The majority of homeowners still see kitchen remodeling as one of the most important home renovation aspects. Based on statistics, one in every household does a kitchen remodel yearly.
The most important surface in your home is the countertop, and it is the main feature that homeowners want to replace. They contact countertop replacement services to have their quartz countertop installed. However, there are mistakes that some people make when it comes to their countertop. If you are planning to get quartz countertops, you should know what not to do in order to properly maintain it. Find out what you must not do so that it will last for a long time.
Relying Too Much on Harsh Cleaners
Harsh cleaners loaded with chemicals do not mix well with quartz countertops. It is important to stay away from alkaline and acidic cleaners because they can weaken the bonds between quartz and resin and can damage the surface layer over time. While it hampers the sealant’s efficacy too, the countertop can become prone to easily getting stained.
You Do Not Wipe Spills Right Away
If you allow any type of spill to sit on your countertop, specifically an acidic solution like vinegar or wine, for a long time on your countertop, it is going to penetrate the stone. This will result in staining. Quartz is normally marketed to be stain-resistant. It is crucial to remember that the engineered stone is not stain-proof.
The best way for you to prevent stains is to make sure they do not happen at first. However, if you spill something, make sure that you clean up the mess right away. You can take a dish cloth together with warm soapy water in order to clean up spills.
Using Pads that are Too Abrasive
Some homeowners like to use abrasive cleaning pads that can starch and dull quartz countertops. You need to avoid hard-bristled brushes, metal scourers, and scrubbing pads. You should use a gentle approach, ideally a soft rug for cleaning and clean cotton cloth for drying. This way, the quartz surface will remain beautiful and shiny for a long time.
You Place Hot Items on the Countertop Directly
Even if quartz countertops have heat-resistant properties, you should not assume that it is immune to heat. If the temperature is over 300 degrees F, it can damage your countertop.
You should not place hot pans or pots on the countertop because extreme heat can be damaging to the resin of your countertop’s surface, which results in discoloration. Discoloration, because heat damage is irreversible, and you would have to replace the entire slab of stone to remove the damage.
You Cut Food Directly on the Countertop
Most of the quartz slabs are NSF-approved. They can be used for food preparation. However, with the right force, using your knife directly on the countertop’s surface to cut and chop ingredients can cause scratches. The small scratches and nicks will gradually dull the surface and erode the beauty of your countertop.
Placing Your Sizzling Hot Utensils on the Countertop
Yes, quartz countertops are resistant to heat by nature. However, placing sizzling hot utensils on the countertop all the time will cause discoloration on the countertop. At the same time, it becomes more prone to cracks. Before placing your sizzling hot utensils on the countertop, you should put a tray or cloth where you can place your utensils so that they do not directly go on the quartz surface.
You can contact the quartz countertop installer Rockville for your kitchen countertop replacement.