Whenever you have a new type of countertop installed, it’s natural to want to keep it in pristine condition. And we support that sentiment completely! But different countertops need to be treated in different ways, so you’ll need to know how to care for your specific type.
For many people, quartzite might be the material used for their new countertop. Quartzite makes for beautiful counters, and they’re only growing in popularity. So if you recently bought some quartzite countertops, this guide on how to clean them properly is for you!
Your Guide To Cleaning Quartzite Countertops
Honestly cleaning this type of countertop isn’t that hard, but because it isn’t the type of countertop you hear about most it might sound a bit more intimidating. Hopefully these tips will put your mind at ease though.
We’re going to start off by covering exactly what quartzite is, but first… let’s take a look at a quick summary of what we’ll learn today.
- It’s best to use mild cleaners that are low on pH.
- These types of countertops will also need to be resealed fairly often.
- And you want to avoid placing anything too hot on the counters or using damaging materials.
What Is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a material that’s said to be similar to marble in terms of aesthetics but behaves more like granite. Which is quite the unique combination, and explains why it’s such a popular countertop option.
Technically speaking, it’s a metamorphic rock that occurs naturally. Between heat, pressure, and time it becomes a hard and dense material that can be used for counters!
Which Cleaners Should I Use On Quartzite Countertops?
The type of cleaner you should be using on quartzite really depends on what type of mess you’re cleaning up. If you’ve just spilled a drink on the counter or have a few crumbs that need to be wiped up, then it’s a different issue than treating a stain that’s been there for a while.
For small messes that you respond to quickly, soap and water will probably solve the problem. Just make sure that the soap is non-acidic and low in pH. Anything too abrasive could really harm your counters.
Another option is to choose a cleaner specifically formulated for stones. But there are some notes for you to keep in mind if you choose a stone cleaner.
- Make sure the cleaner won’t strip the sealer.
- Choose something with a neutral pH level.
- Decide whether or not you need to dilute the cleaner. This depends on the severity of what you’re cleaning.
- And double check with your sales rep that the type of cleaner you want to use is safe for your specific type of quartzite because it varies.
What Cleaners Should I Never Use On Quartzite Countertops?
You never want to use any cleaner that will wear down your quartzite’s sealant because this is what protects it from stains and scratches. Cleaners that could chip away at the sealant would be bleach, ammonia, or acid-based cleaners.
If you’re worried that a cleaner might be too harsh then you should test it out on a small area first. Try to choose a place on the counter that isn’t as visible or could be covered up easily, just in case the cleaner causes damage.
Extra Note: You also need to be careful about which types of sponges and cloths you use to clean the countertops. Stay away from abrasive sponges, and stick with soft cloths instead.
Extra Tips For Taking Care of Quartzite Countertops
Aside from choosing the right cleaners to use, there are other things you can do to keep your quartzite countertops pristine.
- Clean your counters every day. Even if there isn’t a mess, you should be wiping down your counters with soap and water every day.
- Wipe up spills immediately. If you notice that something has spilled on your counters, don’t wait to clean it up because it leaves more time for it to stain.
- Protect the counters from damage. Use products like coasters, potholders, and cutting boards.
Damage like burns and cuts might not necessarily hurt the actual quartzite at first, as long as your sealant is holding strong. But if you damage the sealant, then the next time you burn, scratch, or stain your counters then it could actually harm your quartzite. And it would be very expensive to fix at that point.
When Should You Reseal Quartzite Countertops?
Even if you use all of these methods and are careful with your quartzite counters, you’ll still need to reseal them regularly for the best results. About once every year, or at most, once every two years should do the trick.
If you don’t take optimal care of your counters or if they’ve sustained some damage already, then you might need to reseal more often.
Conclusion
To summarize, taking care of quartzite countertops is a lot easier than it sounds and you shouldn’t be too intimidated by it. It’s essential the same as taking care of granite counters. Just make sure you’re using the proper products and being mindful of what you place on your counters.
And if you have any questions then it’s more than ok to consult with your sales rep about them, they know all the details of your quartzite counters and then sealant that was used on them.
