How do I maintain quartz countertops in my NB kitchen?

Quartz countertops are one of the lowest-maintenance surfaces you can install in a New Brunswick kitchen — daily cleaning with warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a soft cloth is all you need for routine care. Unlike granite, quartz is non-porous and never requires sealing, which makes it an excellent choice for NB's Maritime climate where humidity fluctuates significantly between summer and winter.

For everyday cleaning, wipe down your quartz surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth and a small amount of mild dish soap. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel to avoid water spots, especially if you have a darker colour like charcoal or deep brown where mineral deposits from NB's harder water show more readily. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and anything containing bleach or ammonia — these can dull the surface finish over time.

For tougher stains — dried food, coffee rings, or sauce splatters — make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then gently wipe away with a soft cloth. For grease buildup near the stove, a non-abrasive degreaser formulated for stone surfaces works well. Always rinse thoroughly after using any cleaning product.

Protecting Your Investment

Heat is quartz's biggest enemy. Despite being engineered stone, quartz contains resin binders that can scorch, discolour, or crack under sudden high heat. Never place a hot pot, pan, or baking sheet directly on quartz — always use trivets or hot pads. This is especially important in NB kitchens during winter when your countertop surface temperature may be cooler, creating a larger thermal shock when contact with a hot vessel occurs.

Avoid harsh chemicals including oven cleaners, paint strippers, and permanent markers. If you spill something acidic — vinegar, lemon juice, or tomato sauce — wipe it up promptly. While quartz is far more stain-resistant than natural stone, prolonged contact with highly pigmented or acidic substances can occasionally cause discolouration on lighter colours.

Use cutting boards rather than cutting directly on quartz. While quartz is hard enough that most knives will not scratch it, the surface can dull your knife blades quickly, and heavy chopping can chip edges over time.

New Brunswick's winter humidity swings (indoor levels dropping to 15-25% with forced-air heating) do not affect quartz the way they affect natural stone or butcher block, which is one of its key advantages in our climate. Quartz will not crack, warp, or require seasonal resealing regardless of humidity levels. At $60-$120 per square foot installed, quartz countertops last 15-25 years with virtually no maintenance beyond simple cleaning — making them the most popular countertop choice in NB kitchen renovations today.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations