Quartz worktops in London are famed for their plush beauty, impressive resistance, and astonishing durability. Rated 7 out of 10 (higher than granite) on the Mohs Hardness Scale, quartz is a manmade material that leaves all its natural stone counterparts far behind. Naturally occurring quartz is first purified. It is pulverised and blended in high-tech industrial mixers with suitable resins per the required colour and pattern. The resulting molten mixture is poured into moulds. Finally, the slabs are subjected to high-temperature curing and high-pressure vacuuming to make them extra-strong and resilient.
Daily Cleaning of Quartz Worktops London
Before examining quartz worktop prices online, homeowners should learn how to clean and maintain them well. A Quartz worktop does not warrant any major cleaning or maintenance hassles. It does not require sealing or any special cleaning agents. But this should not be mistaken for being careless. For instance, letting spills linger on its surface for too long is a big no-no. Although the countertop will not stain or absorb liquids, a dried stain is harder to remove than a fresh one. The extra effort incurred in removing hard stains might cause minute scratches. It will also lead to the loss of its natural sheen in the long run.
Basic Cleaning Procedures
As mentioned above, homeowners can gain the maximum worth from quartz worktop prices by maintaining them well. Thankfully, it doesn’t require much time, money, or effort.
- To begin with, dry wiping the surface with a soft, clean duster daily will ensure that dust or grime doesn’t hamper its ambient shine.
- If the kitchen is operational, wet cleaning is also necessary at least once a day. The best way to do this is to prepare a mild soap solution in a spray can. Once sprayed, it can be gently wiped clean with a damp washcloth.
- Kitchen operations often leave grease on countertop surfaces. A dash of diluted white vinegar may work if the soap solution is ineffective in cleaning grease. Remember, using pure vinegar is a complete no-no. The dilution ratio should be 1:4 vinegar to water. Wet wiping has to follow immediately after using this solution
- A final round of dry wiping with a lint-free duster is necessary to ensure that there are no watermarks, vinegar, or soap residue left behind.
Special Cleaning and Precautions for Quartz Worktops
Tough, dried-up stains require special cleaning. At the same time, homeowners should be aware of the right chemicals and suitable precautions for quartz worktops. The following methods can be adopted based on the type of stain:-
- An adhesive remover can dislodge extremely sticky, greasy, and stubborn stains. However, it is important to choose one with a mild composition.
- A solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water can also remove tough stains. Once removed, immediate wiping is a must.
- Old and hardened stains can be slowly chipped off using a blunt knife or medium/fine grit sandpaper. Unless done very carefully, it can leave scratches on the surface.
- Many homeowners are unaware that glass cleaners should not be used for cleaning quartz worktops. Only stone-friendly cleaning agents that are neither too alkaline nor too acidic should be used.
- Abrasive cleaning pads are best avoided unless the stain refuses to budge. Also, despite the high-temperature resistance of quartz countertops, using mats and coasters is recommended.
Conclusion
The frequency of cleaning quartz worktops largely depends on the volume and scale of kitchen activities. Stain removal should be carried out carefully, using the mildest or least abrasive approach first. All said and done, the non-porosity of quartz makes it one of the most hygienic kitchen worktop London choices. The scope for mildew or microbial growth is minimal. As long as the above cleaning/maintenance tips are followed, quartz worktops will retain their luminescent charm for a lifetime!