How to clean quartzite worktops
How do you clean quartzite kitchen worktops? The answer is very simple, generally with soap and water and a damp cloth. Here’s a bit more background which underlines what a wonderfully practical surface quartzite is.
Where does quartzite come from?
Quartzite is a completely natural stone, often sourced for high-end kitchen worktops from quarries in Brazil, although deposits are found in several regions of the US, Europe and even in Shropshire. The stone is a metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone and has been converted into quartzite through the Earth’s heat and pressure over many thousands of years. It is then extracted from a quarry, formed into exceptionally hard and durable slabs.
Does quartzite need to be sealed?
Like most natural stones, Quartzite has a certain amount of porosity. While manufactured stones can be made to be virtually non-porous, natural stones need a little extra protection which is why we treat quartzite and granite with a once-only application of thin, invisible sealant.
Quartzite’s porosity is not visible to the naked eye – in fact you would need a high-powered microscope to see a trace of the tiny holes on the surface. However, liquids, oils and tiny solids will still find their way into the fabric of the material. That is bad news from the point of view of staining, because highly pigmented fluids such as red wine and black coffee, or fine powders such as turmeric or chili, can permeate the stone and leave an indelible mark.
Hygiene is a further issue for unprotected quartzite. Liquids and food stuffs can give rise to bacterial life, and can make your worktop a platform for the spread of infection. At a time when the spread of viruses has been carrying on at record levels, keeping your kitchen pristinely clean has never been more important.
Our treatment for quartzite worktops involves impregnation of the stone with a completely reliable sealant which also covers the surface of the worktop. The result is the highest level of protection against staining and infections.
What cleaning does a quartzite worktop need?
As with any cleaning regime for natural stones, a regular wipe down with water and a soft cloth will stop any spills from drying on to surface. It is always best to wipe away anything that spatters the worktop straightaway.
For more thorough cleaning, we recommend a specialist cleaner such as STAIN-PROOF Daily Countertop Cleaner. It is essential to avoid using anything abrasive. Your worktop deserves to be treated with more care than an old roasting pan!
How to look after black quartzite worktops
Our black quartzite worktops ready for the real world. We receive the slabs from our supplier with a polished or matt finish, then apply an ultra-thin sealant. The sealant is a long-lasting barrier to any spills that could stain the stone, or dull its looks.
We make sure the stone is fitted precisely in place, and then it is over to you. All you need do to keep your worktop in perfect condition is to give a daily wipe with a soft cloth, and to mop up any spills as soon as you can. Simply use a damp cloth.
Take care with pans which have just come out of the oven or off the hob – always use a trivet rather than putting them straight onto the worktop. And use a chopping board – if you cut and chop on the worktop itself, you risk leaving permanent scratches on the surface. Like most stones, quartzite can also be damaged if you drop anything hard and heavy on it.
Cleaning quartzite worktops FAQs
Do I need specialist cleaners for quartzite?
We recommend using a soft cloth, dampened under the tap for wiping away spills as soon as possible. A specialist cleaner such as STAIN-PROOF Daily Countertop Cleaner will do a thorough job on all types of liquids and splashes. The golden rule is to never use scourers or abrasive cleaners.
Can you put hot pans on quartzite worktops?
It is never advisable to take a pan straight off a cooking ring and put it on your quartzite work surface, or anything from a hot oven. The risk is that the high temperature will effectively burn a mark on the surface which will be difficult to get rid of. Avoid the risk by using a trivet made from cast iron, wood, even a thick cloth or a more modern heat-resistant silicone mat.
How long does the sealant used by County Stone last?
We use the most durable sealant on the market, and apply it with care to form a complete, virtually invisible barrier on your kitchen worktop. A single application will probably outlive your kitchen, although you may consider resealing after some 15-20 years.
What does sealed quartzite look like?
The difference in appearance between our sealed worktops and untreated worktops is virtually undetectable. The sealant does not detract from the lustre, gloss and colour of your stone, and the smooth, polished touch of the stone.
Will quartzite discolour in sunlight?
Quartzite retains its lustrous appearance even if it is exposed to long hours of sunshine. The stone is formed by such immense natural forces over a vast period of time, and will stay undimmed and undamaged by the sun, even in the most sun-blessed parts of the world.
Does quartzite chip?
As one of the hardest stones in the world, quartzite is less likely to chip than other natural stones like granite or marble. It is also less prone to chipping than man-made quartz. That said, if you drop a casserole dish or a heavy bottle or jar on quartzite, there may be damage, especially if the impact is on the edge of the worktop. However, quartzite is more than able to stand up to the daily wear and tear of normal life in the kitchen.
