When it is about construction or home renovation, quartz is found to be one of the common favorites among homeowners as well as designers.
It is widely used by people across the world as it is a durable yet elegant stone. The aesthetic appearance of this stone urges people to invest in it.
However, there’s a question regarding the sealing of quartz similar to granite. Since granite requires sealing, does the quartz countertop is in the same boat or not?
Let’s clear the confusion with comprehensive information about quartz sealing query along with tips to maintain this stone.
Should Quartz Countertops Be Sealed?
Quartz is a man-made material. It is composed of resins and different natural stones. This stone is highly concentrated with silicon dioxide hence does not exhibit a porous nature.
There is a permanent seal on the surface of the quartz that is created during the process of fabrication. This is the reason quartz is enduring, strong, and visually appealing stone for home remodeling.
The non-porous surface and permanent sealing are the main characteristics of the stone that keep it away from the sealing process.
Natural stone materials like granite or marble are porous with a greater likelihood of stains as the substances can seep through the pores on the surface. Such stones require sealing to enhance the life of the surface.
Unlike granite and marble, quartz is not porous thereby, stains are unlikely to happen. Nevertheless, this does not allow the users to expose the quartz surface to any kind of substance.
It is extremely important to be cautious of spills on the quartz surface as it is not completely stain-proof. It is just the fabrication process that saves the quartz from the hassle of sealing.
Chemicals That Can Damage Your Quartz Countertops
Unlike granite, quartz is more sensitive to chemicals. The surface of the quartz can get rough and the color gets faded whenever you use certain harsh or highly acidic chemical products on the countertop.
When it comes to cleaning regularly, you don’t have to worry about tough stains. The surface easily gets wiped off by using normal soapy water.
However, if you leave the stains on the surface for a couple of days, you will need different substances to remove the residues.
The key is to clean the gorgeous quartz countertops right after any spills or food stains are noticed. You need to be aware of certain chemicals that can damage your quartz countertops.
Bleach
Bleach is the greatest enemy of Quartz countertops. Common household cleaners may have bleach in them to clean harsh stains.
You need to check the instructions first before applying the liquid to the quartz countertop surface. It is highly recommended to avoid bleach and oil-based soaps.
High pH cleaners
Strong alkaline products should not be used on a quartz countertop. It can damage the texture of the surface.
Solvents
Make sure you never use solvents like nail paint remover, methylene chloride, bluing, thinner, and so on.
These chemicals can decrease the life of the quartz countertop by fading the color and damaging the texture thereby, you should follow the care guides and avoid using these chemicals.
6 Best Tips to Care for Your Quartz Countertops
Aftercare is the main thing most people are concerned about. Since quartz is not a natural stone countertop, this man-made surface requires proper care to get long-term results.
Following is the list of the 6 best tips to care for your quartz countertops. You can maintain the shine and texture of the surface by following these amazing tips.
1.| Avoid Prolonged Heat Exposure
Although quartz is a heat-resistant stone. It can bear up to 300o Fahrenheit heat.
However, prolonged exposure to increased temperature can result in cracking the surface. This can damage the entire look of the quartz surface.
To sustain the shine and overall look of this beautiful stone, you should be careful while putting hot pans directly on the slab.
2.| Use Cutting Board
Sometimes while working in the kitchen, you do the cutting job directly on the countertop.
It is easy and does no harm however, in the long run, it is restricted by the professionals.
You should use a cutting board in order to avoid getting sharp marks on the quartz countertop.
3.| Avoid Outdoor Installation
Quartz countertop is not recommended for outdoor settings. Direct exposure to sunlight and weather extremities can end up in faded color.
There is also an increased risk of splitting or warping in an open-air setting. This is the reason the designers do not suggest installing quartz in outdoor kitchens.
4.| Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals
The bond between the resins and quartz can be disintegrated when a highly acidic substance or citrus cleaner is used.
You should avoid using any harsh chemicals like concentrated bleach and oven cleaners on the quartz surface. This will damage the surface of this man-made stone.
5.| Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is the best care tip for any stone. It is suggested to wipe the surface daily.
The countertop can be cleaned with normal soapy water on a daily basis in order to avoid getting stubborn stains that get permanent and require specific chemicals to clean it.
Such chemicals can destroy the shine and polish of the stone.
6.| Do not use scourers or steel wool
The quartz kitchen countertop can become dull and rough if you use any abrasive solutions or steel wool.
The best-suited tactic is to use any soft fabric or sponge to wipe the surface. You can enhance the life of the quartz surface if you clean it daily using a soft cloth.
Final Thoughts
Quartz is a man-made stone and requires proper aftercare. The most important tip is to use only the suggested surface cleaner that is suitable for quartz surfaces and avoid abrasive cleaning materials.
It is advised to follow the instructions about cleaning strictly.
Unlike other stones, the surface of the quartz is already sealed permanently therefore, you do not have to worry about it.
If you need more assistance, the countertop experts in Boston are just a call away. You can contact us online here or call us at 978-447-1001
Related Questions
Do quartz countertops stain?
Yes, quartz countertops get stains. However, it is less likely to happen, unlike other natural stones due to non-porous surfaces.
Does quartz need to be polished?
Quartz countertops are already polished permanently. It is up to the users to polish the surface.