Did you just install a new quartz countertop and have noticed a gritty feeling over its surface when you touch it? Or have you noticed your quartz countertop has started to feel gritty and you’re wondering why this is, this article will help answer your questions.
So why do quartz countertops feel gritty? The reasons why quartz countertops may feel gritty may be due to the following below;
- Dust Particles
- Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
- Heat Damage
- Construction Adhesive
- Etching
- Physical Damage
- Wear and Tear
- Salinity
To learn more details keep reading this article.
1. Dust Particles
Airborne particles that are being tracked into the home are being deposited onto the countertop.
The airborne particles could also be pollen, hair, insects, dust, dirt, pet dander, or any other object that is floating in the air.
So if you’re having a gritty feeling on the surface of your quartz countertop, it’s possible you have a buildup of dust particles on the surface.
So before you jump to any conclusions, you should sweep the surface of your countertop to see if the gritty feeling goes away.
You can also use a damp cloth to wipe off the countertop and see if this helps with the gritty feeling.
If it does go away after sweeping or cleaning with a damp cloth, then dust particles are the most likely culprit.
2. Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
Chemicals or chemical cleaners left on the surface of the quartz countertop can also cause it to feel gritty.
This is often the case for harsh stone cleaners that are commonly used to clean marble, travertine, and other stone surfaces.
Harsh chemicals can dissolve the surface of the quartz countertop, causing it to feel gritty.
Meaning chemical cleaners can strip the binding resins on the surface of your quartz countertop and cause an exposure of the quartz surface.
So if you suspect a chemical cleaner is causing the problem, make sure to clean it off thoroughly with water and soap.
Also, be sure not to leave these chemicals on the quartz surface for an extended period of time.
This can cause damage to your countertop and give it a gritty feeling over its surface.
3. Heat Damage
Another thing that could cause your quartz countertop to feel gritty is heat damage.
The way this happens is when your countertop gets too hot and then comes into contact with a cool surface.
When this occurs, it causes the binding resins to become soft and melt away from the quartz surface which can feel gritty.
Also, if your countertop has been heated to a high enough temperature that it can cause particulates in your quartz to turn into a gas and make them feel gritty to the touch.
Quartz will start feeling gritty as soon as it gets above 600 degrees Fahrenheit (300 degrees Celsius) and feels more like cement than glass when you run your fingers over it.
So if you think your countertop has been exposed to excessive amounts of heat, you may want to consider having your countertop resurfaced.
That way you won’t have to worry about it feeling gritty over its surface again. Also, be sure not to subject your quartz countertop to direct contact with heat from saucepans, stoves, grills, etc.
4. Construction Adhesive
Construction adhesive can be another cause of why your quartz countertop is feeling gritty.
There may be some residue from construction adhesive that is on the surface of your quartz countertops causing the gritty feeling.
If you had a contractor apply it to join two pieces together, then as those two pieces cool, the glue will break down and become gritty.
You can try to take a razor blade or putty knife to scrape off as much of the adhesive as possible.
Then, you can use an acid cleaner like vinegar or muriatic acid to remove any remaining residue that may be on the surface of your countertops.
If this doesn’t do anything, you can always have a professional resurface it for you so it won’t feel gritty any more.
5. Etching
Another cause of why your quartz countertops feel gritty is etching.
Etching happens when the surface of the quartz becomes exposed to acidic foods or liquids.
For example, if you have a lemon or vinegar-based sauce on your countertop when it’s cooking, it can break down the surface of the quartz.
The acid in these foods will cause it to etch or wear away at your countertop, causing it to feel gritty.
If you have any acidic foods or liquids on your countertop, make sure to wipe them off immediately with a damp cloth.
This can help prevent the etching from occurring and cause your countertops to feel gritty over their surface.
Also, avoid placing any acidic foods or liquids directly on your countertop surface for long periods of time.
This can also cause your countertops to become etched, making them feel gritty over their surface.
6. Physical Damage
Another cause of why your quartz countertop feels gritty is physical damage. This can happen when there’s a crack on the surface of your countertop.
The crack in the surface of your quartz countertops can cause any binding resins inside to become exposed which will make it feel gritty.
In order to make your quartz countertop feel smooth again, as mentioned before, you’ll want to have it resurfaced by a professional so that they can repair the damage and make it feel new again.
Also, avoid subjecting your quartz countertop to physical stress like hitting, cutting, or chopping directly on them, standing or sitting on them, etc.
All this can put cracks on the surface of your countertops and cause them to feel gritty.
7. Wear and Tear
Another cause of why your quartz countertops feel gritty is wear and tear. Over time, as you use them every day, your countertops will start to feel gritty over their surface because the grains in the stone have become worn down.
This can happen even if you take great care of your countertop and keep it clean.
Quartz is a very durable material but over time the surface of the stone will wear down and become gritty feeling.
You’ll want to consider having your countertops resurfaced by a professional so that they can sand down the surface of the stone and bring back its smooth finish.
You can avoid this happening by having your countertops resurfaced every five to seven years or
8. Salinity
Another cause of why your quartz countertops feel gritty is salinity. If you are living near the ocean, then there’s a chance your countertops may feel gritty due to the salinity of the air.
The salt in the air causes any exposed grains on your quartz countertop to become more prominent and noticeable, which makes your countertop feel grittier.
In order to have this problem fixed so that you won’t have to deal with why your quartz countertops feel gritty, you’ll want to have them resurfaced by a professional.
They will be able to use a special resin to fill in any gaps that have been created by the salt, which will help your countertops feel smooth again.
How To Fix My Quartz Countertops If They Feel Gritty?
There are a couple of things you can do yourself before considering inviting a professional to fix the problem.
Using Warm Water
If you notice your countertops feel gritty, try to clean them with warm water and soap. This will be able to remove any dirt or other particles that have gotten stuck on the surface of your countertops – given that dust is the cause of the grittiness.
Using a Wet Dry Vacuum to Remove Dust
Another thing you can do is use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust particles that have gotten stuck on the surface of your countertops.
This will be able to help you get rid of any grittiness that you might be feeling and make your countertops feel smooth again.
Baking Soda Or Cream Of Tartar
If you don’t have a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, then try using baking soda or cream of tartar. Just make sure to mix them with water to form a paste.
Apply this mixture onto your countertops with a sponge or scrub brush and then use warm water to rinse it off.
This should be able to get rid of any grittiness and make your countertops feel smooth again.
Resurface Your Quartz Countertops
If you’ve tried everything else and your countertops still feel gritty, then it’s time to call a professional. They will sand down the surface of the stone and apply a new layer in order to make your countertops feel smooth again.
This will remove any exposed grains on top of your countertops, which will prevent your countertops from feeling gritty.
Try to have them resurfaced every five or seven years so that you won’t have to deal with this issue again.
How Do I Keep My Countertops From Feeling Gritty?
There are a few things you can do in order to keep your countertops from feeling gritty.
Keep Your Countertop Clean
The best way to keep your countertops from feeling gritty is to avoid getting them dirty in the first place.
Make it a point to clean off any dirt or other particles that get stuck on your countertops right away.
This will prevent any dirt from getting stuck on the surface of your countertops and causing grittiness.
Using a Protective Coating On Your Countertops
Another thing you can do is use a protective coating on your countertop. This will help to keep the surface of your quartz from getting exposed to outside elements, which will prevent your countertops from feeling gritty.
Avoid Using Acidic Cleaners On Your Countertop
Using an acidic cleaner on your countertop can damage the surface of it, which will cause grittiness.
Try to use a cleaner that is specially designed for quartz countertops.
This will help prevent any damage to the surface of your quartz and reduce the amount of grittiness you experience on a daily basis.
FAQ’s
Q: How often should I have my countertops resurfaced?
A: You’ll want to consider having your countertops resurfaced every five or seven years. This is important because, after that amount of time, the protective coating will begin to wear off and expose your countertops to the elements.
Q: How often should I clean my countertops?
A: You’ll want to clean your countertops once or twice a week in order to avoid getting them dirty. Try to clean off any dirt or other particles that get stuck on the surface of your countertops right away.
Q: What is a protective coating?
A: A protective coating is a layer that covers the surface of your countertops. This will protect them from getting exposed to any outside elements, which can reduce the amount of grittiness you feel on a day-to-day basis.
Q: What cleaners can I use to clean my countertops?
A: You’ll want to avoid using acidic cleaners on your quartz countertop. Try to use cleaners that are specially designed for quartz countertops. This will help to prevent damage and reduce grittiness from appearing on the surface of your countertops.
Q: How do I clean off any dirt that gets stuck on the surface of my countertop?
A: You can use a sponge or scrub brush and some warm water to remove any dirt that gets stuck on the surface of your countertops. Just make sure not to use too much force or you could damage the surface of your countertops.
