Engineered stone surfaces do not require polishing to keep them shiny and smooth, but they should be cleaned gently to maintain their distinctive shine. Some quartz colors and finishes liked honed, matte, etc., are more sensitive to grease or finger-prints and may require extra care during routine cleaning.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Wipe up spills on quartz immediately to prevent staining and buildup, and use dish soap and water to wipe the counters at the end of the day. Keep a plastic putty knife in a utensil drawer for scraping up gum and sticky messes before they set. And don't forget to keep your counters dry and disinfected.
And because the engineered stone often gets grouped together with the mentioned natural stone options, it's easy for someone to assume that a quartz countertop requires the same maintenance. Unlike real stone, quartz never needs to be sealed.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
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.
Water stains are by far the most common reasons that quartz countertop material might lose its luster. When water is left to set into the material, it will cause damage to the finish that seals the countertop.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
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.
You can expect a quartz (engineered stone) countertop to last 20 to 60 years, depending of level and usage and care, with an average of 40 years. The material is a combination of ground quartz, resins, and pigments. Because it is a manufactured product, the range of designs and colors is extensive.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
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.
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers such as Comet or Scotch-Brite are not recommended, as they can scratch the smooth surface of quartz. The best way to care for your quartz is to prevent damage before it occurs. Use trivets or potholders under hot pots and pans to avoid heat discoloration.
Sunlight. Because quartz is made using polyester resin, over time you may start to notice some discolouration - particularly in lighter coloured countertops. On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
This high-end material is one of the top choices for a luxury kitchen countertop.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design. One of the most appealing features of granite countertops are their beauty.
While most coffee and tea mugs will not burn through your quartz counter the first time you set them down, you do not want to tempt fate. Use coasters to protect the stone from heat marks. Over time this will help you with the maintenance of your counter.
Generally, quartz can withstand heat up to around 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Celsius. Placing a cup of tea or coffee directly onto a quartz surface shouldn't present a problem. However, we'd recommend exercising caution and using coasters and hot pads if you plan on placing hot items on your quartz surface.
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.
Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.
Warm Water + Dish Soap
This is the preferred method of cleaning most messes on quartz countertops. Combine a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water into a bowl or bucket. Using a microfiber cloth or soft rag, use the soapy water solution to wash off as much of the mineral deposit as possible.
Quartz countertop care is remarkably simple. Just wipe the surface with water and mild soap or vinegar regularly. If you need to do more stringent cleaning (say, to remove stains), you can use Soft Scrub's gel cleaner, which contains bleach. Outside of that, you don't need to do much else.