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.
Overexposure To Sunlight
Overexposure to sunlight can turn your white quartz yellow, especially if the sunlight is hitting your worktops every day for long periods of time. Sunlight can be one of the most common causes of your white quartz turning yellow and is one of the easiest to prevent.
Does quartz fade in sunlight? Yes, it can. However, this typically only happens if you've used indoor quartz outside or exposed the countertop to direct sunlight for prolonged periods every single day. Under normal conditions, discoloration from sunlight is relatively rare.
When preparing the mixture, use this easy formula: equal parts water and vinegar. Allow the solution to sit on the stained surface before wiping with a cloth. For stubborn stains, leave the solution to soak overnight. This is among the best natural methods for cleaning your quartz countertop.
If you leave the stones in at maximum temperature for very long periods, they can fade to light yellow and eventually revert to white.
Rare though it is, yellow does in fact occur in quartz in Nature, if seldom, when there are traces of iron in the silicon dioxide. Historically, it has been found in Spain, on the Scottish island of Arran, in France, Hungary and in several mines overseas.
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.
For a quick clean, dish soap, warm water and a microfiber cloth are the best way to clean quartz countertops. Wipe the soapy mixture in circular motions and be sure to remove any residue with warm water and a dry cloth.
It's completely natural that engineered quartz will stain occasionally. To prevent the stains from setting, you will need to use a soft sponge or dishcloth. Dip it in warm water and scrub lightly. If you perform this simple routine maintenance, stains are unlikely to become a big issue.
Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate. If you need to use vinegar for cleaning quartz, always make sure you dilute it with water. Lysol wipes may be acceptable for quick cleaning as long as they are bleach free but use them sparingly.
Lifespan. Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don't break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible.
For most effective cleaning, fill a small spray bottle with gentle soap and water. You may also use a vinegar-based spray or make your own mild concoction. Then spray it over the countertop and wipe from side to side in full motions.
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.
Dealing with stubborn stains
Bar Keepers Friend is perfect for any Caesarstone quartz countertop. Using an abrasive quartz countertop cleaner and polish will only dull the surface shine. To avoid stubborn stains, it is recommended for you to clean the quartz countertop immediately after liquids spill on the countertop.
Simply mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with equal parts water until you form a paste. Then, apply it to the stain and let it sit for several minutes. After a few minutes, wipe it away with a soft cloth. This method is gentle enough to use on quartz countertops and will help to lift even the tough of stains.
Quartz countertops can stain if they are exposed to alkaline cleaners, high pH detergents, certain acids, nail polish, wax, makeup, and even some foods.
If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
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.
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.
While quartz is one of the most durable stones, you must avoid using acidic or harsh cleaners. Don't clean your counters with vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or acid-based products.
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.
Vinegar-based spray cleaner is another option to keep quartz countertops glistening. In a clean spray bottle, mix one-quarter vinegar with three-quarters water and shake it up. Just as with regular countertop cleaning, keep spraying and wiping across the counter, cleaning a few feet at a time.
Mistakes happen, so you may place a hot pan on your quartz countertop and see immediate scorch marks on your countertop, usually brown or yellow. This does not mean that the countertop is completely ruined. It is an indication of a resin burn, which professionals can usually – though not always – repair.
Quartz counters do not need sealing due to their lack of porosity. Liquids and stains cannot penetrate non-porous materials because they have a built-in seal. Natural stone countertops, such as polished marbles or granite, have pores and small splinters that require sealing on a regular basis.
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.