How to Maintain Quartzite Countertops in Your Toronto Kitchen

Quartzite is formed under heat and pressure. Its dense and durable nature makes it perfect for kitchen countertops. This porous natural stone looks like marble.

If you have quartzite kitchen countertops in your Toronto-area residence, you know how quickly they absorb liquids because of their porosity. Regular cooking can stain and dull quartzite countertops and damage the protective sealant. To prevent these issues, you need to maintain them properly. 

MaxSpace Stone Works has prepared this guide to explain practical, step-by-step maintenance for quartzite kitchen countertops.

Daily Cleaning for Kitchen Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite countertops are a smart choice for a small kitchen. But knowing the right way to clean them is very important. Below, we’ve outlined their daily cleaning process and the items you will need.  

What Items You Will Need:

These are the things you should have for daily cleaning:

• A soft cloth
• A dry and clean towel
• Warm water
• A mild dish soap

How to Do the Daily Cleaning:

Here is how to keep your quartzite countertops in good condition.

• Pour a few drops of the dish soap into the warm water. Dip the soft cloth in it and wipe the countertop. 
• Rinse the cloth. Wipe the counter again with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Dry the surface with a dry towel. This will help remove any water spots. Make sure you follow this step, particularly in the area beside your sink, as that area is most prone to moisture issues.

How to Respond to Spills on Quartzite Countertops:

In case of any accidental spills, especially of wine, coffee, or oil, you need to act quickly. Otherwise, removing the spill can be quite difficult. Here’s how to do it: 

• Do not scrub aggressively. This can spread the spill quickly.
• Instead, blot the spill with a soft cloth or paper towel. Try to absorb as much as possible. 
• Now you can dip a soft cloth into mild dish soap and warm water. Follow this with a dry towel wiping. 

• For acidic items like lemon juice, vinegar, or tomato sauce, ask fast as it can cause permanent dull spots. 

Weekly Cleaning Routine for Deeper Surface Care

If you want to give your quartzite countertop a deep clean, follow this deep cleaning routine on a weekly basis: 

• First, remove all appliances and the cutting board from the countertop.
• Dry wipe your counter to remove all the food crumbs. This step is done to make sure no abrasive particles get dragged when the counter is wet.
• Mix some water with mild dish soap and put it into a spray bottle. For better results, use any stone-safe cleaner instead.
• Spray the countertop and leave it for a few minutes. 
• Now, gently work the solution over the entire surface with a soft sponge.  
• The last step is to wipe the counter with a dry towel. 

How to Seal Kitchen Quartzite Countertops

One of the best ways to maintain your quartzite countertops is to seal them. As it is a natural stone, it is porous. Sealing will make sure liquids do not easily absorb into the stone. Typically, quartzite countertops need sealing every six to twelve months. Now let’s look at how to do it:

• First, clean the counter with a pH-neutral cleaner. Wipe the counter with a soft cloth, then with a wet cloth. This will make sure every trace of the cleaner is removed.
• Choose a sealer. You can choose either impregnating sealers (which penetrate the stone and provide deep protection) or topical sealers (which create a protective layer but can change in appearance over time). 
• Usually, you need a clean cloth to apply the sealer. Make sure you spread the cleaner evenly on the counter.
• Allow the sealer to penetrate the counter. It is recommended to leave it on for at least 15-20 minutes.
• You will see the sealer has completely absorbed into the stone. If excess remains, wipe it off with a clean and dry cloth.
• Do not use the countertop for the next 24-48 hours. This allows the sealer to create a protective barrier on the stone.

How to Remove Stains from Quartzite Countertops 

Despite being consistent with the cleaning routine, your counter may still get stained. Here’s how to respond to different stains:

• First, check whether the stain is oil-based or from turmeric, mustard, wine, or coffee.
• Mix some baking soda with warm water. Baking soda is an effective stain remover. Spread the paste over the stain and cover it with a plastic wrap. Keep the paste on the counter for 24 hours.
• Remove the plastic wrap and let it dry completely. 
• Check the paste and see if it has dried. If it has, use a plastic scraper to gently remove it.
• Finally, wash the counter with mild soap and water. 

Scratch Prevention and Cutting Habits

Quartzite, by nature, is a hard stone. However, that does not make it fully scratch-proof. To make sure your kitchen countertop remains free of scratches, do the following:

• Avoid using knives directly on the surface area. Use cooking boards for cutting vegetables and slicing bread. 
• Quartzite is heat resistant stone, but extreme changes in temperature can weaken the stone. Therefore, using heating pads is a good idea.
• Avoid moving heavy pans across the counter as this can leave marks. 

Cleaning Products to Avoid 

To maintain your quartzite kitchen countertop in good condition, it is important to stay away from these products:

• Acidic cleaners containing vinegar or lemon juice can dull the area.
• Cleaners with ammonia or concentrated bleach can damage the sealant.
• Oven and grill cleaners are highly alkaline. They can be harmful to the sealant.
• Abrasive powders are not recommended.

Note: Even using a diluted version of these cleaners is not a good idea if your kitchen countertop is made of quartzite. 

Long-Term Care for High-Use Toronto Area Kitchens

Quartzite countertops have multiple benefits. However, if you use your kitchen countertop frequently and for a long time, it may appear dull in some places. Maintain the following habits on a regular basis to keep your quartzite countertop in good condition:

• Always dry the surface after you clean it with soap and water.
• Avoid using the cleaners mentioned above.
• In the event of a spill, wipe it up promptly.
• Make sure sealing is done on schedule. To test whether it is time, sprinkle some water on the counter. If it beads up, your seal is working perfectly. However, if it is absorbed into the stone, it is time to schedule your next sealing.

If the quartzite countertop in your Toronto home’s kitchen is properly maintained, you will retain its initial quality for years. That includes cleaning them regularly to maintain the seal and prevent surface damage. Maintaining this countertop isn’t hard; you just need to do it properly and regularly. Every MaxSpace Stone Works countertop is made using only the highest quality materials. Have questions about getting a quartzite countertop for your kitchen? Contact us today.