Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
Although quartz is generally heat-resistant, it can be damaged by high temperatures, as when you take a hot pot or pan off the stove and set it directly on the surface. Exposure to extreme heat, or temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, could lead to scorch marks or discoloration that mars your countertop surface.
Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces.
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.
Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface. Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time.
Conclusion. Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
Crockpots are not going to injure, stain or burn your quartz countertop. Most crockpots have legs or stands, and if you take the inner crockpot out and rest it on the table top, as long as it's not over 400-425 degrees, you are safe.
Placing Hot Appliances on Your Countertop. While quartz may be highly heat-resistant, prolonged exposure will damage the resin causing it to discolor. Temperatures above 300° F can spell bad news for your countertop. Besides, sudden extreme changes in temperature may lead to slab cracking.
Use Trivets and Mats
If you put hot objects such as pots or pans on the counter, it may break the fabricated quartz's seal and lead to an array of other problems. Make sure you protect the work surfaces by using trivets and mats under any hot object.
If you were to put a hot pan or pot on a quartz countertop, the countertop could become very damaged. Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged.
Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
Granite. One of the most heat-resistant options for kitchen countertops is granite. This natural stone is formed underground through a natural process incorporating high pressure and temperatures. Typically, the heat generated by cooking will not be high enough to cause damage.
While standing on the countertops might seem harmless, it's not. Plenty of cases have been reported where people stand on the countertops, and they part at the seam where two slabs are sealed together. Installing or even repairing the countertops isn't cheap, so you should avoid risking standing on them.
Once installed, you can expect your quartz countertops to withstand heat up to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If exposed to temperatures above this range, the resin binders within the quartz slab can change their chemical state — often impacting the color of the quartz.
Quartz Countertops
What this means is that a quartz countertop is a heat-resistant material that can handle high temperatures sometimes, but not for prolonged periods of time. Using an air fryer on a quartz counter now and again might not be a cause for concern, but prolonged use can cause damage.
Sudden changes in temperature can cause the Quartz to crack which is why high heat appliances used in the bathroom such as hair straighteners or curling wands must be placed on heat resistant mats- often sold with the product.
That said, do not use your quartz as a cutting board. Sharp knives can scratch the surface. Reach for a cutting board and protect your quartz slab's smooth shine. Don't put heat directly on counters: Yes, quartz is heat resistant and won't melt or burn if you put a warm pot or plate on it.
However, prolonged exposure to liquids can still be damaging to the surface in the long run. Make a habit of cleaning up liquid spills and stains as soon as you can. Coffee, tea, fruit juices and soft drinks are some common examples of corrosive liquids that might erode a quartz surface after long-term exposure.
Unfortunately, the polyester resin in quartz can be easily damaged by heat from the toaster oven, electric frying pan, oven, crock pot, or any other appliance that produces a lot of heat. The heat weakens the polyester resins when you place the toaster unprotected on the countertops.
That is due to its non-porous surface, which prevents liquids and spills from leaving a stain. However, when quartz is exposed to hard water, if that water is not wiped off, it can leave mineral deposits.
If you have a quartz countertop, you should be able to use Dawn Dish Soap without any issues. However, if you notice any discoloration or staining, you might need to switch to another brand of dish soap.
Acetone/nail polish remover, or abrasive cleaners such as Vim® Cream cleaners, Bar Keepers Friend® Soft Cleanser, or Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser® is never to be used on your surface as dull spots can occur and is not covered under warranty. Do not use natural stone cleaners, sealants, or enhancer on your countertop.
Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.