Quartz countertops are among the strongest countertops you can purchase for your kitchen or bathroom. However, just because they are strong doesn’t mean they can’t be damaged. So, don’t be surprised if your durable quartz countertops show signs of wear and tear.
Protect your investment and be aware of some ways that you may be damaging your quartz countertops.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
One potential way you could harm your quartz countertops is by using the wrong cleaning products. Just because you’ve always used an all-purpose cleaner in your kitchen or bathroom doesn’t mean it’s suitable for quartz. Some everyday household cleaning products may be too alkaline or acidic for your quartz countertops.
It’s crucial to use a cleaning product specifically designed for quartz or a mild detergent to ensure longevity.
Disinfecting with Bleach
Your bathroom and kitchen, being high-traffic areas, can harbor many germs, especially on your countertops. Disinfecting your countertops is a smart move to keep bacteria at bay. Quartz countertops, being non-porous, naturally repel germs and bacteria, unlike other stone countertops.
To be extra cautious, occasional disinfection is recommended. However, steer clear of bleach, as it can discolor your countertops. A safer option is a solution of ¼ cup of isopropyl alcohol diluted with two cups of water in a spray bottle. After three minutes, wipe the solution away with a dry microfiber towel.
Cutting Food with Sharp Objects on It
Another thing you should avoid is using your quartz countertops as a cutting board. Although quartz is quite durable, you may scratch the surface of the countertops with knives. This is especially true if you use knives with blades made of diamonds. On the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of minerals, quartz is between 7 and 7.5. Diamonds, one of the hardest minerals, have a Mohs hardness of 10. Therefore, they can scratch any minerals lower than them on the Mohs scale.
To avoid damaging your quartz countertops, it’s a good idea to avoid cutting on them at all. Instead, always use a cutting board.
Exposing it to Too Much Heat
Besides avoiding cutting directly on quartz countertops, you should also avoid putting hot items directly onto them. Like most stone countertops, quartz can withstand high heat. However, unlike other stone countertops, quartz is man-made. The quartz in quartz countertops is resistant to high heat, but the resins added to make the countertops aren’t.
Heat that is hotter than 200 degrees Celsius could scorch your quartz countertops. Using trivets or other items that keep hot items from touching the surface can prevent damage to your countertops.
Allowing Stains to Seep In
Quartz countertops are trendy compared to stone ones because they don’t absorb liquids. As a result, they are less susceptible to staining than marble or granite. However, staining is still possible. As with other stone countertops, you should try to get spills up as quickly as possible to avoid stains setting into the countertops.
Putting Too Much Weight on Them
Like granite and marble, quartz is a solid stone countertop. However, it can also succumb to too much weight. One thing that can surely crack and damage quartz countertops is sitting on them. Another way to crack or chip them is by using appliances such as heavy-duty blenders. Such appliances vibrate when in use, and this, along with the heavy items inside them, could damage your quartz countertops.
Getting Them Sealed
Marble and granite countertops need to be sealed regularly. However, quartz countertops don’t. This could undoubtedly ruin your quartz countertops if you try to seal them. Sealing stone countertops is necessary because they are porous and can absorb everything from spills to germs, which could encourage the growth of bacteria. Quartz is naturally non-porous, so you never have to worry about sealing these countertops.
Although stone countertops like quartz are some of the most durable you can buy, you still must care for them to make them last. You can save a lot of money by avoiding doing the wrong things on your quartz countertops. With proper cleaning and maintenance, your quartz countertops can last much longer than the 15-year life expectancy.
Ask the Austin area Countertop Experts
If you have questions about your quartz countertops or are looking to install quartz or granite countertops in your home, the countertop pros at Texas Granite Group in Austin can help.
Our countertop store and design center are a one stop shop for affordable granite, quartz, and marble countertops. With over 20 years of experience in countertop fabrication, installation, and remodeling, your kitchen renovation or new build is in good hands.
Visit our countertop store, get ideas for your kitchen and bathroom remodel, and browse hundreds of hard-to-find granite, quartz and marble slabs that will surpass your expectations. Our friendly team is happy to help so call us for a Free Estimate!