How to Care for Quartz Countertops & Prevent Damage

As more homeowners continue to choose quartz for their kitchen and bathroom countertops, some misconceptions are arising about how to care for these engineered surfaces. One of the problems is related to the appearance of quartz, which can mimic granite, marble, and even exotic natural-stone surfaces. However, this does not mean they should be treated in the same fashion. Another misconception is linked to the durability of quartz. Unlike the older material mostly known as the brand Corian, quartz is not 100 percent synthetic or impervious to damage (newer and more modern quartz is more than 90 percent natural quartz and resins). Here are some recommendations homeowners should follow to prevent damage to their quartz countertops. Use Cutting Boards in the Kitchen Quartz does not scratch too easily, but it should not be treated in the same way as an aluminum food prep table in a busy restaurant kitchen. When cutting meats, fruits, or vegetables, a cutting board should be used to prevent direct contact between sharp objects and the finished quartz surface. It’s important to remember that glossy quartz slabs are manufactured for decorative purposes and not for industrial use. Keep Spills Under Control A clear advantage of quartz is that it does not stain very easily. In the kitchen, homeowners do not have to panic when coffee or wine are spilled on quartz because it will not stain immediately. However, there is a chance stains will form eventually, which is why spills should be absorbed and wiped down as soon as possible. The same goes for lipstick smudges or spilled lotion in the bathroom. Avoid Placing Hot Objects Directly on the Counter Hot pots and pans in the kitchen as well as curling irons in the bathroom should not be placed directly on top of quartz countertops. Exposure to direct heat could lead to discoloration over time. Don’t Use Abrasive Pads A soft cloth and a specially formulated quartz cleaner is all that is needed to keep quartz surfaces clean. Stubborn spills that have dried or smudged onto countertops can be gently scraped away with a straight-edge razor or safe-on-stone scrubbing pad such as Granite Gold Scrub Sponge®. Scouring pads are not to be used on quartz. Use Only the Right Cleaning Solutions Here’s a similarity shared by quartz and natural stone: regular household cleaners should never be used on quartz countertops. They can dull the professional finish and lead to stains and etches. The best practice is to use a cleaner that has been formulated specifically for quartz. Homeowners should keep in mind that more than 90 percent of quartz consists of natural-quartz pieces, which in many cases have been recycled, therefore making it sensitive to many ingredients found in common household cleaners. Once again, quartz is not like Corian or porcelain materials that can be cleaned with just about any product found on supermarket shelves. To learn more about quartz care as well as natural-stone care, reach out to Granite Gold® today. Our Granite Gold Quartz Brite® is safe to use on quartz surfaces such as Silestone, LG and more, and we offer a wide array of products that are safe to use on natural-stone surfaces such as granite, marble, and travertine. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-7866.