Do you want it to last without spending a lot of time on countertop maintenance? Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams. Evaluate its pros and cons to make an informed purchase.
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.
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.
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.
They're highly durable, low maintenance, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Overall, if you're looking for new countertops that will last for years to come, quartz is a great option to consider.
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.
Too much sun exposure can damage your quartz countertops over time, leading to issues like fading, warping, and voiding of your warranty. Additionally, the UV lights can cause the colors in your countertops to fade—and even begin to have a yellow hue!
For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap. In general you should be very careful when using this cleaner. Some Windex formulas have ammonia, which can create very harmful mixtures when combined with bleach—like sodium hypochlorite.
Quartz is stain-resistant, not stain-proof, which means that while it's very tough to stain, staining is still possible if the wrong substances are left for enough time. Water stains are caused by mineral deposits within hard water. The stain occurs when the minerals merge with the quartz.
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.
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.
Q. Are there any products I should NOT use to clean my quartz with? A. Yes-you should always avoid abrasive or strong alkaline or acidic cleaners, including bleach, oven cleaners, harsh powders, creams, steel wool, and other similar items.
While it is unlikely that tea and coffee mugs will burn through your quartz countertop, you do not want to risk it. Using coasters will protect your countertops from any burn and will help maintain them over time.
Durability
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. – Granite scratches less easily than quartz.
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.
Quartz. Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish.
Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.
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.
Can I use baking soda on quartz countertops? Yes, baking soda is a great product for cleaning quartz countertops, as it's less abrasive than most other options.
Dawn Power Wash is safe quartz. Use it for extra cleaning power or as your daily cleaner.
Use a solution of mild dish soap and water
A solution of mild dish soap and water is the perfect quartz countertop cleaner for daily care and maintenance. Either cold or warm water works well. However, be sure to use a soft cloth as opposed to brushes with tough brittles.
Avoid using the following common disinfectants: Do NOT use Lysol, Clorox or any products containing bleach or vinegar on quartz countertops, as they can cause permanent damage.
As the premium choice for outdoor kitchens, granite countertops offer the durability necessary to stand up to the harsh outdoors year after year. Vital to outdoor performance and longevity, granite holds up well against an unforgiving sun or hot cooking tool.
One drawback is that quartz countertops can become dull eventually. However, it's important to note that some quartz countertops are manufactured with a deliberate matte or textured finish (concrete for example). These finishes don't look shiny, no matter how they are cared for.