Those who come to the Half Price Countertops showroom will find many options for quartz countertops in Fort Lauderdale. Unlike naturally occurring quartzite that requires sealing to keep it stain resistant, the engineered quartz that is widely available today does not need to be sealed because the binding materials used to create it are non-porous. Whether you choose natural quartzite created from sandstone over eons or its manufactured quartz counterpart, you have made a wise investment in a countertop that provides beauty and durability. To maintain that investment, it is important to care for your beautiful new countertops properly,
Address Spills Right Away
Even though quartz is non-porous, it can stain, and many foods can dull the finish substantially. To keep it looking as beautiful as possible for as long as possible, wipe up spills as soon as they occur. This is particularly important for items like tomato sauces or juice that are red or purple and have a high likelihood of staining. Simply wipe up the stain with a cloth or paper towel as quickly as you can once it occurs, and you will be able to protect the quartz.
Clean Your Countertops Daily
You also need to have a daily regimen for cleaning your quartz countertops, in order to keep them looking their best at all times. This will not take much time if you get into the habit of doing it every day. Here are the steps to take.
First, remove all debris from the countertop surface. If you have problems with hardened food or liquids on the countertop, use a straight, flat piece of plastic, like a credit card or spatula, to scrape it off. Do not use a blade, as that could scratch the surface of the quartz. If you are not able to remove the food or liquid in this way, use a wet paper towel or cloth to lay on top of the stuck-on mess. After softening it slightly, it may come right off.
Once you have removed any of the caked-on food or liquid, use a damp rag with a little dish soap to wipe down the countertops. This should remove all remaining residue and debris. Finally, thoroughly dry the surface to prevent water spots.
DIY Cleaner For Tough Spills
What happens when soap and water are not sufficient? For hard-to-clean messes or for times when you want to be certain that your quartz is sanitary, make your own countertop cleaning mixture. Use a little dish soap and some rubbing alcohol, mixing three parts soap with one part alcohol and blending in warm water. This will clean and sanitize the surface without dulling the finish or damaging the look of your countertops.
Keep The Finish Looking Great
Of course, one of the draws of quartz countertops is the gleaming, bright finish. Make sure you keep this looking great and shiny too! First, if you notice smudges or streaks after wiping down the countertops, you can use regular ammonia-free window cleaner on it, then wipe it with a microfiber cloth. This will bring back the shine that you love in just a few moments.
You also need to protect that finish. Harsh chemicals, like bleach or ammonia, will dull it with time. This includes cleaning wipes that are bleach-based. Also, avoid acidic cleaners. For those who prefer a natural cleaning product, quartz is not the place to use citrus juice or vinegar, as both can dull the finish. Keep your cleaning routine to the soap and water, and nothing more, to protect the finish. Also, do not scrub quartz countertops with abrasive sponges, because that will mar the surface as well. Always use soft cloths, with microfiber being the preferred option.
You also need to protect the finish from foods that could damage it. Just like acidic cleaners can damage the finish, acidic foods, like citrus fruits and baking soda, can be problematic. Always use a protective cutting board when working with these foods, and if some spill on the countertop, wipe immediately. Similarly, if you have quartz counters in your bathroom, avoid allowing strong facial cleaners or hair products to touch the surface of the countertop. Finally, make sure you never use a sharp object, like a knife, directly on the countertop surface. Scratches in the finish will ruin its look. Use a cutting board.
At Half Price Countertops, we pride ourselves on offering top quality materials at a fraction of the price. Because we do our own fabrications, we’re able to give more Floridian individuals a chance at owning incredible pieces of stone for less. If you’re remodeling or building, think about your kitchen, and its elements. For beautiful quartz countertops in Fort Lauderdale, why go anywhere else? Call (954)867-8310 today and see how your kitchen will transform!