Quartz countertops are known for their durability, resistance to stains or scratches, and easy maintenance. They are long-lasting and can look good for decades with simple day-to-day cleaning. But when it comes to the maintenance of quartz countertops, people are usually concerned about many factors: What if their countertops start to lose their lustre over time?

Is polishing quartz countertops really as effective in removing chemical stains or make them look brand new? So what is the procedure of polishing countertops after all? In this article, we have come up with the ultimate quartz countertop guide for your kitchen:

What Are the Types of Finishes of Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops usually come in different styles and varieties. But there are two types of quartz countertop finishes, namely honed and polished finishes, that most people prefer.

1. Honed Quartz Countertop Finish

Honed quartz is also known as Matte or Leathered finish. These countertops have no shine and have an overall matte or flat appearance. Honed finish countertops lack the polished shine that lets your countertops reflect light.

The major drawbacks of the matte finish are that it shows more fingerprints, stains, and grease spots. These are considered as a more high-end upgrade. It is important to note that the honed finish lacks various colours and textures of other quartz types.

2. Polished Quartz Countertop

Polished finish countertops are considered standard finish and have a glossy shine and lustre. The polished finish allows the light to reflect off of your countertops. These look beautiful and elegant in a space and are a popular choice among homeowners.

What Does Polishing Mean?

Polishing quartz countertops is done to create a smooth and shiny surface. It can be done in two different ways: chemical polishing and physical polishing.

In chemical polishing, an additional thin layer is created over the surface that reflects light. It gives a wet look that is somewhat permanent but will wear off over time.

In physical polishing, the whole surface of the material is changed or polished, making it permanently lustrous and shiny. That’s why physical polishing is referred to as a type of surface finishing.

When Do Quartz Countertops Require Polishing?

Quartz countertops already come with a permanent polish unless your countertops are in a different surface finish. Moreover, if they are damaged or not cleaned and maintained properly, their permanent finish loses its lustre with time.

Therefore, you only need surface polishing again if you need to resurface your countertops due to damages or permanent stains. In that case, hire any professional company that deals in manufacturing and polishing quartz countertops.

However, it’s also important to take proper care of your countertops. Because if not cleaned regularly, dust particles can form a layer of dirt on their surfaces over time. Constant use of bleach, citrus, vinegar, or strong cleaners can also damage your quartz’s colouring or resin binding. 

Ways To Keep Your Quartz Countertops Shiny

Here are a few tips and techniques to maintain the polished look of your quartz countertops:

1. Daily Cleaning

Daily cleaning of your countertops are not only hygienic, but it will also maintain their polished look. For basic cleaning, you’ll only need a spray bottle filled with water and some mild soap solution or detergent. Then, clean and wipe your countertops with a soft and clean cloth.

2. Right Polishing Products

Use the right polishing products that are made only for quartz surfaces. You can also make a polishing solution yourself at home. The most common solution is made with 25% vinegar to 75% water. You can create this solution in large batches and store it in spray bottles. You can purchase vinegar-based cleaners too.

3. Deep Cleaning

Cleaning dirty surfaces or deep cleaning doesn’t necessarily mean scrubbing hard or fast. The right way to scrub off dirt is to allow your cleaning products to soak on the surface for a few minutes before wiping off.

A pro tip: Quickly clean off stains and dirt before they harden on the surface.

4. Proper Disinfecting

Disinfecting doesn’t equate to regular cleaning of your countertops. While some cleaning solutions have antibacterial properties, it’s always best to have a dedicated disinfecting product for your countertops.

You can wipe off the residue after using the product. For regular disinfecting of your kitchen, you can also use antibacterial wipes.

5. Deal with Scratches

Scratches are inevitable in your kitchen. That’s why it’s important to address them immediately. Otherwise, they might become bigger damages, like chips or dents, which are not easy to fix.   

Firstly, clean the scratched area properly to know how big of a scratch you are dealing with. Then fill in your deep scratches with filler by following the instructions on the product. Once that is dried and done, scrape off the excess residue. Then, proceed to polishing and cleaning.

Remember, sometimes, these scratches are difficult to deal with on your own. So if your quartz countertops have bigger chips or scratches, hire some professional services. But if your countertops are already showing signs of damage, it may be worth it to invest in new countertops altogether.

Avoid These Things When You Are Dealing with Quartz Countertops

Even though quartz countertops are non-porous and stain-resistant, they can still be damaged. There are things to avoid when you are working with quartz in your kitchen:

  • Always use cutting boards for prepping your meals.
  • Avoid high pH value substances, such as oven cleaners or de-greasers.
  • Don’t use citrus-based products and acidic chemicals or cleaners, like hydrofluoric.
  • Never use acetone and bleach on your polished quartz surface.
  • Don’t use harsh scrubbers or cleaners as they can dull or cause permanent damage to the surface.

Wrapping Up:

Quartz countertops are the best materials you can buy for your kitchen. They are artificial, non-porous, stain-resistant, and are known for their hardiness. They are also easy to maintain as long as they are taken care of and kept clean regularly. In addition, these counters look elegant and beautiful in all light settings.

We conclude that quartz countertops have far more benefits than cons. As for maintaining the polishing countertops, you can use the tips and techniques mentioned above. By following them, your quartz countertops will look shiny and new for years to come. 

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