Congratulations on your new quartz countertops! When it comes to kitchen maintenance, do you know which mistakes to avoid with quartz? This is an essential part of keeping your kitchen in tip-top shape for years to come.

What should I avoid with my kitchen’s new quartz countertops?

First of all, don’t set hot items directly on the countertop, and be sure to use a chopping board when prepping. Abrasive cleaning pads are a no-go for this easy-to-clean stone. Try to remember to clean spills immediately to avoid staining. And finally, stick to the right cleaning agents to keep things in shape. 

1. Setting Hot Items Directly on the Countertop
2. Not Using a Chopping Board
3. Scrubbing with Abrasive Cleaning Pads
4. Not Cleaning Up Spills Immediately
5. Using the Wrong Cleaning Agents

1) Setting Hot Items Directly on the Countertop

Quartz countertops can handle some heat, but they’re not invincible. If things get hotter than 300°F, it’s trouble. 

Avoid plopping down hot pots or pans right onto your countertop. That intense heat can mess up the resin on the surface and make it change color. Once the heat causes discoloration, there’s no going back. You’ll end up having to replace the whole slab.

Plus, if the temperature suddenly changes, your quartz might crack. So, whenever you’ve got something hot to put down, always use trivets or cooking pads to keep the heat off. Remember to protect your investment!

2) Not Using a Chopping Board

Keeping your quartz countertops in top shape is all about being proactive. Some quartz slabs are safe for prepping food, which is awesome. But here’s the thing: if you start hacking away with knives on the surface, you’re asking for trouble. Those blades can leave behind scratches that might seem small at first, but over time, they’ll wreck the look of your countertop. 

So, whenever you’re chopping up ingredients, do yourself a favor and grab a chopping board. It’ll save your quartz from getting all beat up.

3) Scrubbing with Abrasive Cleaning Pads

Don’t reach for those rough cleaning pads when wiping down your countertop. They might seem harmless, but they can leave tiny scratches that dull the shine over time. 

Stick to scouring pads or a microfiber cloth instead. They’re gentle and won’t leave any marks behind. Plus, experts swear by them for keeping your quartz looking its best. With the right kitchen cleaning tools, your quartz will stay gorgeous for ages.

4) Not Cleaning Up Spills Immediately

If you let spills hang out too long on your countertop, they’ll soak in and leave a stain. This is especially true with acidic ones like wine or vinegar. Quartz has a pretty good stain resistance, but it’s not bulletproof.

To keep your countertop looking pristine, the key is to stop stains before they start. But if you do spill something, don’t wait around—clean it up right away! Just grab a soft dishcloth and some warm, soapy water, and wipe away the mess.

5) Using the Wrong Cleaning Agents

Using any cleaning solutions not recommended for quartz will leave stubborn stains. Steer clear of alkaline and acidic cleaning products. They’ll break down the bonds between quartz and resin, causing lasting damage. Nasty stuff like vinegar, lime, or lemon will eat away at the sealant over time, making stains more likely.

Stick to cleaners made specifically for quartz. But if you don’t have any, no worries. Just mix some water with hand soap, dish soap, or antibacterial soap. It definitely does the trick for your everyday cleaning needs. It’s easy, effective, and keeps your engineered stone countertops looking great.

Maintaining Beautiful Stone for Years to Come

When maintaining kitchen countertops, don’t overlook these mistakes to avoid with quartz. The best way to reverse any damage done is always to prevent it happening in the first place. If you have questions about your engineered stone for kitchens and baths, don’t hesitate to get advice from our experts at R&D Marble. 

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our quartz countertops for your new kitchen!