Tips for Polishing a Quartz Countertop
Choosing the type of stone to feature throughout your home can be a difficult and overwhelming decision, as it’s essential to find a material that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. If you aren’t sure where to begin, consider quartz.
Quartz is an increasingly popular material in homes thanks to its natural beauty combined with its high durability. Gone are the days of worrying about scratching or burning your kitchen countertops or anticipating when you’ll need to replace them next.
Not only is quartz resistant to most damage, it also is a non-porous material, meaning bacteria won’t be able to travel beneath the surface and cause permanent damage.
If you’ve been wondering how to efficiently polish your quartz countertops, our team at Pro Stone Countertops is here to help make your countertops shine like new.
What Does Polishing Actually Mean?
Before delving into the ideal cleaning techniques to make your quartz countertops shine, it’s important to note that the term “polishing” is used loosely; it refers to either a chemical polishing or a physical polishing to restore the natural sheen of the stone.
Quartz countertops come permanently polished when you order them unless you specify otherwise, so you won’t necessarily need to chemically or physically polish the quartz. Instead, “polishing” in this instance refers to removing the thin layer of dirt on its surface. To the naked eye, the countertops may seem clean, but in reality, there’s a thin layer of dirt compiling on the surface of the quartz that causes it to lose its shine over time.
Before You Get Started
You’ll also need to be aware of what products to avoid before starting the polishing process. Quartz is an extremely durable material naturally but it can still be damaged if you aren’t careful.
Avoid using abrasive, textured cleaning pads for cleaning as they may cause damage. You should also avoid using chemicals such as bleach, lemon juice, or other strong cleaners with a high pH level, as they could cause streaking in the polish or leave behind additional residue.
Oil-based soaps should be avoided as well, as they are designed to soak into surfaces and quartz does not have any pores. As simple as it seems, dish soap or window cleaner are two of the most effective cleaners for your quartz countertops.
How to Polish Quartz Countertops
Step 1: Wipe Down the Countertop
Combine warm water and dish soap in a bucket. Use the soft side of a sponge and completely wipe down your countertops. Make sure you don’t use the green, abrasive side of the sponge as it can cause further scratches. If there is a particularly stubborn patch of grime on your countertops, you can take a small amount of white vinegar and leave it on the surface covered by a wet rag. After a few minutes of soaking, wipe it down, and repeat as necessary.
Step 2: Rinse
Allow the soap and water solution to sit on the surface of your counters for a few minutes before rinsing them off. Thoroughly spray your counters with water to help remove any streaking on the surface. Because quartz is non-porous, none of the liquid on the surface will absorb into the countertop. This makes it even easier for a filmy residue to be left behind, so make sure to completely wipe down the surface with a dry towel.
Step 3: Add Window Cleaner
One of the best ways to polish quartz countertops is using window cleaner. Window cleaners have strong grease-cutting powers that can help break down the layer of film on the surface of your countertops. If you want to take a further step of precaution, choose a window cleaner that is organic, natural, and free of harsh chemicals.
You may feel tempted to douse your countertops with the window spray in the hopes of making your quartz countertops shine, but this approach can backfire. Too much window cleaner can become difficult to remove. Take a soft cloth and wipe down the counter, moving from the left to the right. If you notice that lint is piling up due to the cloth, opt for a paper towel instead. Once the window cleaner is removed, your counters will be free of grime and streaks.
Step 4: Avoid Further Polishing
As previously mentioned, quartz countertops come polished professionally and permanently by the manufacturer. Using an additional sealant polish may seem like a good idea, but it can cause further buildup and an overall duller appearance.
Post-Polish Care
Once you have completed the above steps, you’ll immediately notice the drastic impact that polishing your quartz countertops had on their appearance. While you don’t have to complete this process on a daily basis, doing so on regular intervals can help keep buildup to a minimum.
We recommend keeping a spray bottle of water and mild dish soap on hand to wipe down the counters as you notice them becoming dirtier. If you accidentally spill a dark liquid on your quartz, make sure to wipe it up as soon as possible to avoid the potential of staining. Always use hot pads when setting down pans from the oven onto the counter and put down a cutting board when preparing food.
In Conclusion
Quartz is one of the best materials that you can use throughout your home, and its benefits far outweigh its frustrations. When in doubt, use a mixture of warm water with dish soap or window cleaner to keep your quartz countertops shining like new.
If you’re interested in learning more about quartz and its benefits, our team at Pro Stone Countertops is only a phone call away. Our seasoned team has a passion for high-quality materials and we strive to help our customers choose the perfect countertops for their space. Browse through some of our quartz options or contact us today.
