Quartz is non-porous in nature and hence, it's difficult for bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow and replicate, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Nonporous materials do not have any entrance points for germs, making it nearly impossible for quartz countertops to host bacteria, mold, or mildew. High-quality antimicrobial quartz countertops can give homeowners peace of mind, especially if they spend a lot of their free time in the kitchen.
Take an empty spray bottle and fill it with warm water. For every eight ounces of water you use, add one drop of your preferred dish soap and four tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol. Gently rock the bottle back and forth to mix your solution without creating excess lather and bottle pressure.
If ultra-clean countertops are important to you and your family, you will appreciate quartz countertops. The engineered surface is poreless, making it nearly impossible for germs to penetrate the surface. When you wipe the counter with an antibacterial cleanser, you know it truly is clean.
In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
The widespread use of quartz products and engineered stone has brought significant health concerns, primarily due to the presence of crystalline silica. The risks posed by silica dust, including silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD, have prompted bans and regulatory actions worldwide.
For quartz countertops in the bathroom, be especially careful with curling irons and straightening plates. Any hot part of these hair tools can leave scorch marks on the counter. Make use of spoon rests or a stylish trivet-like mat in the bathroom so there's always a safe place to put the curling iron.
Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time. This will make the surface more likely to stain.
Here are all the types of surfaces you can clean with Dawn® Powerwash: Stainless steel appliances, pots, handles, and fixtures. Light and dark granite countertops and backsplashes. Quartz countertops and backsplashes.
You shouldn't be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.
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.
As quartz is a natural stone, it tends to absorb dampness, which further leads to mold breeding. Some stains may also soak up inside and form denser stains.
The Average Lifespan for Quartz
Under ideal conditions, a high-quality quartz countertop could last 50-100 years. But most of our homes do not offer ideal conditions. A more typical lifespan is 15-20 years. With proper care and maintenance, a homeowner might be able to extend it for a few more years beyond that.
Yes, you can place a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop, but with caution. Here are some considerations to keep in mind: Short Duration and Moderately Hot: A freshly poured cup of coffee, which is typically around 160-185°F (71-85°C), is unlikely to damage the quartz surface if it is placed for a short duration.
Quartz worktops are durable enough to withstand the heat generated by most kitchen appliances, cookware, and crockery. But, anything that comes off the stove or out of the oven should be used on a trivet or heat-resistant mat because anything over 150C (302F) can damage the worktop.
Quartz is non-porous in nature and hence, it's difficult for bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow and replicate, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen and bathroom countertops. VIVA's quartz surfaces are NSF certified making them suitable to come in contact with food and edible items.
6) Con: Heat Damage Susceptible
Although quartz itself is heat-resistant, the resin that holds quartz particles together is not. When you expose a quartz countertop to heat, the resin will melt, resulting in discoloration. So, you must not place hot cookware directly on the quartz countertop.
Good options include porcelain slabs, quartz, and some natural stone. Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin.
Many people use Windex® or similar cleaners to help shine their countertops, while this is okay for most quartz, you should avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia. Windex®, for example, comes in an ammonia-free version. The real key to caring for quartz is to be gentle.
Food & drink spills: Red wine, coffee, tea, and tomato-based sauces are notorious culprits. Blot spills immediately to avoid stains setting in.
Quartz is a strong material that can support the weight of a microwave without any issues. Microwaves are typically not excessively heavy compared to other kitchen appliances, and the quartz surface is built to withstand the weight of most common kitchen appliances.