What not to do with quartz?

Unlike other types of countertops, quartz is non-porous and doesn’t need to be sealed. But there are certain things you should avoid doing with them to protect their durability and luster.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, pads, or sponges on your quartz surfaces. They can create microscopic scratches and dull its luster. Also, do not place hot objects directly on your quartz countertops. Sudden extreme temperatures can cause thermal shock and crack the surface.  “quartz countertops near me“ is the best way to buy countertops near you, especially in Boynton Beach. Visit SK Stones USA for more information.

1. Abrasive Cleaners

Quartz is tough and scratch-resistant, but it’s not a good idea to scrub it with hard-bristled brushes or metal scourers. These can leave behind tiny scratches that may not be visible at first but will dull your counters over time. Avoid harsh chemicals and too acidic or too alkaline cleaning solutions, too. Clorox wipes, bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, turpentine, nail polish remover and other products aren’t good for your countertops.

Instead, clean your counters daily with a damp cloth and mild detergent or quartz-specific cleaner. For stubborn stains, try a degreaser spray with a soft non-abrasive sponge. Keep a sponge like the ones that come with non-stick pans on hand, as well as a plastic putty knife for scraping off any gunk that gets dried onto your counters. Be sure to check with your quartz company to see what their recommended cleaning solutions are.

2. Sharp Objects

Quartz countertops are durable and scratch resistant, but they are not completely scratch-proof. Avoid using abrasive materials on your countertop, like scouring pads and steel wool, to prevent the risk of scratching the surface.

Quartz is heat-resistant, but putting hot pans or dishes directly on your counters can cause thermal shock and crack the stone. Use trivets or mats beneath your hot pots and dishes to prevent damage.

Like any countertop material, quartz can be stained by food, beverages, and household products. To minimize staining, regularly wipe your quartz counters with a damp cloth. If you notice any heavy, stuck-on stains, such as nail polish, paint, or chewing gum, use a plastic putty knife and a degreasing cleaner that’s safe for quartz to remove the stain. You can also contact a professional stone contractor for help with more severe stains. They may be able to buff out minor scratches and help you restore your counters to their original condition.

3. Hot Objects

Although quartz is heat-resistant, it’s not impervious to damage. Over-exposure to hot pots, pans or baking trays may discolor the surface of your countertops, and sudden changes in temperature can cause thermal expansion and crack the countertop. To protect your countertops, place hot objects on trivets or heat-resistant mats rather than directly on the surface.

Quartz is extremely scratch resistant, but it’s not impervious. Even a small knife can mark your quartz, so make sure you have a good set of kitchen knives and use them exclusively on a butcher block or cutting board.

When working with quartz, it’s important to wear a respirator or mask to avoid inhaling the dust and fumes. Long-term exposure can cause silicosis and other health issues. If quartz dust lands on your skin, rinse the area with water and see a doctor if symptoms develop. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, itching, swelling and redness, a dry cough and loss of appetite.

4. Sharp Knives

Quartz is extremely resistant to scratches, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely impervious. You can still get visible scratch marks or dents from using sharp knives on the counter surface. This can detract from the aesthetic of your kitchen and leave an opening for dirt and bacteria to enter the surface.

It’s also important to always use a cutting board. This is not only good for the longevity of your knives (it’ll keep them sharper), but it’s also a sanitary choice. Certain foods like meat secrete juices that can stain your countertop surface if not cleaned up immediately.

Similarly, very acidic or alkaline cleaning products can damage the surface of your counters as well. Avoid using Clorox wipes, bleach, scouring pads, or other abrasive cleaners on your quartz. Use a gentle sponge and warm water to clean your countertops instead.

5. High Heat

Even though quartz is usually marketed as stain-resistant, it’s not completely stain proof. If an acidic solution like vinegar or lemon juice is left to sit on the surface for a long period of time, it will penetrate and discolor the quartz. To prevent this, wipe up any spills immediately and clean the quartz countertops with a gentle soap and warm water mixture.

Direct contact with hot objects can also damage the surface of quartz countertops. This is due to the extreme temperature change that causes thermal shock and can lead to cracking or breaking. Using trivets or hot pads can help protect the surface of the countertop and prevent heat damage.

While quartz is a very durable material, repeated exposure to heat can damage the counters and cause noticeable color differences throughout the kitchen. To avoid this, be sure to regularly clean your counters with a mild cleaning solution and keep them away from direct sunlight.

6. Sharp Objects

Modern quartz is very resistant to scratches, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged if you forcefully contact it with hard objects. Never cut directly on quartz surfaces, and always use a cutting board. Quartz can also be scratched by metal scourers and other abrasive pads that starch and dull the surface.

Occasionally, large messes like paint or grease can build up on your quartz counters. If this happens, take a degreasing cleanser that is safe to use on quartz and spray the affected area generously. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before using a soft sponge or wash rag to wipe away the grime.

While engineered stone will resist stains for a short amount of time, you should clean any spills immediately with a degreasing cleaner that is safe to use on quartz and mild soap and water. This will help prevent the spills from being absorbed and left behind to cause permanent damage.

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