This care guide gives you a few tips on properly caring for your quartz stone and helps you extend its life and beauty.
Following some simple precautions and using the correct cleaning methods will ensure a lifetime of use from your quartz stone.
What is Quartz Stone?
It is made from quartz and offers the visual depth of granite; it is available in many colors and patterns. Its nonporous surface resists scratches, is easy to maintain and does not require annual sealing. Brands include Cambria (MA), HanStone (FL), Silestone (MA), Zodiaq, Caesarstone, and Technistone.
Sealing Your Stone
Because it is nonporous, quartz polished surfaces do not need to be sealed, as do other stones to prevent staining. Unlike granite, quartz surfacing is a nearly indestructible material. It is resistant to stains caused by wine, fruit juices, liquid food coloring, tea, nail polish and remover, and felt-tip markers. Its nonporous nature is also extremely hygienic, making it a food-safe choice.
Though the quartz surface can briefly tolerate moderate temperatures for a brief time, it can be damaged by high heat and prolonged exposure to heat. Use a hot pad or trivet when placing a hot pan on it. No surface is indestructible, though. However, as with any other stone or surface material, strong chemicals and solvents such as Drano®, Liquid Plummer®, oven cleaners, and floor strippers will damage the surface.
Care and Maintenance
Strength & Durability:
Engineered stone has performed numerous laboratory tests to prove that quartz surfaces are twice as strong as granite. It's a surface that is truly everlasting.
Maintenance Free:
No sealing, polishing, or reconditioning is needed. Simply wash with warm water. It's that simple. Unlike granite, Quartz Stone surfaces resist stains from fruit juices, food coloring, coffee, tea, grape juice, and nail polish.
Food Safe:
Unlike granite, engineered stone has been certified by NSF International for use as a food preparation surface. Quartz Stone is nonporous, making cleanup easy and preventing food and moisture from penetrating its surface — the primary source of growth for harmful bacteria.
All Natural
Quartz surfaces are created from pure natural quartz; an extremely hard stone crystal mined directly from the earth. Quartz is the hardest non-precious stone that can be found on the earth's surface.
Everlasting Value:
With its beauty and performance advantages over granite, an engineered kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity will add value to your home.
Sunlight Exposure:
Continuous long-term exposure to direct sunlight (UV rays) may result in slight discoloration of Quartz Stone countertops. However, most indoor applications will not apply.
Caution:
Must not be used for the following:
Products containing oils or powders may leave residue;
Repetitive use of abrasive scrub/cleaners may dull Quartz Stone's finish;
Use of oven/grill cleaner may discolor Quartz Stone and should be avoided.
Repetitive exposure to extreme heat may damage the Quartz Stone finish.
