If you are considering getting quartz countertops, know you will invest in one of the strongest engineered materials for your kitchen or bathroom. But even though this stone is very durable, you should still take precautions.
Here are some critical do’s and don’ts when taking care of your quartz countertops.
Do’s of Quartz Countertops
What exactly should you do to keep your quartz countertops in tip-top shape? Here are a few tips.
• Clean It Regularly With Non-Abrasive or Non-Acidic Cleaning Solutions
One of the most important things you can do is to keep your quartz countertops cleaned regularly. Although many purchase quartz countertops because they aren’t as porous as natural stone countertops, this doesn’t mean that they can’t stain. It would be best to get any spills up as soon as possible, especially red-colored stains and drinks or foods with acid.
Choosing cleaners that aren’t abrasive or acidic is a good idea. Using such cleaners can cause etching or dullness on your quartz countertops. There are specially formulated cleaners you can buy from retailers. But for a simple solution, combining warm water and gentle dish soap will keep the surface clean.
Since quartz countertops aren’t porous, you may not have to worry about infecting the surface. But if you want to keep germs and bacteria at bay, consider mixing two parts Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, with 1 part water in a spray bottle to create a spray solution for your countertops.
Allow the solution to sit for about 3 minutes, and use a soft cloth to wipe away the excess moisture. When cleaning your countertops, be sure to use a microfiber towel to avoid scratching the surface of the quartz.
• Ensure Your Warranty is Active
Another important thing to do is that you make sure that you activate your quartz warranty as soon as possible after purchasing and installing your countertops. Standard warranties range from 15 years to 25 years. However, there are a few companies that may offer lifetime warranties. Typically, you have 30 days to register the product, but the sooner you do, the better.
A quartz warranty will cover manufacturing defects that may occur throughout the warranty coverage period. It does not cover general wear. If your quartz countertops become dull or damaged over time, you will have to hire a refinishing company to repair them.
Don’ts of Quartz Countertops
After reviewing a few things you should do with quartz countertops, here are a few things you shouldn’t do with them.
• Put Hot Pans or Cups Directly On The Surface
Quartz is a durable surface. But unlike marble and granite, it is a manufactured stone, not a natural one. Quartz itself is a natural stone. However, quartz countertops aren’t made up only of this stone. It is approximately 93 to 95 percent quartz, while the remaining percentage is resin. Resin can melt at high temperatures, which can ruin your countertops.
If you must sit hot items on your countertop, use a trivet or coaster as a buffer. A large folded towel can also help minimize heat transfer that can damage your quartz kitchen countertops. The best option is to avoid placing hot items on the surface.
• Cut Directly on Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the most durable countertops on the market. While you can cut on the surface of this countertop, it isn’t advisable. Sharp knives may scratch the surface of the quartz. To avoid scratching your countertops, avoid using them as cutting boards. Instead, it is a good idea to buy and use actual cutting boards.
• Seal Them
With marble, granite, and other natural countertops, you may have to seal them because they are porous and absorb anything on the surface. Quartz countertops are manufactured, not natural. Therefore, they are non-porous and won’t need sealants to protect them.
• Use Them As Space For Hobbies
Whether you are a visual artist or a die-hard home improvement DIYer, this is not the place to store your items or work on your hobbies. Ultimately, no one can tell you what to do with your countertops. But as a word to the wise, using this space for hobbies can damage the countertops.
Paint, paint thinners, and other art-related materials can damage the surface. Additionally, markers, especially permanent markers, can harm the countertops’ surface. Finally, using force on the surface by doing something such as hammering could crack the surface. So, avoid using this space as a place to do hobbies.
• Use Them As a Ladder
As you know, quartz is a very durable material. So quartz countertops can withstand a lot when it comes to general use. However, this doesn’t mean you should use them as a ladder to reach items in your upper cabinets or change out lights in fixtures above them.
Avoid climbing on and standing on your quartz kitchen countertops. Even though they can sustain enormous weight, you shouldn’t take chances putting an extraordinary amount on them. Not only could you damage the countertops, but you could severely injure yourself.
Additional Considerations
Another thing to do with your quartz countertop, particularly if you are replacing them with new ones or getting another type of countertop, is to recycle them. This countertop is an eco-friendly option.
Your new installer may take the countertops away and recycle them for you. Otherwise, you may also take your countertops to a local recycling center.
If you want to make a few bucks on your old countertops, consider selling them. You will need to have them professionally removed and stored until you find a potential buyer, which could eat into your earnings. So, weigh the pros and cons of selling to ensure it is worth the effort.
Alpha Stone is the best Quartz Granite Marble Countertop fabricator in Richmond, Virginia. We offer customers many options to choose the best match for their countertop projects with a contemporary style.
Alpha Stone serves in Manchester, South Richmond, Montrose, Williamson Farms, Varina, Highland Springs, East Highland Park, Sandston, Mechanicsville, Atlee, Dumbarton, Lakeside, Chamberlayne, Glen Allen, Laurel, Henrico, Innsbrook, Short Pump, Tuckahoe, West Broad Village, Stony Point, Lorraine, Bon Air, Midlothian, North Chesterfield, Rockwood, Afton, Chester, Bensley, Bellwood, Ampthill Virginia.
Get in touch with us today to receive a free estimate for your custom kitchen countertop!