Maintaining countertops is half of the struggle and if you know all of the tips on how to maintain a specific material like granite countertops, they are going to last longer. Here is everything you need to know about maintaining and caring for quartzite countertops.
It Needs Sealing
Quartzite is a natural stone, which means that it is porous. This can lead to a lot of damage and stains, especially if you don’t seal it. Sealing is necessary for any natural stone because it increases the longevity of the stone and also prevents stains from becoming permanent.
Sealing also gives the countertop surface a nice shine and luster, which is always a winner. You can get quartzite countertops sealed and not worry about damage or chipping for a long time. You need to get quartzite countertops sealed every year, depending on the wear and tear on the countertops.
Clean It Every Day
Cleaning countertops every day will give you a cleaner kitchen and less mess to deal with. This habit can also lead to the countertops looking cleaner and being damage-free for years to come. You don’t need anything fancy to clean the countertops.
Some water and a mild detergent will work just fine too. You can clean the countertops after you’re done in the kitchen for the day. This is going to help you a lot in the morning because you won’t have to fuss about a dirty workstation first thing.
Polish It Every Once In A While
If you love the look of shiny and lustrous countertops, then polishing the surface might be something you can consider. Polishing your countertops is super easy and you can even do it by yourself if you have the time. Just read the instructions carefully and protect the rest of the area, when you’re polishing the surface.
Something about polishing the countertops makes them look brand new and beautiful. Quartzite has a characteristic sheen to it and that’s why you want to preserve it because it can disappear over time, with a lot of use, wear, and cleaning with abrasive products and brushes.
Keep Away From Heat
Quartzite is a beautiful and durable countertop material, but it doesn’t mean that it’s indestructible. Heat can damage any countertop and quartzite is no different. You want to make a barrier between the countertop and the hot object.
This is why you should get trivets or coasters for your hot pots and pans. Hot things can lead to ugly-looking stains and black marks on your beautiful quartzite countertops, so you want to do everything you can to protect these countertops. This little habit is going to pay you a lot in the long run.
Avoid Acidic Cleaners
Quartzite is a highly reactive material, once it comes in contact with acid. This is why you want to use something which has a neutral pH. Anything below a pH of 7 will lead to the deterioration of the material. This is the reason why you should not be looking out for any harsh acidic cleaners when you’re out shopping for a countertop cleaner.
The best tip would be to ditch these cleaners altogether and go for something simple, like a natural soap or liquid detergent used for washing dishes. These things are gentle on the stone and they get the job done pretty well too.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Last but not least, you don’t want to use any harsh chemicals on quartzite countertops either. This goes for cutting fruits and sealing materials. If you want to cut fruits on the countertop, then use a cutting board or clean up the mess right away.
As far as selecting sealants and polishes go, try to get something that is water-based and gentle on natural stones, like quartzite and even marble or granite. Harsh chemicals will only make things worse for you and they can damage quartzite to no extent, which is not something you want.
Conclusion
There you have it! Quartzite is a beautiful and durable material, so it doesn’t need a lot, to begin with, but if you take care of it properly, then it’s going to last for years to come. Consult granite contractors Rockville for maintaining, sealing, and replacing your quartzite countertops.