are made of stone, they can be scratched or otherwise damaged by knives or other sharp objects. 

We recommend avoiding exposing your countertop to high heat, cleaning up liquid and moisture after use, and using cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the counter.

It is also worth considering which type of countertop requires sealing, as some must be sealed over their lifetimes, whereas others do not require sealing. Granite and quartzite require sealing, but quartz, soapstone, and others do not. Whether you choose a countertop that does or does not need to be sealed is an important choice that will impact how you can take care of it.

Quartz and Engineered Stones

Quartz is a non-porous stone, meaning that it cannot absorb liquids. This makes it a stronger stone that is not as vulnerable to water, oil, and household liquid stains. Quartz is generally easier to maintain and more durable. To keep your countertop in the best shape possible, there are multiple ways to clean quartz.

First, quartz can be cleaned using soap and water by wiping the surface with a cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and dish soap. You can also fill a spray bottle with water and soap and spray the countertop. 

Second, tough stains can pose an issue for every type of stone, quartz included. To take care of a grease stain, take a cloth and moisten it with rubbing alcohol, and wipe the spot. For spots that don’t seem to go away, baking soda and water can be effective, and 70% isopropyl alcohol can be used for tougher stains. 

Third, you can disinfect your quartz countertop using 70% isopropyl alcohol. After using this alcohol to clean, you can rinse the area with water and dry it to remove residue from the alcohol. 

Lastly, it is essential to avoid certain chemicals and improper usage to prevent your countertop from showing stains or damage. It is not advisable to use cleaning solutions like vinegar, bleach, or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the countertop. Additionally, use cutting boards to prevent damage, as even though quartz is scratch-resistant, it can still be damaged. 

Quartzite and Natural Stones

Quartzite is a durable, natural stone made from quartz-rich sandstone. These slabs are unique and change from slab to slab. Quartzite is resistant to heat and scratches but is porous, unlike quartz, meaning that it requires sealing.

The same daily cleaning routine used for quartz is helpful for quartzite as well. Use a soft cloth with warm water and dish soap for easy cleaning. 

In case of any spills on the countertop, you should blot the spills quickly to prevent staining. For any spills that won’t clean up easily, use a countertop cleaning solution in a spray bottle. 

Lastly, it is important to keep your quartzite countertop dry by wiping down the surface with water to remove residue from any soap. 

Just like with quartz countertops, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and use cutting boards to prevent any damage. By taking these considerations into mind, you can ensure that your natural stone countertop does not take any stains or sustain any damage. 

Solid Surfaces

Solid surfaces are known for their ability to replicate the looks of natural stones. Solid surfaces are heat, stain, and moisture-resistant. Like other types of countertops, solid surface countertops are easy to clean and are resistant to damage.

For daily cleaning, make sure to wipe away spills with a cloth to avoid damage. To add to this, use a similar solution of warm water and dish soap to easily clean after daily use. It is important to dry the surface after cleaning to ensure that the stone does not show any streaks or water spots. 

For harder stains, we suggest that you use a solid surface cleaning solution. Avoid using window cleaners, which are options for other types of stones, as these solutions can leave a waxy residue. 

Similar to other types of stones, avoid cutting directly on the countertop. Make sure not to place hot pans or pots directly on the surface. While solid surfaces are strong, they are not completely immune to the issues of stains, heat, and moisture. 

Our Takeaways

We pride ourselves on our countertops and want them to have the longest life possible in your home. Taking these care tips into mind can help ensure your countertop looks good as new. 

Please reach out to our skilled team if you have any questions about caring for your countertops. They know the stones we work with in and out and can recommend how to care for your countertop after we have installed it.