Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Quartz is ranked 7th on Mohs scale
This means that quartz is highly resistant to scratching, but it is not entirely scratch proof. In everyday use, knives and sharp objects will not scratch your countertops easily. Granite, on the other hand, offers hardness between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Avoid Using Abrasive Pads or Cleaners
Yes, you want to clean your quartz and leave it in good condition. However, doing this with abrasive pads will only cause more harm than good. Like you can guess, the pads come with rough edges. In turn, scrubbing or applying it to your countertop surface can cause scratches.
While quartz is scratch-resistant, materials harder than quartz can scratch it. For example, the bottom of some ceramic dishes may be abrasive enough to inflict minor damage to the surface.
Is Quartz scratch resistant? Yes, quartz is very scratch resistant and compares well to granite.
We mentioned that it is important that you use only gentle chemicals on your quartz countertops. Some of these include dish soap, Simple Green, Magic Eraser, denatured alcohol, Rug Doctor Cleaner, or Hope's Surface Cleaner.
The polymer resins (about 5% to 10% in volume) bind the quartz particles. But under certain conditions, polymers may undergo slight chemical transformations. This may occur, for instance, if you leave a harsh chemical on the quartz countertop for an extended time. Slow reactions may result in staining.
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.
Finger nails won't scratch quartz, but how about when you scratch the nail against a damaged area such as a point that has been chipped?
Durability: Quartz is one the hardest materials on the planet. This means it has a higher scratch resistance than granite and won't chip or crack easily. Great for applying to different surfaces including floors and stairs.
Both countertop materials are similar in terms of cleaning and maintenance, but it seems that quartz may have a slight edge since it never needs to be sealed, and since it's a nonporous surface, stains or liquids penetrating the surface aren't as worrisome as they are with natural stone.
An accidental slip of the knife, especially if it's just a butter knife, will most likely not result in a scratch (it will just dull the knife). Also, when you have hot pans or any hot material, do not place it on the surface. Use a trivet or potholder, because the surface is not heat resistant.
Common household accidents such as a dropped knife, a fallen piece of glass or errant scissors will not scratch quartz because only materials as hard as, or harder than, quartz will scratch it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Then wipe the surface down with a dry and soft cloth or a paper towel. This will leave you with a clean and shiny looking quartz counter.
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.
Bar Keepers Friend is also a good cleaner to use on your quartz to keep them shiny. Bar Keepers Friend is made for smooth surfaces and can be used daily.
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.
Another common myth is that quartz can be easily damaged which deters homeowners from investing in quartz countertops. The reality is, quartz is not only durable, having a Mohs hardness rating of 7, but it is also relatively stain resistant making it ideal for high traffic rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.