Many homeowners still view kitchen remodels as one of the most important aspects of a home renovation. Statistics from the National Kitchen and Bath Association shows that one in every ten households perform a kitchen remodel every year.
Arguably the most important work surface in the home, the countertop is a key feature that homeowners look forward to replacing. Quartz countertops are quickly gaining popularity in most homes. They surpassed the use of natural stone in kitchen remodels in 2018. The engineered quartz slab has versatile options available, is durable, and has lesser maintenance requirements. Below are six mistakes you are doing that are accidentally ruining your quartz countertop.
1. Not Cleaning Spills Immediately
Most homeowners make the mistake of waiting too long before they can wipe off spills on their countertops. While manufacturers like Bellingham quartz may market the slabs as stain-resistant, prolonged contact with acidic liquids may cause the surface to stain. As a good rule of thumb, always clean your spill as soon as it occurs with soapy water and a soft cloth.
2. Using Wrong Cleaning Supplies
Most experts recommend cleaning your kitchen surfaces at least once daily. However, using the wrong cleaning solutions on your quartz countertop can erode the beauty of the engineered stone. Too acidic or alkaline household cleaners can damage the resins on your slab, thus staining it.
3. Using Abrasive pads
Some homeowners use abrasive cleaning pads that starch and dull their quartz countertops. You should avoid hard-bristled brushes, scrubbing pads, and metal scourers at all costs. Use a gentle approach, preferably a soft rug to clean and a cotton cloth to dry. This way, your quartz surface will remain beautiful and shiny for a long time to come.
4. Scraping Stains Using Metal Objects
No matter how much you try to keep your kitchen clean, every once in a while, you might have to scrape off gunk that stuck on your surfaces. You risk scrapping off the paint on the fabrication countertops when you use sharp metal objects. Always use a plastic knife or scraper to remove the stain.
5. Cutting Foods Directly on the Countertop
Most quartz slabs, such as Bellingham countertops, are NSF-approved. They are safe for the preparation of food. However, with the right amount of force, using knives directly on the surface to chop and cut your ingredients can result in scratches. The small nicks and scratches gradually dull your surface and erode the beauty of your quartz countertop.
6. Placing Hot Appliances on Your Countertop
While quartz may be highly heat-resistant, prolonged exposure will damage the resin causing it to discolor. Temperatures above 300° F can spell bad news for your countertop. Besides, sudden extreme changes in temperature may lead to slab cracking. Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the countertop’s surface. You can use buffers such as cooking pads and trivets to protect the quartz from direct exposure to heat.
While quartz countertops are quite durable, they can get scratches, stains, or crack when not maintained properly. If you manage to avoid the six mistakes above, your countertop may last for years to come. For more information on how to better protect your quartz countertop, feel free to contact Supreme Stone.
FAQs
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. 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.
What destroys quartz countertops? ›
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. 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.
What are the don'ts for quartz countertops? ›
Don't ignore spills: Especially if they're wine, vinegar, tea, juice, or soda spills. These liquids are either acidic or corrosive, and aren't a friend of any type of surface. Quartz is tough, but it doesn't like to be sorely tested.
Is it OK to use Clorox wipes on quartz countertops? ›
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.
Can I put my toaster on quartz? ›
In most cases, it is perfectly fine to use cooking appliances such as toaster ovens, air fryers, and microwaves on a quartz surface. However, these appliances could cause some slight discoloration after prolonged use. So, if you use your appliances often, it is best to use either trivets or heat-resistant mats.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on quartz countertops? ›
Dried-On Spills
For stubborn dried spills use a soft cloth and gentle common kitchen liquid cleaner such as, Dawn Ultra Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid. Green Works Dish Soap.
Will Magic Eraser scratch quartz? ›
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.
Can I use Lysol wipes on quartz? ›
Quartz Countertop Cleaners to Avoid
Most household cleaners you would usually use to do a quick clean with such as Windex, vinegar and Lysol wipes (some of which contain bleach) are not a good idea for quartz countertops.
Can you put a coffee maker on quartz countertop? ›
They don't scratch easily and don't need to be resealed. When it comes to heat, proceeded with reasonable caution. Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces. It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter.
What is the best everyday cleaner for quartz countertops? ›
However, one of the best cleaners for quartz countertops is simply a mixture of water and liquid dish soap. The cleaning instructions that come with your quartz countertop will provide the best guidelines for your specific finish.
While quartz countertops are resistant to stains, they can still be damaged by acidic solutions such as vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic solution with a pH level of around 2.5, which can etch and dull the surface of your quartz countertops.
Is Windex OK to use on quartz? ›
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.
Does vinegar damage quartz countertops? ›
Quartz countertops are combined with acid-sensitive resins during their manufacturing, meaning they are vulnerable to chemical damage. This causes acidic products such as vinegar, lemon juice, or acidic cleaners to eat through the resins, "etching" the surface. As a result, quartz requires pH-neutral cleaners.
Can you use paper towels on quartz? ›
All you have to do during routine, day-to-day cleaning is get your paper towel wet with a little water then wipe down your quartz countertops.
Can I put a crockpot on a quartz countertop? ›
Do NOT use crock pots or electric skillets while in direct contact with your Quartz surfaces. Always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock.
Can rubbing alcohol be used on quartz? ›
Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) is a safe and effective cleaning option for quartz counters. You can use it as a regular counter cleaner for more difficult buildups, as a stain remover, or as a countertop polish whenever you want to give your counters a luster boost.
What chemical dissolves quartz? ›
Quartz contains silica ( SiO2 ). It dissolves in hydrofluoric acid ( HF ). SiF4 + 2HF → H2SiF6 ( Fluorosilicic acid ).
Does vinegar destroy quartz? ›
Quartz countertops are combined with acid-sensitive resins during their manufacturing, meaning they are vulnerable to chemical damage. This causes acidic products such as vinegar, lemon juice, or acidic cleaners to eat through the resins, "etching" the surface. As a result, quartz requires pH-neutral cleaners.
What stains the worst on quartz? ›
Other common countertop stains include hot sauce, sharpie marker, spaghetti sauce, nail polish, and brightly colored spices like cumin and turmeric. In addition to damaging the finish, these stains can significantly alter your quartz countertop colors.
Is Magic Eraser safe for quartz countertops? ›
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.
