Every One11 apartment home is outfitted with high-end finishes, including quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. How can you keep these beautiful surfaces looking their best? Here’s a quick guide to caring for your countertops and appliances.
 
Quartz countertops
 
Made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, quartz countertops are one of the most durable options for kitchens. The ground quartz is combined with polyester resins to create a dense, non-porous surface that is stain and scratch resistant.
 
How to care for quartz:
Wash the surface with warm water and dish soap, using a soft cotton cloth. Avoid bleach and abrasive products. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent set-in stains. Quartz is more durable and resistant to damage than other stone, but not completely chip-proof, so be careful with objects hitting the surface. Quartz can also be damaged by rapid changes in temperature and direct contact with hot pots and pans, so always use a potholder to protect your countertop.
 
Stainless steel appliances
 
Stainless steel appliances offer a clean, contemporary look in the kitchen, but they're prone to showing water marks, spills, and fingerprints. Dirt, dust, and grime put stainless steel at risk for corrosion and rust. The key to keeping stainless steel gleaming is proper care and maintenance.
 
How to care for stainless steel:
Routine cleaning can be accomplished by wiping down the surface with warm water and drying with a towel or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. If you need something a bit more powerful, consider one of these methods:
 
Method 1: Vinegar and Oil
Spray your appliance liberally with distilled white vinegar. Using either a paper towel or a soft cloth, wipe the vinegar off in the direction of the grain. Finish by polishing with a little bit of olive oil on a soft cloth.
 
Method 2: Dish Soap
A drop of mild dish detergent and warm water is often all you need to get tougher dirt off of your stainless steel. Put a small drop of dish soap on a cloth. Add warm water to the cloth and rub the dish soap to suds up your cleaning cloth. Wipe down the dirty area, rinse, and dry.
 
Method 3: Glass Cleaner
Take care of smudges and fingerprints with glass cleaner. Spray the cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe the stainless steel in a gentle, circular motion to remove the mark. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
 
Method 4: Baking Soda
Baking soda is an inexpensive and non-toxic alternative cleaner. Polish and clean stainless steel by combining 3 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Rub the mixture over the surface with a sponge and rinse off with warm water.
Method 5: Stainless Steel Cleaner
If you have stains that are difficult to remove, a stainless steel cleaner may be a good option. These cleaners and polishes can help minimize scratching, remove stains, and polish surfaces. Carefully read the directions and make sure to test in an inconspicuous spot before applying.