Quartz makes a beautiful countertop material but there can be problems with quartz countertops that homeowners don t expect.
What can damage quartz countertops.
Filling chips and cracks in quartz.
Here are some recommendations homeowners should follow to prevent damage to their quartz countertops.
Quartz countertops are scratch resistant but due to their hardness they may dull a knife that is used directly on the surface.
Pot holders and trivets should be used to protect a quartz countertop from anything hot.
Prolonged exposure to high heat can leave scorch marks or discoloration on the countertop.
How to clean quartz countertops with vinegar.
Quartz is also not a good choice for an outdoor countertop.
Quartz countertops heat damage.
The problem with quartz countertops and heat comes in when you put something really hot on the surface.
Unlike the older material mostly known as the brand corian quartz is not 100 percent synthetic or impervious to damage newer and more modern quartz is more than 90 percent natural quartz and resins.
The exact temperature threshold depends on the quality and manufacturer.
Vinegar is not recommended to use for quartz.
Use cutting boards in the kitchen.
In fact constant exposure to the elements can warp the surface of the quartz and lead to splitting.
The fabrication process ensures that quartz countertops are resistant to abrasion stains and impact.
Use glass or surface cleaner along with a nonabrasive sponge to remove stains.
Like all natural stone countertops quartz can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature.
During the fabrication of quartz the ground quartz and the resins are cured at temperatures of up to 185 degrees fahrenheit.
Regardless to be safe you should always put a pad or trivet between hot cookware and quartz countertops.
Some experts claim quartz can handle up to 300 degrees without damage and while others say they can only handle 150 degrees.
The countertop fasteners and brackets should be snug without being loose or too tight.
These chemicals can damage the surface of the quartz and wear it down over time.
Quartz has a price tag similar to granite but doesn t offer the same heat resistance.
Dry the spot with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid water stains and streaks in this area.
Clean fresh spills with dish soap and a soft cloth e g microfiber.
Quartz can scratch and stain and it is very difficult to install yourself.
Your local home improvement store should have a chip repair kit for quartz.
However quartz countertop heat damage can occur.
You don t want to leave the lemon juice on your quartz countertops for too long because the acid can damage the finish.
Most of them are two part epoxy kits that can be tinted to match your countertop.
Avoid using chemicals that contain acids or alkaline on quartz.