When it comes to kitchen countertops, quartz is the new standard. Quartz countertops are durable and easy-to-clean surfaces which make them perfect for kitchens where food is made, prepared, or stored.
However, even though they are great for cooking and cleaning up after meals, there are some things that you should never use on your quartz counters.
Things you should not use on quartz countertops include;
- Bleach
- High pH Cleaners
- Ammonia
- Abrasive Cleaners Or Soap
- Abrasive Sponge
- Oil-Based Cleaners
- Avoid Using Knives on Quartz countertops
- Heat
- Avoid Using Oven Cleaner
- Wax & Polish
- Avoid Using Drain Cleaners
Let’s get into the details.
1. Bleach
One of the first things that come to mind when talking about the things you should not use on quartz countertops is bleach.
While this common household cleaner works great on most surfaces, it can cause significant damage to quartz over time. Some of the issues that can arise from using bleach on your countertops include:
- Yellowing of stone surfaces
- Creation of visible damage
- Residue on countertop
This is why you should always remember to read the label of whatever product it is that you are using.
2. High pH Cleaners
High pH cleaners are in two folds; do not use highly acidic and highly alkaline cleaners on your quartz countertops.
Apart from bleach you are also not supposed to use acidic cleaners on your quartz countertops for day-to-day cleaning except only when necessary.
These include vinegar, lemon juice, etc which can all lead to damage over time if they are used on a regular basis.
Acidic cleaners are recommended only in the cases when you need which is a common household cleaner and ingredient in recipes.
However, if you do use it, be sure to wipe down your countertops with a damp cloth afterward. Never leave acidic cleaners on the surface for extended periods of time.
Alkaline cleaners on the other hand can also cause damage because they can lead to dulling of the surface over time.
So in short nothing high or low in pH should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary.
3. Ammonia
While ammonia is an effective household cleaning product, it can also cause damage to quartz over time.
You should avoid using cleaners that are high in ammonia on your quartz countertops.
They can cause etching, staining, and discoloration on the surface over time making it harder to clean.
The same goes for ammonia-based window cleaners which can cause scratching, etching, and cloudiness. This is not something you want to happen on your countertops.
4. Abrasive Cleaners Or Soap
Abrasive cleaners or soaps are other things that you should not use on quartz countertops unless they have been specifically designed for this use.
Cleaning up a spill with an abrasive cleaner can lead to scratching and damage over time, which is why it should not be used on quartz surfaces.
If you do use soap, be sure to wipe down your countertops with a damp cloth afterward and never leave it on the surface for extended periods of time.
5. Abrasive Sponge
Abrasive sponges are another thing that you should not use on quartz countertops as they can scratch and damage the surface over time.
The only time you should use a sponge on your countertops is when they have been specifically designed for this purpose or there is a particular type of stain or build-up you’re trying to remove.
Never use a sponge that has been used on other surfaces, especially abrasive ones like tile or grout as they can lead to scratching.
6. Oil-Based Cleaners
If you are using oil-based cleaners on your countertops you should immediately stop and see if there is an alternative.
Using oil-based cleaners can lead to discoloration on the surface, which is why they should never be used on quartz countertops.
But there’s is always an exception. There are instances like ink and permanent marker stains were using oil-based cleaners like Goo Gone and make sure to use warm water to rinse out any residue.
7. Avoid Using Knives on Quartz countertops
Quartz is quite scratch-resistant, but it is not scratch-proof. Meaning that quartz can still have scratches and marks on them, which is why you should never use knives or other sharp objects directly on quartz countertops.
When it comes to cutting and chopping, always use a cutting board or chopping mat. Never try to chop directly on the surface as it can result in permanent damage over time.
8. Heat
Quartz countertops can withstand heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why you should never place hot dishes directly on the surface.
Never use direct heat on your quartz countertops. This includes things like hot pads, trivets, etc that can lead to discoloration on the surface over time if they are used too frequently or for extended periods of time.
You should also never use a heat gun to strip off the finish of your countertops.
Avoid using heating appliances like toaster ovens, hot plates or other things that can lead to discoloration or damage on the surface of your countertops.
Do not use direct heat to clean up spills as it can lead to permanent discoloration on the surface.
9. Avoid Using Oven Cleaner
Oven cleaners are designed to remove tough stains from ovens, so they are not designed to be used on quartz countertops.
Using oven cleaners can lead to permanent damage over time, so use a cleaner specifically made for quartz countertops.
If you do need to clean up a spill, use warm soapy water and dry immediately afterward with a soft cloth.
10. Wax & Polish
Wax and polish are designed to be used on porous surfaces such as wood, granite, marble, etc. The reason why wax and polishes are often used on this porous material is to make them waterproof and protected from water damage.
Quartz does not have the same porous properties, so you should avoid waxing and polishing it as much as possible. This is why you should not wax or polish quartz countertops at all.
However, there are some instances where a water-based sealant can be used as a protective coating, but this should only be used after consulting with a professional.
As mentioned earlier quartz is a nonporous surface, so wax and polish should not be used on their countertops.
Using wax or polish can lead to the quartz countertop surface being sticky and slippery, which is why they should not be used on quartz.
11. Avoid Using Drain Cleaners
Quartz countertops are not designed to withstand any harsh chemicals, especially drain cleaners. They can lead to permanent damage to the surface of your countertops, so you should never use them.
Always avoid using drain cleaners on quartz countertops as they can lead to permanent damage over time.
Using drain cleaners can lead to discoloration, staining, and corrosion on the surface of your countertops.
Drain cleaners are usually designed to remove organic buildup, but they can also cause corrosion on quartz countertops if used too frequently.
Avoid using drain cleaners on quartz countertops as it can lead to permanent damage.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the different benefits of using quartz countertops in your home?
A. Quartz is very durable and scratch-resistant, which makes it a great product to use in your kitchen. It is also easy for homeowners to clean and maintain, which makes it a popular choice among homeowners.
Q. How do you care for quartz countertops?
A. Quartz is naturally nonporous, which means it doesn’t absorb anything like water or oil. This makes it a great material for countertops because you don’t have to worry about spills unless they sit on the surface too long. You should clean your countertops regularly with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Q. What are the benefits of using polished quartz over honed?
A. Honed is less expensive, but polished quartz looks great and comes with a lifetime warranty that honed does not have. Polished quartz can also create a sheen that honed does not have.
Q. Can you use resin cleaner on quartz countertops?
A. Yes, resin cleaner is a great product to use on quartz countertops because it’s safe and effective. Resin cleaners are made specifically for nonporous surfaces like quartz. Resin cleaners are designed to remove organic buildup, but they can also cause damage to the surface of your countertops if used too frequently.