Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Guide

Quartz counters serve a purpose way beyond aesthetics— they’re an impressive countertop surface that is built to withstand daily wear and tear. Knowing how to clean quartz countertops is crucial to maintaining their original shine and luster. As far as countertop materials go, quartz is trendy , and easy for designers and contractors to work with during remodels because of its uniform shape and design. Plus, it’s a fairly resilient, scratch-resistant natural stone. Commonly confused with quartzite, its naturally occurring counterpart, quartz is actually engineered stone. Out of all the kitchen countertop options, quartz is high up on our list as a low-maintenance favorite . Richard Pearson, a professional cleaner near Liverpool, England, and presenter for Filthy House S.O.S ., is a big fan of the material. “Quartz countertops are lovely,” says Pearson. “I have one myself, but they must be looked after and cleaned correctly.” How do you clean quartz countertops? Cleaning quartz and other engineered stone tops is simple. It’s important to avoid staining, scratching, or disintegrating your stone. Quartz surfaces are made from resin-bound quartz crystals, so they don’t require the same maintenance as other naturally occurring countertop materials. To get them looking beautiful again in no time, the best way to clean them is to use dish soap , warm water, nonabrasive glass cleaner, microfiber cloths , and nonabrasive sponges . Maintain clean quartz countertops daily and you won’t have to worry about any damage to your quartz countertop down the road. For a quick clean, dish soap, warm water and a microfiber cloth (or soft paper towel) are the best way to clean quartz countertops. Wipe the soapy mixture in circular motions and be sure to remove any residue with warm water and a dry cloth. How do you maintain clean quartz countertops? Quartz is stain-resistant, but, according to Pearson, that doesn’t mean you can avoid giving your quartz surfaces a wipe down—total neglect risks discoloration. “Always clean up any spills immediately,” he says. “This is especially true if the spill has an acidic base, as this can discolor the stone.” Quartz countertops don’t require resealing, but if you‘re looking to add a little zhuzsh, buff them with a soft cloth. Quartz cleaners, like Weiman’s quartz countertop cleaner , work great for a kitchen drenched in natural light, like one with skylights. This cleaner has added UV protection to help the stone from fading or turning yellow from sunlight exposure. The goal is to use gentle cleansers to help spruce up the surface without exposing quartz to anything abrasive or too oily . Are quartz countertops difficult to maintain? No, quartz countertops are not difficult to maintain. Stephanie Booth , a full-time realtor and associate broker in Canton, Georgia, notes that quartz countertops are actually low maintenance. “It’s an engineered material, not 100% natural stone like quartzite, marble, and granite,” she says. “It’s engineered to resist scratching and staining.” As long as you keep up with regular cleaning and follow the recommended maintenance tips we’ve rounded up here, you shouldn’t have any issues. Is it expensive to maintain quartz countertops? According to Booth, not in the slightest. “Quartz is nonporous,” she says. “So there is no need to routinely seal the surface.” In comparison, countertops such as quartzite, granite, and marble do need to be routinely sealed to maintain their appearance. That being said, you may face some hefty costs if you don’t follow the general recommendations for preventing long-term damage to your countertops, like avoiding extreme heat or scratching them with knives or other sharp objects. Can you use Clorox wipes on quartz countertops? The short answer? Probably not. The long answer? Right this way. Many Clorox wipes are actually bleach-free. You can use them occasionally for deep cleaning, but they shouldn’t be the first thing you grab. You shouldn’t be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface. Can I use Windex on quartz countertops? Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some professionals 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. In general you should be very careful when using this cleaner. Some Windex formulas rely on the cleaning agent ammonia, which can create very harmful mixtures when combined with bleach—like sodium hypochlorite. This combo can create chloramine vapor, a noxious fume that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and airway. In some cases, large quantities can even be fatal. What should you not clean quartz countertops with? In addition to avoiding Clorox and Windex, you shouldn’t use anything with abrasive or harsh chemicals to clean your stone countertops. That means skipping bleach, degreaser, oven cleaner, scouring pads, or other alkaline cleaning solutions or disinfecting formulas with high pH levels. These highly acidic cleaners will damage the countertop and ruin its integrity. If you‘re using them on other items, make sure the spray doesn’t land on the stone surface. To prevent stubborn gunk from building up, it’s best to stick to mild detergents, soapy water and gentle cleaning products. Keep up with a daily maintenance routine rather than trying to address the dirt with a deep cleaning method or harsh cleaners later on. If you happen to have accidents involving nail polish or permanent marker stains, try DIY methods, like using watered-down lemon juice or a dose of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. It’s also important to keep quartz surfaces safe from hot pans because they are sensitive to extreme heat. You can use trivets and hot pads to protect granite countertops (which have quartz) from off-the-stove dishes. For food prep that uses sharp objects, especially knives for chop ping, cutting boards protect the surface from scratches and divots. And it’s always best to keep coasters around for hot mugs. How to remove stubborn stains from quartz countertops T o prevent stubborn gunk from building up on quartz countertops, it’s best to stick to mild detergents, soapy water, and gentle cleaning products. Keep up with a daily maintenance routine rather than trying to go back in with a deep cleaning method or harsh cleaners later on. As a general rule of thumb for any stains you come across, Booth recommends first trying mild cleaning solutions before reaching for the stronger, harsher options; it’s better to start slow than risk causing irreversible damage. “I suggest starting with mild dish soap and a microfiber cloth,” she says. “Rub the stain in circular motion and then rinse with clean water.” But when it comes to tough stains that aren’t going away with a little mild dish soap and warm water, try using a surface cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge. Pearson recommends rubbing alcohol and water to create a safe cleanser and stain remover to get rid of any buildup without having to resort to abrasive cleaners. This method will give stains the boot without risking damage to the quartz surfaces. Likewise, if you happen to have accidents like nail polish or permanent marker stains on your quartz countertops, try DIY methods like using watered-down lemon juice or a dose of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. In general, avoid harsh ingredients—even within DIY methods like the commonly used vinegar-and-citrus-peel solution. Acidic cleaners and products with ammonia or other abrasive ingredients can cause more harm than good. Beware: Your strongest cleaning options should be last resorts only Booth says Soft Scrub gel cleanser with bleach , Cif Cream Cleanser , or Bar Keepers Friend foam spray cleaner work well to remove stains, if you need a stronger option. The most abrasive options—which should be your last resort—are poultice powders or the Magic Eraser . Before reaching for either of these, keep in mind that these products have the potential to remove the sheen and damage the countertop finish. “I’ve seen this happen in person,” she says. “There was a large black mark across the white kitchen quartz countertop in my clients’ $1 million new-construction home. The builder took out a Magic Eraser and proceeded to try and buff the mark out. He did remove the mark [but] left behind an even larger dull streak across the countertop, creating further damage. The countertop had to be replaced.” 📍Need help choosing your countertops? Visit Kitchen & Bath Wholesalers in Philadelphia or schedule a design consultation. We carry a curated selection of the latest tile styles and offer expert advice on installation and coordination. Visit our showroom at 1801 N American St or contact us to schedule a design consultation.

Elevate Your Kitchen Design With the Hottest Looks This Year At Kitchen & Bath Wholesalers in Philadelphia, we know that the right backsplash tile can completely transform a kitchen — adding color, texture, and personality. Whether you're remodeling or starting from scratch, here are the top backsplash trends that are making waves in 2025: 🎨 1. Handmade & Artisan Looks Imperfect is the new perfect. Zellige tiles and other handmade-style ceramics are prized for their: Organic textures, Subtle color variation, Irregular surfaces that reflect light beautifully Color tip: Soft greens, off-whites, and blush tones are especially popular this year. 🧱 2. Textured & Dimensional Tiles Flat is out. In 2025, designers are leaning into 3D tiles, fluted patterns, and sculptural shapes that add depth to walls. Think: Ribbed ceramic tiles, Geometric patterns, Carved stone and relief tiles These tiles double as art and are perfect for a high-impact focal point behind the range. 🪵 3. Natural & Earthy Finishes Earth tones and natural textures are trending across all kitchen finishes, including tile. Look for: Terracotta, Honed limestone, Matte-glazed clay These add warmth and authenticity — especially when paired with wood cabinetry or stone countertops. 🖤 4. Dark & Moody Palettes Black, charcoal, deep navy, and forest green tiles are popping up in sophisticated kitchens. Whether in a high-gloss finish or matte texture, they provide rich contrast, highlight metallic fixtures and hardware, Create a moody, luxurious vibe 🔁 5. Full-Height Slab Backsplashes While not technically “tile,” this is a growing trend: using the same countertop stone (quartz, marble, or granite) as a full-height backsplash. It creates a seamless, high-end look with fewer grout lines. Bonus: It's easier to clean and makes a dramatic impact. 🧩 6. Creative Layouts & Unexpected Shapes Classic subway tile isn’t gone, but in 2025 it’s being used in fresh, unexpected ways: Vertical stack bond, Chevron or herringbone, Offset diamond or hexagon layouts Geometric shapes like scallops, fish scales, and trapezoids are gaining attention for their unique appeal. 🖼️ 7. Mixed Materials & Accent Borders Some designers are mixing tile types within one backsplash for visual variety — for example: A mosaic insert behind the cooktop, contrasting trim or pencil liners, Borders that frame a field tile This layered look adds dimension and customization to any kitchen style. 💬 Final Thought Whether you're into sleek modern slabs or rustic handmade charm, the 2025 backsplash trends offer endless possibilities to express your style. The key is choosing a look that not only matches your cabinetry and countertops — but also feels timeless to you. 📍Need help choosing the perfect backsplash? Visit Kitchen & Bath Wholesalers in Philadelphia or schedule a design consultation. We carry a curated selection of the latest tile styles and offer expert advice on installation and coordination. Visit our showroom at 1801 N American St or contact us to schedule a design consultation.

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