8 Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are the perfect finishing touch for any kitchen or bathroom, and to keep them sparkling like new, it’s important to take the proper steps when caring for quartz countertops.

Quartz countertops are the perfect finishing touch for any kitchen or bathroom, and to keep them sparkling like new, it’s important to take the proper steps when caring for quartz countertops.

Some mistakes can leave an unforgivable mark on your quartz countertops, even just while you’re doing your daily clean. Since countertops are an investment, adequate quartz care must be done to avoid damage to the beautiful stone.

To prevent spending extra money on repairs, you’ll want to avoid making the following mistakes. Once you know what to avoid, you’ll be on track to keep your quartz countertops strong and damage-free.

#1: Not Wiping Spills Right Away

Spills are not good for countertops, even with durable stone-like quartz. While quartz is a material that’s considered stain-resistant, that doesn’t make it completely stain-proof. Frequent spills that aren’t cleaned or areas where the sealant has broken down will allow liquids to absorb and leave a stain – and stains can be a real challenge to remove!

For this reason, it’s always important to wipe up spills when managing the care of quartz kitchen countertops . When wiping up spills, we recommend using a blotting motion with paper towels instead of sweeping them across your counter to avoid the spill from spreading. Then, rinse the surface a few times with water and dry off with a soft cloth.

#2: Using Unsuitable Cleaning Supplies

One of the most important steps when learning how to care for quartz countertops is understanding what you can and can’t use as a cleaner. Keeping surfaces clean is a top priority, particularly in spaces like the kitchen and bathroom, but not all cleansers are suitable to use on quartz. In fact, harsh and acidic solutions can cause the sealant on your countertops to weaken, causing more lasting stains.

When it comes to what not to use on quartz countertops, we recommend avoiding:

• Concentrated bleach
• Acidic and alkaline cleansers
• Acidic cleaners like lime, lemon, or vinegar

For the best cleaning habits for your quartz countertops, simple is better. When doing your daily clean, we recommend mixing the following solutions with water:

• Dish soap
• Antibacterial soap
• Hand soap

These options will provide a gentle clean for your countertops without causing harm to the sealant.

#3: Scrubbing with Abrasive or Sharp Objects

When it comes to how to care for quartz kitchen countertops, sharp, abrasive cleaning tools are a big no-no.

Sharp objects and cleaning tools can leave marks on the countertop, creating entry points for any spills you may have to leave a stain. For this reason, scrubbing pads, brushes, and metal scourers should all be avoided when cleaning your countertops.

Instead, opt for a soft cloth to clean your quartz and dry them off once you’re done cleaning for the perfect, shiny finish.

#4: Cutting Food Directly on Your Countertop

Wondering, “can you cut on quartz?” Similar to the need for using gentle cleaning products, cutting on quartz should be avoided.

Quartz is scratch-resistant , but it’s not fully scratch-proof, and the small scratches and nicks caused by forgoing a cutting board can add up over time, leaving your countertops looking dull. Additionally, these scratches allow liquids to easily enter the stone, leaving behind stains. To keep your countertops looking new, use a cutting board (or opt for plastic utensils!).

#5: Putting Hot Pots on Quartz Countertops

Many stones are equipped to handle a good deal of heat, including quartz, without causing any damage or staining. So, is quartz heat resistant? Technically, yes, but that doesn’t mean you should test its limits. Though quartz is equipped to handle a certain amount of heat, this surface is not immune to it. While quartz is one of the more heat-resistant stones, it should only be exposed to heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The big question in a bustling kitchen is, “can you put hot pans on quartz?” Putting hot pans on quartz countertops can cause issues with quartz, damaging the resin on the surface to ultimately lead to discoloration. The kind of discoloration caused by heat actually can’t be fixed the majority of the time, requiring that you replace the entire slab of stone to rid of an unwanted stain.

Stains aren’t the only factor. Excessive heat can also cause the stone to crack. For this reason, avoiding direct exposure to heat is best when caring for quartz countertops.

#6: Exposing Quartz Countertops to Acids Substances

Similar to harsh cleaning solutions, you should avoid acidic foods or juices coming in contact with quartz. We understand – there are a lot of acidic items in your daily routine. From coffee and milk to fruits and vegetables, there should be a barrier between all of these items and your quartz countertops.

To avoid any stains or harm to the sealant, wipe up any spills of acidic substances immediately and promptly rinse with water.

#7: Standing or Sitting on a Quartz Countertop

While quartz is certainly a durable, strong stone , standing and sitting on these countertops can cause significant damage. This is because most countertops are not installed with a plywood backing, and with a lack of flexibility in such a solid stone, the added weight can cause pressure that leads to cracking. By avoiding putting too much excess weight on your countertops, you can maintain their strength for years to come.

#8: Applying Heat for Getting Rid of Tough Build-Ups

Still wondering, “does heat damage quartz countertops?” Yes, it does.

Even in the case of tough build-up on your countertops that just won’t come off, you should not use heat to loosen it up. It seems like a simple solution at the moment, but this can cause your surface to look dull and discolored. To maintain the unique color and strength of your quartz, avoid applying heat for any reason.

Conclusion

Quartz is a beautiful addition to every home, and while this stone is built to last, a few common mistakes can lead to pretty significant damage. From not cutting on quartz or putting hot pans on quartz countertops, a few small tweaks can make a world of difference for the longevity of your stone countertops.

If you still have questions about the care of quartz kitchen countertops, help to fix damage caused by one of these mistakes, or need some professional advice, our team of experts at Pro Stone Countertops are happy to help. With extensive experience and knowledge of quartz countertops, we can ensure your latest addition to your home is ready to last through the years. To answer any questions, call us at 662-214-5039 today.