Quartz Worktops: Maintenance and Care Tips

Quartz is one of the lowest-maintenance worktop materials available, but a few simple habits will keep it looking its best for years.

Wipe down with a soft microfibre cloth and warm, soapy water after use. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads or stiff brushes, which can scratch the surface, and blot spills rather than wiping them to avoid spreading a stain.

For dried spills, gently scrape with a plastic scraper or blunt knife. For stubborn stains, a mild dish soap solution left to sit for a few minutes usually lifts it; oil-based stains can respond well to a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Avoid bleach, ammonia or strong acidic cleaners, which can dull the surface -- always test a new cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first.

Quartz is heat-resistant but not heatproof -- always use a trivet or heatproof mat, since sudden temperature changes can cause cracking or discolouration. It's highly scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof, so use a chopping board rather than cutting directly on the surface, and check periodically for small chips or cracks around the edges so any damage is caught early.