Quartz countertops are popular options for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, even this hardy material requires some care and precaution to keep it looking pristine. There are several things to avoid doing on your quartz countertops. Being aware of these quartz countertop no-nos will help you protect your investment and maintain the beauty of your counters for years to come.

Avoid Direct Heat

One of the biggest mistakes people make with quartz countertops is exposing them to excessive direct heat. While quartz is very heat resistant, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause damage over time. Here are some things to avoid:

• Placing hot pans, pots, baking sheets, or other cookware directly on the countertop. Always use trivets or hot pads.
• Setting your curling iron, hair straightener or other heated tools directly on the quartz.
• Leaving candles or other heat sources burning for long periods.
• Exposing the edges of the countertop to high heat from stovetops or ovens. Use a heat shield.

The heat can discolor, crack, or scorch the resin coating on quartz counters. Play it safe by keeping hot items off the surface, using heat protection, and allowing cookware to cool before setting it on your countertops.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Quartz counters are non-porous, making them very stain resistant. However, you still need to be careful about exposing them to harsh chemicals and cleaners. Avoid the following:

• Abrasive cleaners with bleach, ammonia, or acidic compounds.
• Degreasing cleaners like those used for ovens or grills.
• Solvents like paint thinner, furniture strippers, etc.
• Drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners.

These types of corrosive chemicals can damage the finish, causing etching or discoloration. Stick to gentle soap and water or a specially formulated quartz cleaner for daily cleaning. For tougher messes, use a non-abrasive soft scrub without acids or bleach.

Test any new cleaners on a small inconspicuous spot first before using on the entire counter. Avoid getting the countertop edges and seams wet for prolonged periods to prevent moisture damage.

Don’t Cut Directly on the Surface

While quartz stands up well to normal wear and tear, cutting directly on the countertop can damage the surface over time. Avoid:

• Chopping, slicing, or cutting food on the countertop. Always use a cutting board.
• Using knives to open boxes or bags on the counter. Protect the surface.
• Letting pets jump up onto the counters. Their nails can scratch.
• Allowing metal pots, pans or utensils to bang or scrape across the quartz.

The solid surface can dull your knives as well. Use cutting boards, take care when setting objects down, and keep counters free of debris. This protects both your knives and your counters.

Don’t Use Rock Salt

Salts, spices, oils and other kitchen substances can leave permanent stains or discoloration on quartz surfaces if left for prolonged periods. One substance to especially avoid is rock salt:

• Do not use rock salt as a scrubbing agent to clean quartz countertops.
• Don’t leave dishes or containers of rock salt sitting out on the counters.
• Avoid spilling rock salt onto the surface around your sink.

The jagged edges and texture of rock salt can create light scratches. The salt also absorbs moisture, so wet spills can seep into tiny pits and cracks causing permanent damage. Use regular table salt instead of rock salt near your quartz counters.

Avoid Impacts and Drops

Since quartz is such a hard, durable material, it’s easy to forget that it can indeed chip, crack, or break. Be careful to avoid:

• Dropping heavy, dense items on the surface like cans, appliances, cookware, etc.
• Knocking the edges of counters with chairs, barstools, ladders, etc. Use cushioned protectors.
• Allowing children to stand on counters – no matter how cute their dance routine is.
• Letting pet claws, teeth, or beaks tap or claw at the material.

Sudden impacts from falling or striking objects can damage quartz, especially around sinks and seams. Take care when working around the counters to protect them.

Don’t Use Quartz Polish or Wax

It may be tempting to use a polishing wax or compound to try and buff out scratches or shinier your quartz counters. Avoid doing so – waxes can cause buildup and dull spots:

• Do not use wax designed for natural stone. It can discolor quartz.
• Avoid rubbing in polishing compounds meant for cars or furniture.
• Don’t try DIY remedies like olive oil, toothpaste, etc. They leave residue.

Quartz counters do not require waxing or polishing. Simply use a damp microfiber cloth to clean. If you do get light scratches, have a pro lightly sand them out instead of using Polish yourself.

Don’t Allow Spills to Sit

One advantage of quartz over natural stone is that it is non-porous and resists stains. However, you do need to promptly wipe up spills to avoid potential damage:

• Clean up food spills like wine, coffee, juice, olive oil etc. right away.
• Don’t let soaps, lotions, cosmetics or cleaning agents dry on the surface.
• Rinse off substances like lemon juice, vinegar or dye promptly.
• Deal with pet urine, feces etc immediately to avoid smells and stains.

For best results, keep a spray bottle of soapy water handy and wipe up spills as they occur. Avoid letting anything sit on the quartz for prolonged periods. Prompt cleanup is key.

Don’t Use Quartz Outdoors

Quartz counters are intended for indoor use only. Avoid installing them in any outdoor areas:

• Do not use quartz on outdoor kitchen countertops or bars. Choose granite instead.
• Don’t install quartz in covered patios or pool areas. The moisture can damage seams.
• Avoid using quartz in the bathroom shower or as tub surround. The material is not waterproof.

The resin binders in quartz can break down with prolonged sun and weather exposure. It also can crack as temperatures fluctuate. Keep quartz counters inside for their safety and yours.

Avoid Moving Heavy Objects

Take care not to scrape, gouge, or crack your quartz counters when moving heavy equipment or appliances across the surface:

• Use lift equipment when moving stoves, fridges, cabinets, and islands.
• Slide appliances gently instead of twisting or dragging them. Use soft pads underneath.
• Get help moving heavy mixing machines, dishwashers, and other items. Don’t strain quartz seams.

Cover counters with blankets or cardboard when doing renovations to prevent damage from tools and debris. Take your time and be cautious when shifting heavy fixtures over your counters.

Don’t Overload or Stand on Quartz

Quartz is very strong, but it does have its limits. Be aware of excess weight:

• Don’t exert heavy pressure in a concentrated area that can crack the material.
• Avoid overloaded shelves, low-profile cabinets, or pointy bases that stress seams.
• Never stand, sit or let children play on quartz counters or islands. Use stools instead.

Properly support and distribute weight across cabinets and surfaces. Have professionals assess any sagging areas and reinforce as needed. This prevents future cracking or collapse.

Don’t Assume Absolute Stainproofing

While quartz resists most staining quite well, it isn’t completely bulletproof. Be realistic about its stain resistance:

• Don’t cut food directly on quartz thinking juices won’t permeate. Use boards.
• Avoid assuming red wine, coffee and other liquids won’t leave traces. Blot spills quickly.
• Don’t intentionally press wet glasses, vases, foods etc directly on the surface. Use coasters.

Liquids left pooling for prolonged periods can sometimes seep into tiny crevices in the material. Have realistic expectations and promptly deal with spills for best results.

Maintaining Your Quartz Countertops

Now that you know what not to do, here are some tips for properly maintaining and caring for your quartz countertops:

Frequently Asked Questions about Quartz Countertop Care

How do I properly clean quartz counters?

Use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh cleaners. Disinfect surfaces with diluted bleach. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water marks.

What’s the best way to remove stains?

For food or grease stains, use a baking soda and water paste with gentle circular motions. For dried spills, soak the area in warm water then gently scrape off. Avoid harsh scrubbing.

How can I get rid of hard water marks?

Use a non-acidic soft scrub cleaner or damp microfiber cloth with a little hydrogen peroxide. Never use vinegars, lemon juice, etc – acids damage the finish.

What should I do if something hot is set on the quartz?

Immediately run cool water over the area to draw out the heat. Then check for any discoloration or damage. Avoid using damaged areas and contact a pro.

How do I get rid of small scratches?

Have a professional lightly buff them out using fine grit sanding pads. Do not try to polish quartz yourself using wax or DIY pastes.

Is it safe to cut food directly on quartz?

No. Always use a cutting board to protect the surface and maintain your blade’s sharpness. The quartz can wear down knife edges.

Can I use rock salt to clean my quartz?

Absolutely not. The coarse salt can leave permanent pitting. Use regular table salt instead if needed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Quartz Countertop Care

DO:

• Use trivets and cutting boards to protect the surface.
• Clean spills promptly with mild soap and water.
• Disinfect regularly with diluted bleach.
• Inspect countertops monthly for any damage or wear.
• Have professionals do any repairs, polishing, or modifications.
• Use foam or rubber cushioned protectors on chair and stool legs.
• Distribute weight of heavy objects evenly.

DON’T:

• Expose counters to direct high heat from pots, appliances, etc.
• Allow harsh chemicals like bleach, oven cleaners, etc to contact the surface.
• Cut food or other items directly on the quartz.
• Use abrasive scrubbers or polishing waxes/compounds.
• Allow spills to sit unattended for long periods.
• Stand or sit on counters.
• Drag objects across the surface. Lift instead.

Quartz Countertop Care Tips

• Inspect your quartz regularly for any cracks, impacts, discoloration or stains. Address issues immediately to prevent further damage.
• Deep clean quartz 1-2 times per month using a non-abrasive cleaner safe for quartz. Avoid buildup of grime.
• Use trivets, boards, coasters and heat pads religiously. Don’t rely on just being careful. Prevent direct heat and impact.
• Re-caulk any areas around sinks and seams as needed to avoid moisture issues. Have pros re-seal if you notice drying or cracks.
• Don’t worry about small scratches – have a pro lightly buff them out. Focus on preventing chips, gouges, burns and cracks.

Protecting Your Investment in Quartz

Quartz delivers style, durability, and convenience in kitchens and baths. But these quality counters deserve some care and precautions to maintain their function and beauty for the long run. Avoid abusing your quartz and you’ll enjoy flawless, damage-free surfaces for decades to come.

Follow the guidance in this article to steer clear of common quartz countertop mistakes. The small effort of using trivets, wiping spills, and handling the surface with care goes a long way. Invest a little TLC into preserving your investment. Avoid quartz damage disasters with smart preventative care. Then relax and enjoy hostessing in your pristine, protected kitchen.