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As a homeowner, it is essential you know how best to maintain and disinfect your home’s quartz countertops. Quartz is a beautiful and popular stone surface used in many homes. It is important to know how to properly take care of your stone countertops since they all require different cleaning methods to prevent damage. Many people choose quartz for their homes since it is easy to take care of, has a wide variety of colors, and looks great in almost any room.
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What is Quartz?
Quartz is a man-made stone surface most commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens. Quartz is engineered with a blend of resin and pigments creating a beautiful material. Quartz is a nonporous surface that makes it stain and water-resistant, however, it is not heat resistant. Quartz is a low maintenance stone to have in the home making it easy to clean and disinfect.
How Quartz is Made
Step 1 Natural quartz is extracted from quarries worldwide
Step 2 The natural quartz is carefully weighed to get about 90 percent quartz content
Step 3 The quartz is combined with polyester resins, pigments, and more
Step 4 The mixture is compacted to create slabs
Step 5 The slabs are cured and finished
What to use when disinfecting Quartz:
There are two main ways recommended to clean and disinfect quartz countertops both of which use items you most likely already have in your home. The first is isopropyl alcohol and water mixture. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol mixed with water is an effective disinfectant solution for disinfecting quartz.
The second way to disinfection quartz countertops is the age-old dish soap and water. It is important to note that when using soap and water to make cleaning most affection it should be antibacterial soap. Once you combine your soap and water ou will need is a sponge and you are ready to clean. Isopropyl alcohol, antibacterial soap, and water can all be combined to make a super cleaner for disinfecting your quartz countertops.
What NOT to use when disinfecting Quartz:
Common household cleaning products such as Lysol and Clorox are a big NO for disinfecting quartz countertops especially if they contain bleach or vinegar. Both bleach and vinegar can ruin quartz causing permanent damage to the surface. No acidic, alkaline, or harsh cleaners should be used on Quartz.
Beware of common household products such as nail polish remover, glass cleaner, and bleach on quartz surfaces. These hard substances can disintegrate the bonding between the resin and quartz leaving irreparable damage to your countertops.
5 easy to follow steps to disinfect Quartz Countertops
What you will need:
Cleaning Solution |
Cleaning Tools |
Optional Items |
Isopropyl Alcohol & Water |
Sponge |
Spray Bottle |
Antibacterial Dish Soap & Water |
Cleaning Cloth or Paper Towel |
Step One: Clear Surface
Prepare your cleaning space. Remove all items from countertops including all home decor, dishes, placemats, or any other items that may be there. This step may seem like common sense but you will thank yourself when none of your items get wet or ruin!
Step Two: Remove Dirt & Crumbs
Get any dirt, crumbs, or residue from surfaces using a towel or sponge. This step ensures that no left-behind particles will scratch your surface while cleaning.
Step Three: Apply Cleaning Solution
Depending on the cleaning substance you decide to use spray or place soapy water mixture on the countertop surface. If there is sticky residue or stains on the surface you can let the cleaning mixture sit for about a minute so it can soak into the substance.
Step Four: Scrub or Wipe down the Area
Scrub the counter with a sponge or cleaning cloth making sure to reach all parts of the intention all parts of the desired cleaning area. You may apply more of the cleaning solution to stubborn spots.
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Step Five: Wipe Down the Counter
Once you are finished wipe down your counter with a dry cloth or paper towel. Be sure to check there is no leftover soap or moisture. If there is any leftover residue go over the surface one more time with a wet towel or sponge. Now you have a clean and disinfected Quartz countertop!
Daily Damage Prevention Tips
In order to keep your quartz countertops looking good as new, it is important to keep in mind small things you can do daily. Always have a barrier between your countertop and hot pans such as a hot pad. Use a cutting board instead of directly cutting food on your quartz surface. Knives can leave scratches on your quartz surface breaking the seal and making it easy for liquid to permanently stain your countertop. To keep your countertop germ and bacteria-free wipe down your countertops daily using soap and water.
Why do I need to disinfection my Quartz Countertop?
Whether you have quartz in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere else it is typically used as a countertop. Countertop surfaces typically get used daily whether it be when washing hands, getting ready, or preparing food. Food preparation and daily use can leave a mess on your everyday surfaces making it easy for germs and bacteria linger on your countertops.
It is important to disinfect quartz countertop after using contaminable food products such as eggs and raw meat to prevent diseases like E. Coli and Salmonella from spreading in your household. When placing every day belongings such as purses, mail, and other household items on your countertop they can leave germs and bacteria in your home from the outside world. For these reasons, it is very important to clean and disinfect your quartz countertops so you can maintain a happy and healthy home.
Where to put Quartz in your Home
Quartz countertops are perfect for both high and low traffic areas in the home. Quartz is most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. Since quartz is an antimicrobial surface because its resin binders are nonporous. Therefore stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew can't penetrate the surface. Quartz does not have to be exclusively used for countertops. Quartz countertops suit every style of home. Use grey quartz to create a relaxed farmhouse style kitchen or white quartz for timeless elegance. No matter what your style there is a color and pattern of quartz for you.
Quartz Weaknesses
Quartz is a hard surface but it is not recommended to be used as a cutting board. This will leave marks and scratches on quartz countertops. It is not a good idea to use quartz for an outdoor kitchen. Quartz can be effected bu direct sunlight by making it change color and can also result in the warping of the surface. Quartz is not a heat resistant material. When having a quartz countertop in your home hot pads are a must. Since quartz is a man-made material the resin in quartz contains plastic causing the countertop to melt if a hot object is placed on its surface. It is always best to use a trivet or hot pad for high-temperature items on granite.
Quartz Strengths
White quartz is a gorgeous engineered stone that has many styles that replicate the look of natural stone. If you are looking for white countertops that look like marble but come with increased durability, white quartz countertops are a perfect choice. There are also many styles that imitate the look of other natural stones, such as granite. Quartz is one of the most attractive, durable, and versatile surfaces that you can have in the home, whether you utilize the material as a countertop, backsplash, vanity top, or other structure.
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
Beautiful |
Cannot withstand high levels of heat |
Many color and style options |
Not fit for outdoor kitchens |
Non-porous |
|
Durable |
Most Popular Quartz
Vena Pure White quartz appears as its name implies – it is pure white in color. If the all-white look is what you want for your home, there is no better choice.
Vena Statuario Bianco quartz is perfect for anyone trying to resemble marble. Vena Statuario Bianco is white in color with gorgeous grey veins throughout.
White Attica Caesarstone has smaller and more abundant grey veining than Vena Statuario Bianco this is another gorgeous option for anyone looking for light quartz.
4033 Rugged Concrete Caesarstone quartz features a darker gray background and lighter veins. Perfect for a room that is going for a more industrial or monochrome look.
5100 Vanilla Noir Caesarstone quartz is black quartz with white speckled veining is absolutely gorgeous. Use black quartz to add bold contrast to any room.
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How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?
The cost of quartz countertops is dependent on a range of factors. Some of these factors include the color and style you choose, the size of the slab, and how many specifications are required. Since quartz is manmade there are many opportunities to customize which may drive up the price.
In general, quartz tends to be the middle ground of stone pricing when it comes to cost. On average, the material can be found for between $50 to $120 per square foot.
Price Comparison of Popular Stone Surfaces
Granite |
Between $35 to $75 per square foot |
Marble |
Between $40 to $100 per square foot |
Quartz |
Between $50 to $120 per square foot |
What is the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?
The difference between the two is simple: Quartz is engineered, while quartzite is a natural stone.