Quartzite countertops are one of the most sought-after materials when it comes to upgrading a home’s kitchen. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, quartzite kitchen countertops are also very durable and long-lasting. Unfortunately, this type of stone is also prone to stains and yellowing over time. Because of that, if you have recently installed quartzite countertops in your home and are now looking for tips on how to clean quartzite countertops effectively, we have just the article for you! Let’s read on to find out more about what exactly quartzite is, why it is so popular with homeowners these days, how you can identify it in your own house, as well as some useful tips on how to clean quartzite countertops effectively.
How To Clean Quartzite Countertops?
Use The Right Kind Of Sponge
Sponges are a common cleaning tool, but many are too abrasive for use on quartzite. Natural sponges are softer than synthetic ones, but even these may scratch quartzite. You can test the softness of a sponge by rubbing it against a sample of quartzite. If you notice any scratches, don’t use that sponge on your countertops. Choose a sponge made from a softer material, like natural rubber. Synthetic sponges can be too abrasive for quartzite, but there are some that are less likely to scratch. To be safe, avoid sponges with a rough texture and some with coarse fibers, like a scratch-free sponge.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Many of the materials used in cleaners can scratch quartzite, especially if they are too strong or have a gritty texture. Avoid using cleaners that contain sodium compounds, like sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate. Choose cleaners that are low in alkalinity. You can find these in most grocery stores. Avoid cleaners with a gritty texture or that contain quartz sand. Some specialty cleaners may not be safe for quartzite, so check the label before you buy. If your quartzite countertops have mineral deposits on them, avoid cleaning them until they’re gone. Scrubbing the surface while it’s still dirty will only scratch the quartzite and make the problem worse. Wait until the surface is clean and then start fresh with the tips on this list.
Use The Right Type Of Bleach
Regular bleach can be abrasive, and it may leave a white residue on quartzite. If you use bleach on quartzite, it may also cause discoloration. Choose a gentle bleach, like sodium hypochlorite or soda ash pure sodium hypochlorite (SSH) bleach. Don’t overload the bleach dispenser on your washing machine with this type of bleach. It may leave a residue that would damage your quartzite. If you have mineral stains on your quartzite, you may be able to remove them with a bleach solution. First, test the bleach on a small area to make sure it doesn’t damage the quartzite. You may have to dilute the bleach to avoid discoloration. Be careful not to get any bleach on other parts of your countertops or appliances.
Don’t Use Too Much Pressure When Cleaning
Many people think the harder they scrub their quartzite the cleaner it will be. This is false. Scrubbing too hard can scratch quartzite and damage the finish on your countertops. When cleaning quartzite, use a soft cloth and light pressure. If you’re cleaning mineral deposits from your quartzite, be extra careful. Mineral deposits are rough and can scratch quartzite. You can try to remove the deposits with a soft cloth, like a sponge, or a non-scouring pad. Be careful not to use too much pressure. You may want to use a soft toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach spots.
Don’t Use Chemical Cleaners On Quartzite
While many chemicals are safe to use on quartzite, some are dangerous to the stone. Avoid strong acids, like hydrochloric acid, that can damage quartzite. Acids can also discolor quartzite, so avoid using them on countertops. Other chemicals to avoid include acetone, alcohol, methylene chloride, and xylene. If you’re not sure if a chemical is safe to use on quartzite, check the safety data sheet. If you have mineral stains on your quartzite, avoid cleaning them with an acid solution. Instead, use a non-acidic cleaner, like baking soda and water. Be careful not to overload the baking soda dispenser on your washing machine.
How To Identify Quartzite?
- Quartzite is a natural stone, so it can be identified by its composition. Quartzite is formed from the metamorphic rock called quartz.
- To be more precise, quartzite is a form of quartz with a crystalline structure and a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
- Therefore, quartzite is a very durable natural stone that is commonly used in kitchen countertops. It is also used in a variety of other commercial construction projects as well.
- If you are still not sure whether the material used on your countertops is quartzite or not, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- First, quartzite is a light-colored stone, so it is easy to identify if it is present on your countertops. Second, quartzite is a type of natural stone, so it is more expensive than manufactured countertops.
- If you have a large budget for your new kitchen, quartzite is a good choice for your countertops.
Why Are Quartzite Countertops So Popular?
Quartzite Is Incredibly Durable
If you have a particularly high-traffic area in your kitchen with kids or pets running around, you’ll want to make sure you choose a countertop that will be able to withstand all that wear and tear. And quartzite is one of the most durable materials out there. You’ll never have to worry about kids flipping hot skillets onto your quartzite counters or a pet scratching at them with their claws — these surfaces are extremely scratch-resistant. And because quartzite is such a dense material, it can withstand a huge amount of pressure, so you don’t have to worry about someone accidentally bumping into your counter and cracking it.
It’s Very Easy To Care For
Another big reason why quartzite countertops are so popular is that they’re so easy to care for. Quartzite is a stone, so it’s inherently very easy to clean — you don’t have to worry about leaving water stains or anything like that. Quartzite is actually porous, but the pores are too small for a liquid to get trapped inside. You can just wipe down your counters with a damp sponge or a spray bottle, and they’ll be good to go again in a jiffy. You can also use a mild soap if you prefer. Just don’t use too harsh a solution, as it could strip away some of the stone’s natural oils.
It’s Rich In Different Colors
If you’re into interior design, you’ll know that the color of your countertops can have a big impact on the look and feel of your home. You might want to choose a lighter or darker shade in order to complement a specific color palette you’re trying to achieve. And if you have a particular shade in mind, quartzite countertops will probably match it — they come in such a huge variety of colors! One of the biggest reasons why quartzite has become so popular is because it’s now possible to get that natural stone look at a lower price because of advances in technology and the increased use of synthetic quartz. It’s also now possible to mix different colors of quartz together to create custom colors, which weren’t available in the past. With all these different colors to choose from, it’s easy to find something that will complement your kitchen’s current color scheme.
It Doesn’t Scratch Or Stain Easily
As we mentioned above, quartzite is very easy to care for — but it’s also extremely resistant to stains and scratches. There are a few exceptions to this, of course, such as certain types of acids and bleaches. But generally, quartzite is incredibly stain-resistant. And even if you did get a stain on your counters, it would likely be very easy to remove — most likely just with a damp sponge. Similarly, it’s very hard to scratch quartzite. There are a few ways that you could scratch your counters, but the likelihood is very low. For example, if you have a cat that likes to scratch things, you might want to get a different surface because they can cause scratches on quartzite, but they are very unlikely to scratch your other countertop options.
Conclusion
Quartzite is a very popular natural stone that is used in the construction of kitchen countertops. If cared for properly, quartzite countertops are long-lasting and can retain their appearance even after years of everyday use. The best way to clean quartzite countertops is to mix warm water and baking soda or to wipe them down with a soft sponge and diluted vinegar. Avoid cleaning quartzite countertops while they are wet, and avoid using any abrasive cleaning products on your quartzite countertops.
