Quartz is a common and popular stone used in homes, primarily as backsplashes and countertops. Quartz is a popular choice because it is durable and has a wide selection of color choices and patterns. So, what exactly is quartz?
Quartz is a manufactured stone composed of natural minerals and resin. The minerals are mined and then ground into an aggregate and fused with resin & heat to form a beautiful quartz slab. Since quartz is a manufactured stone, it isn’t as glossy as natural stones. It does have a polished finish, but not the glass-like look like granite. However, quartz is just as durable as granite. The difference is that damage caused to quartz is harder to repair or irreversible.
Quartz is not porous, which means sealing quartz is unnecessary. Quartz is also highly stain-resistant but not stain-proof. Foods, such as food dyes, cause staining. Clean up spills quickly to prevent staining. But if staining does occur, it is repairable damage.
Repairing quartz is more difficult due to its composition. Avoid these common errors to prevent having to replace your counters. First, just because you can cut on your quartz does not mean you should. Quartz is strong, but knives are sharp. Consistently cutting on your quartz stone may result in scratches and chips. Also, certain foods have high acidity, and the juice can cause etching in the quartz.
Second, quartz can be cracked or chipped. Activities such as throwing car keys on the countertop every day can cause damage over time. Place harder objects on the counter lightly. If you have an island that doubles as seating space, try not to let the chair hit the counter – overtime damage will occur.
Third, quartz is not heat resistant. Use heat protectants; exposing quartz to extreme heat may cause irreversible damage. It’s okay to place a hot cup of coffee or bowl of soup, but lay down a hot pad or trivet before placing hot pans on the counter. If you allow long and constant exposure to high heat, it will lead to discoloration or burn marks on the quartz. Discoloration caused by heat damage usually can’t be fixed, and you will need to replace that entire slab of stone. In addition, sudden extreme changes in temperature can create thermal expansion and cause the surface to crack.
Lastly, care for your quartz properly. We recommend using cleaners specifically created for quartz; other cleaners may have chemicals that can cause damage. Here are a few to look out for: concentrated alkaline products (baking soda), abrasive cleaning materials (vinegar, alcohol-based, and bleach), and cleaning products with high acidity. If you do not have a quartz cleaner, use warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals because they can potentially break down the bonds between the resins and quartz
All things considered, it takes a lot to cause damage to quartz, but it is possible. Use cutting boards, hot pads or trivets, do not use excessive force when placing hard objects on the stone, and use the proper cleaners. Follow these suggestions, and your quartz is guaranteed to last for years.
Need a good quartz cleaner? Come by our showroom and pick up a bottle of MORE, a Daily Quartz Cleaner + Protector.