I'm saying that with this incredible stone, scratches are not so common, thanks to the durability of the material. However, where there is enough force on this engineered stone, then a scratch can occur. Even worse, chips can occur, depending on the level of pressure on the quartz surface.
Just like other natural stone countertops, quartz can chip or scratch if it encounters extreme use and pressure. However, if scratches or chips appear, you can have them professionally filled in and repaired. Overall, quartz countertops stand up to much wear and tear in the kitchen with little evidence.
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.
Some models are coated with an anti-reflective substance, a thin layer on the crystal, which eliminates reflected light, ensuring optimum readability. This coating is susceptible to scratches and can therefore give the impression that the crystal is scratched.
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.
How to polish scratches out of quartz? Buffing and polishing can sometimes fix the lightest scratches. However, the deeper scratches can only be fixed by filling them with epoxy or resin.
Recommended cleaners include Simple Green®, Rock Doctor cleaner, Mr Clean Magic Eraser®, and denatured alcohol. To clean the surface, wash with a mild dish washing liquid or powdered detergent; add warm water. Use a soft dish cloth.
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.
Pearson recommends rubbing alcohol and water to create a safe cleanser and stain-remover to get rid of any buildup without having to resort to abrasive cleaners. This method will give that extra kick without risking damage to the quartz surfaces.
Windex has a high pH level, making it potentially damaging to a manmade material such as quartz. Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The safest daily cleaner for your quartz is dish soap. But you can use any mild PH-neutral cleaner without issue. To keep your counters in good condition, put potholders down before placing hot pans on the counter, clean the counters daily, and address spills as fast as possible.
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.
To repair minor scratches, rub a white polishing compound on the area with a wool pad, then apply a countertop wax. For deeper scratches or cuts, call a professional. Figure labor costs at about $15 to $35 an hour. If you need to replace portions of the counter, figure at least $35 to $65 per square foot.
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.
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.
Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces.