Oven cleaners, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergents, and other high-pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces. Rubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause surface scratches. Bleach is a basic name for chemicals used to clean, remove colors or stains. The term bleach is used as a verb to remove the color of something or to disinfect.
With this in mind, the use of bleach on quartz countertops can dull the finish or attenuate the colors of the tile. The chemicals in bleach are so potent that they can permanently discolor stone if used. Abrasive scrubs are used to remove food debris stuck to the countertop or as a powerful aid to remove stains. Abrasive scrubs are usually very good at removing stains and mineral deposits, but they can discolor quartz countertops over time.
Ammonia is a chemical solution that should only be used as a last resort for cleaning. Ammonia has a high pH level and its use can be very dangerous, as it is colorless and can cause irritation or burns if improperly handled. Ammonia should never be used on quartz countertops because it's incredibly acidic and can weaken the chemicals in the resin. When done frequently, it will chemically damage quartz and possibly cause it to crack or break.
A sealant is a chemical spray used to place a layer on a countertop to act as an additional layer of protection against stains. Sealants are very good for stones such as marble or quartzite, which have many pores where food and acidic materials can accumulate. Quartz countertops do not need sealants, as they are artificially made and are not porous. Coating the quartz countertop with a sealant will put pressure on the stone and weaken it over time.
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads are too aggressive for quartz countertops. The use of these products may cause minor scratches on the surface, dulling the polished finish. Unlike natural stone, quartz does not require abrasive cleaning to remove stains, as its non-porous surface resists most spills. The non-porous surface is more hygienic than other natural stone countertop options, such as granite or marble, but it's still a good idea to disinfect countertops on a routine basis.
You can use a 70% isopropyl alcohol cleaner or a Lysol disinfectant spray to disinfect surfaces and eliminate any bacteria that may be living on the same surface of quartz countertops. While quartz doesn't need much maintenance, using the wrong cleaners or materials could damage it and leave the countertop tasteless or possibly damaged. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high temperatures to maintain the beautiful polished finish of Greenwood quartz countertops, IN.
