How to Clean Quartz Countertop? Misconceptions About Quartz Countertop, Part 1

Most hard surfaces are rated based on the MOH scale of hardness. You may not be aware of this, Friedrich Mohs was a German mineralogistwho developed his groundbreaking scale in 1812. The scale is an example to show the hardest mineral to the softest.

For more information about Friedrich Moh’s scale of hardness, select or copy the link below: 

Link Below:

https://geology.com/minerals/mohs-hardness-scale.shtml

Since Quartz or engineered stone countertops is manmade it requires consumers to be aware of the positives and the negative characteristics. Keep this in mind, the natural stone chips is a narrowly defined sectors that are baked into the slab. These natural stone chip sectors share the same hardness characteristics. All of the other elements that make up the Quartz or engineered stone countertop such as glass, silica, plastics, glitter, and resin (binder) are softer. When you consider these factors the vasty areas of the slab the composition of Quartz or engineered stone would be vulnerable to surface staining, abrasion and subject to micro-scratches. 

Considering the variables about the hardness of Quartz countertops and the varying comparisons: 

• Marble’s MOH scale of hardness is 3-4 
• Limestone and Travertine depending on the location it’s quarried will be close in hardness of Marble. 
• Granite’s MOH hardness is 6-7
• Quartzite is 6-7
• Quartz’s MOH scale of hardness is approximately 480-625-0557 depending on the manufactures mixture. 

Simply stated the engineered stone countertop will scratch with a cast iron frying pan that comes into contact with it. Heavy objects such portable appliances with metal legs will indeed scratch the surface. 

The manufacture of Quartz or engineered stone countertops use any combination of the minerals would yield different MOH of hardness rating. The 70% or higher resin binder to make Quartz countertops would always be softer. In the examples above the resin binder is approx 4.4 on the MOH scale of hardness.This harness factor would not prevent enough hardness to prevent surface scratching overall. 

How can Quartz countertops be scratched? The answer may surprise you. 

1. Surface abrasion will create microscopic scratches. As these micro scratches increase and widen the scratches will become more visible. In time, your Quartz countertop in these damaged area will ugly out requiring full restoration. 
2. Dragging metal and stone pizza rounds and hard objects on the Quartz countertop surface will create small scratches that will become visible in time. 
3. Using scouring pads ( green and black), Brillo® pads or steel wool ( aggressive grits) , Bar Keepers  cleaners on your Quartz will remove the factory appearance of your countertop with repeated use. 
4. Using knives to carve meats, bread and chop vegetables on your Quartz will overtime leave deep cuts making your countertop look unsightly. 

If you have noticed spiderweb scratches and swirls appearing on your Quartz, give Stone Care of Arizona, the Arizona Stone Care expert a call at 480-625-0557 for a  no-obligation estimate .

Quartz Countertop Misconception #3: The Factory Shine on Your Countertop is Permanent! 

Stone Care of Arizona, the countertop cleaning and sealing expert find themselves having to break the bad news the Quartz or Engineered stone countertop can lose its Beilby layer ot finish. To their chagrin, homeowners discover that using their favorite cleaner and cleaning routine led to the shine being removed. Since you have learned that the expensive Quartz or Engineered stone countertop is subject to potential finish or surface issues you may need to be mindful way before you clean it. 

Quartz countertops are a mixture of pigments and resin that are baked and harden during the manufacturing process. Can your beautiful Quartz countertop lose its factory shine? Yes! 

Here are a few ways Quartz countertops can lose its factory shine:

1. Using an abrasive based cleanser such as soft scrub, Ajax and Content will remove the factory shine. 
2. Improperly use of “bartenders keeper” will remove the factory shine as well
3. Spilling high pH acidic substances such as battery acid will remove the factory shine.
4. Spotting your Quartz with lacquer thinner, goof off and dry solvent can remove the factory shine. CAUTION PLEASE: Be careful when allowing any powerful dry solvent to come in contact for a prolonged time. Doing so can lead to removing the factory shine. 

Surely stated, your Quartz countertop will lose its shine when you use the prohibited cleaning agents. The good news is the Quartz or Engineered stone countertop can be restored. Depending on the scope of the Quartz countertop restoration will determine the approached used.  Quartz countertops should be professionally cleaned and sealed similarly to Granite, Marble, Onyx, Limestone and Travertine countertops. Since most of our tips are centered around prevention, how do you clean your Quartz or engineered countertops in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona? In part 2, we will share valuable information on how to take care of your Quartz countertop.

If you would like to read the other misconceptions, be sure to click the Below Link for Part 2

How to Clean Quartz? Consider 5 Common Misconceptions About Quartz, Part 2.

This consumer information is brought to you by Stone Care of Arizona, LLC, Arizona stone care experts. Stone Care of Arizona, the Arizona stone care expert offers free estimates and consultation for curious homeowners who need solutions. We provide natural stone, tile and countertop cleaning and sealing services. To get an estimate please contact us at 480-625-0557. 

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