Quartz worktops have a stunning polished finish that completes the look of any kitchen or bathroom. Since quartz is such a luxurious material, you will naturally want to keep your worktops and your kitchen looking as good as new.
If you’re wondering how to keep work surfaces clean and hygienic, you might have thought about using bleach. Although bleach is a popular household cleaning product commonly used to disinfect surfaces and remove stains, it should be used cautiously because it can harm your quartz worktop.
In this blog, we’ll look into why you shouldn’t use bleach on your quartz worktops and the alternative methods and cleaning solutions you can use to keep them clean and protected from stains or damage.
Do I need to use bleach on quartz worktops?
Quartz worktops are non-porous. As a result, you’ll find that they are resistant to staining from spillages because liquids do not soak into the surface. This also means that your quartz surface is hygienic, as bacteria cannot penetrate the surface and can be easily wiped away.
With this in mind, you can be assured that you do not need bleach to keep your quartz worktops clean or hygienic. In fact, bleach may even cause damage to your worktops and cause unsightly discolouration.
You can use gentler cleaning products as an alternative and, if you look after them properly, you’ll find that you don’t need to use bleach.
Problems that can be caused by using bleach on quartz worktops
Bleach, especially in its concentrated form, can harm your quartz worktops.
Let’s look at some of the ways bleach can damage your surfaces.
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Permanent discolouration
Concentrated bleach that is not diluted can cause discolouration on the surface of your quartz worktops. If you use bleach on your worktops, you might notice yellow patches or stains that cannot be removed and are permanent.
Quartz worktops can stain, so it is important that you take care when cleaning them.
Staining is caused by a reaction between the bleach and the minerals in the quartz composite. A high calcium carbonate content can react with bleach to form a new compound that has a different colour from the original surface.
Avoid using bleach if you want to avoid discolouration.
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Damage to sealant
Joins between quartz slabs or between the slabs and the wall will usually be filled with sealant. Bleach has an acidic effect on sealant and causes it to break down. Once tiny holes appear in it, dirt and liquids can enter gaps.
In kitchens and bathrooms in particular, mould can be a common problem. Mould can be unsightly and cause health problems so most homeowners want to remove it.
However, many people wrongly believe that using bleach on sealant is the best way to get rid of dirt and mould. In reality, you’re just causing damage to it.
Mould is a common problem in kitchens and bathrooms. It is a good idea to remove mould as the spores can damage your health. You can buy anti-mould cleaners for sealant or use white vinegar, which will not cause damage if you notice a mould build-up around the taps and sink instead of using bleach.
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Weakens the surface
Undiluted bleach will interact with the quartz composite and can weaken your structure of your worktop. If you use bleach regularly, over time, you may notice small chips appearing on the surface.
Quartz is a composite material made from minerals held together by resin, unlike granite slabs, a natural stone. Bleach interacts with the resin and causes damage, weakening the composite’s structure.
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Allergies
Bleach is a strong chemical that can be an irritant causing eye redness, swelling and irritated skin. It can also affect the airways causing asthma attacks and breathing difficulties.
For this reason, avoiding using bleach or products containing bleach on surfaces that are used regularly makes sense. It is especially vital on food preparation surfaces as bleach is not safe to ingest.
Can I use diluted bleach or products containing bleach on a quartz worktop?
Concentrated undiluted bleach is the most damaging for quartz worktops, and you will risk discolouration and damage to surfaces and seals if you use it. However, there may be occasions when you can use diluted bleach in a spray to clean your worktops and remove staining, especially around the sink area.
We wouldn’t recommend using diluted bleach every day, and there are many better products that you can safely use.
What is the best way to clean a quartz worktop?
So if bleach is not a good idea, what is the best way to clean your quartz worktops and keep them looking like new?
The good news is that quartz worktops are relatively maintenance-free and easy to clean. The best products to use are gentle ones like your regular diluted washing-up liquid, warm water, or you can use mild antibacterial or citrus-based spray if you wish. Just avoid using harsh chemicals to prevent damage to your worktops over the long term. If you use bleach or other harsh cleaners on a day-to-day basis, it’s likely the surface of your worktops will become damaged and they won’t last as long as they should.
At the end of every day, giving your worktops a clean is a good idea. This prevents dirt build-up and prevents spills on the surface overnight.
Use the recommended cleaning products to wipe down your surfaces with a sponge, and then use a dry soft cloth to dry them. This will ensure you maintain that lovely shine and prevent stubborn stains from forming.
It is best to avoid abrasive cleaners as they may scratch your surfaces and stick to cleaning substances that are safe to use on quartz.
How to prevent damage to your quartz worktop?
The best way to keep your quartz worktops in perfect condition is to avoid causing any damage in the first place. Even though quartz is one of the hardest and most durable materials, it is essential to look after it.
There are some simple ways you can do this.
- Avoid bleach products
- Avoid abrasive cleaners
- Use trivets or protectors to put down under hot pans or pots
- Use chopping or cutting boards to protect the surface when cutting food
- Wipe away spills promptly
- Wipe and dry the surfaces daily to keep them shiny
If you follow these guidelines and keep your surface free from dirt, you will see that quartz makes an ideal choice for your kitchen as it will stay in superb condition for many years. Unlike granite, there is no need for regular sealing, and cleaning is as simple as wiping with a gentle cleaning product.
If you want some advice about quartz worktops or are interested in installing a new one, please get in touch with our experts today at Mo’s Stonex. We have a huge range of colours and designs at affordable prices.
