After doing some research, it's quite clear that quartz is among the best materials for antibacterial countertops in residential kitchens.
One material that gives you the beauty, hygiene and durability of natural stone, but which is also non-porous is Quartz. As a result, quartz countertops are non-porous with nowhere for bacteria to hide.
It's bacteria-free, non-porous, very resilient, and non-porous. Consequently, it will need less maintenance and upkeep than granite. However, the look of quartz is uniform and although it imitates natural stones, it comes in well-established colors and designs.
The non-porous nature of bathroom quartz countertops makes cleaning a quick, stress-free and easy process. Quartz countertops also offer antibacterial and hygienic benefits as a result. Quartz bathroom countertops have simple cleaning needs and only require clean water and mild soap.
Disinfecting wipes are not suitable for quartz countertops as their primary ingredient, citric acid, is not diluted. If you use these wipes on your countertop surface it will weaken the seal and cause discoloration to occur. Therefore, avoid using them when cleaning quartz counters.
If you're concerned about disinfecting your quartz, add four tablespoons of isopropyl rubbing alcohol to your spray bottle filled with water and dish soap.
Create a simple disinfectant using 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and two cups water in a spray bottle. You may wish to add 1-2 drops of essential oils to add a nice smell to the mixture. Spray the countertops down, making sure to cover the entire surface. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 2-3 minutes.
Do you want it to last without spending a lot of time on countertop maintenance? Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.
Water stains are by far the most common reasons that quartz countertop material might lose its luster. When water is left to set into the material, it will cause damage to the finish that seals the countertop.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant. As opposed to Granite, which requires re-sealing each year to maintain a less superior guard against the common hot pan, spilled wine, and dirty hands. An easy to clean countertop is the new kitchen dream.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Quartz countertops resemble natural stone, but the pattern and hues are much more uniform. This offers cohesion for those who don't enjoy granite's natural flaws. Seams are less noticeable. Quartz is also available in solid colors with little to no pattern.
Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
As mentioned earlier, quartz is among the best materials for antibacterial countertops because it's easy to clean. In most cases, homeowners can clean quartz countertops with soap and water (specific issues may require an approved quartz cleaner).
Quartz Countertop Cleaners to Avoid
Most household cleaners you would usually use to do a quick clean with such as Windex, vinegar and Lysol wipes (some of which contain bleach) are not a good idea for quartz countertops.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
Can I use baking soda on quartz countertops? Yes, baking soda is a great product for cleaning quartz countertops, as it's less abrasive than most other options.
The low threshold makes quartz more likely to burn or break when in contact with heat. Therefore, you can put a hot mug of coffee on your countertop, but a searing hot pan or boiling pot of water could leave a burn mark.
Lifespan. Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don't break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible.
Sunlight. Because quartz is made using polyester resin, over time you may start to notice some discolouration - particularly in lighter coloured countertops. On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade.
Taking the time to care for your granite will help maintain the natural beauty of your countertops. Quartz, on the other hand, is much easier to clean and maintain. Because quartz is a manufactured product, it is non-porous and more resistant to staining. Quartz is also well known for being GERM-FREE.
Even if the scent is nice, you'll be opening up your quartz countertop to other problems later. Other household cleaners such as Windex, Lysol, and even vinegar are also bad to use. These products contain a high pH level and are very acidic, which can damage your beloved kitchen counters.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion.
Conclusion. If you need to disinfect your quartz counters, it is safe to use Clorox wipes. Clorox wipes are bleach-free, so they won't cause damage to your countertops. However, they're still not suitable for daily use.