Quartzite is a natural stone that offers beauty and durability for kitchen countertops. However, like any other surface, it requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips on how to clean quartzite counters and prevent stains, scratches, and etching.
What You Need to Clean Quartzite Counters
Before you start cleaning your quartzite counters, make sure you have the following items ready:
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A mild dish soap or a stone cleaner designed for quartzite
- A spray bottle with water
- A microfiber cloth or a paper towel
How to Clean Quartzite Kitchen Counters Daily
For daily cleaning, follow these simple steps:
- Wipe down your quartzite counters with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with water. This will remove any dust, crumbs, or spills.
- If there are any sticky or greasy residues, use a mild dish soap or a stone cleaner and spray it on the affected area. Then, wipe it off with a damp cloth or sponge. Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners, such as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or lemon juice, as they can damage the sealant and the stone.
- Rinse your quartzite counters with a spray bottle of water to remove any soap or cleaner residue.
- Dry your quartzite counters with a microfiber cloth or a paper towel to prevent water spots and streaks.
How to Clean Quartzite Counters Periodically
In addition to daily cleaning, you should also perform some periodic maintenance on your quartzite counters to keep them in good condition. Here are some tasks you should do every few months or as needed:
- Seal your quartzite counters with a high-quality stone sealer. This will help protect the stone from stains and etching. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the sealer and how often to reapply it. Typically, it would help if you sealed your quartzite counters once a year or more, depending on the usage and the quality of the sealer.
- Polish your quartzite counters with a stone polish or a polishing compound. This will enhance the shine and smoothness of the stone. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the polish and how often to use it. Typically, it would help if you polished your quartzite counters once every few months or as needed.
- Remove any stains or etches from your quartzite counters with a poultice or a stain remover. A poultice is a paste made of an absorbent material and a solvent that draws out the stain from the stone. A stain remover is a liquid or gel that dissolves the stain from the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the poultice or the stain remover and how long to leave it on the stain. Typically, you should apply the poultice or the stain remover as soon as you notice the stain and repeat if necessary.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Kitchen Quartzite Counters
To prevent damage to your quartzite counters, you should also follow some preventive measures, such as:
- Wipe up any spills, especially acidic ones like wine, coffee, or citrus juice, as soon as possible. These can cause stains or etching on your quartzite counters if left untreated.
- Use cutting boards when chopping or slicing food. Do not use knives directly on your quartzite counters, as they can cause scratches or chips.
- Use coasters when placing hot or cold drinks on your quartzite counters. Do not place hot pots or pans directly on your quartzite counters, as they can cause thermal shock or cracking.
- Use trivets or mats when placing hot dishes or appliances on your quartzite counters. Do not drag them across your quartzite counters, as they can cause scratches or dents.
Kitchen Wipe
A kitchen wipe is a type of cloth or sponge that is used to clean the kitchen surfaces, such as countertops, cabinets, sinks, and stoves. Kitchen wipe can be reusable or disposable, depending on the material and the purpose. Some kitchen wipe is also designed to disinfect or de-grease the kitchen areas, while others are more gentle and eco-friendly.
There are many types of kitchen wipe available in the market, such as:
- Amazon Basics Disinfecting Wipes: These are disposable wipes that sanitize, clean, disinfect, and deodorize kitchen surfaces. They have a lemon and fresh scent and come in packs of 85 wipes. They can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
- Swedish Dishcloths: These are reusable wipes that are made of compostable cellulose and cotton. They are super absorbent and durable and can be used for washing dishes, wiping counters, or cleaning spills. They come in various colours and patterns and can be washed in the machine or the dishwasher.
- Lysol Disinfectant Wipes: These are disposable wipes that have antibacterial properties and can remove 95% of allergens. They have a lemon and lime blossom scent and come in packs of 80 wipes. They can be used to clean most hard and non-porous surfaces in the kitchen.
- Reusable Cleaning Cellulose Sponge Cloths: These are reusable wipes that are made of natural cellulose sponge. They are soft and flexible and can be used for cleaning kitchen appliances, dishes, or countertops. They can be rinsed and wrung out easily and can be washed in the machine.
- AIDEA Cleaning Wipes: These are reusable wipes that are made of microfiber fabric. They are handy and multi-purpose and can be used for dusting, polishing, or wiping kitchen surfaces. They have a large size of 12 x 24 inches and come in packs of 80 wipes.
To choose the best kitchen wipe for your needs, you should consider the following factors:
- The type of surface you want to clean: Different surfaces may require different types of wipes. For example, if you have wooden cabinets, use a wipe that is specifically made for wood. If you have granite or stone countertops, use a wipe that is safe for natural stone.
- The level of cleanliness you want to achieve: Some wipes are more effective than others in removing dirt, bacteria, grease, or stains. For example, if you want to disinfect your kitchen from germs or viruses, use a wipe that has a high percentage of alcohol or bleach. If you want to remove tough grease stains from your stove top, use a wipe that has a de-greasing agent.
- The environmental impact you want to have: Some wipes are more eco-friendly than others in terms of their material, production, disposal, or packaging. For example, if you want to reduce waste and save money, use a wipe that is reusable and washable. If you want to avoid chemicals or synthetic fibres, use a wipe that is natural and biodegradable.
To use a kitchen wipe properly, you should follow these general steps:
- Wet the wipe with water or spray it with a cleaning solution if needed.
- Wipe the surface with the wipe in a circular motion or along the grain.
- Rinse the wipe with water or wring it out if it gets too dirty or wet.
- Dry the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel if needed.
- Please dispose of the wipe or wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
By using a kitchen wipe regularly, you can keep your kitchen clean and hygienic.
With these tips on how to clean quartzite counters, you can enjoy their beauty and durability for years to come.
