Table of Contents
1. Using the countertop as a cutting board
Don’t use quartz countertops as cutting boards. Regardless of the knife you are using or what you are cutting, repeated cutting on the quartz surface will eventually lead to scratches the surface, resulting in a dull, used-looking surface.
Using the countertop as a cutting board isn’t ideal for your knives either – they will also need more frequent sharpening and run the risk of getting nicks in the blade. To preserve the finish of your quartz countertops, refrain from using the quartz countertop as a cutting board and reach for a cutting board instead.
How Much Weight Can My Quartz Countertop Hold?
2. Placing heavy equipment on the countertop
Don’t place and move heavy equipment on quartz countertops. Whether it’s a cast-iron skillet filled with sauce or a craft project in progress, heavy items may leave scratches on your countertop when they slide across the countertop’s surface.
It is best to use trivets for heavy pots and leave room on a tabletop for arts and crafts. Protecting your countertop from scratches from heavy items will lengthen your countertop’s life and keep it looking shiny, scratch-free, and new.
3. Solid items
Use caution when placing solid, hard items on your quartz countertop’s surface. Things such as keys, tools, or other hard objects can cause scratches that will become apparent on your countertop’s surface over time.
Instead, place small catch baskets in convenient locations on your counter to keep items such as keys and wallets. And make sure that any tools make it back into drawers. This will help protect your countertop’s shine and maintain a more neat, organized appearance of your countertop.
Do You Need to Reinforce Floors for Quartz Countertops?
4. Using abrasive products
Don’t use abrasive materials to clean your countertop. This includes steel wool type sponges and cleaning products that contain grit or other abrasive cleaners.
Instead, reach for soft microfiber cloths, cotton cloths, or no-scratch sponges. Even a terry-cloth rag is better than using a rough scouring pad in a pinch. These cleaning tools will allow you to wipe up any messes without the worry of scratching surfaces.
For tough messes, lay a damp cloth on the spot and let the spot soak before wiping it up. For some tougher messes, you might also consider using cleaning products. Take caution when using cleaning products as well.
Some cleaning products such as Comet, Barkeeper’s Friend, and bleach pastes contain corrosive cleaning ingredients and minerals such as pumice and lime that can scratch your countertops. Only use cleaning products approved for use on quartz countertops or stick to warm water and dish soap.
How to prevent quartz countertops from scratching
Use a cutting board
Instead of cutting directly on the quartz countertop surface, use a cutting board. Using a cutting board instead of your counters to cut and prepare food keeps your counters clean, is more hygienic, and prevents scratches on your counter’s surface.
Many sizes, varieties and styles of cutting boards are available, so you can choose one that matches your style and need with ease. Some people even make custom cutting boards that can be engraved or sized to your preferences.
Finally, as an added bonus, using a cutting board also preserves the life of your kitchen knives, so consider this option a win-win.
What Items Can I Put on My Quartz Countertop?
Use a trivet mat
Instead of placing heavy items directly on the countertop, use a trivet mat. Trivets, or trivet mats are like large coasters you put under pots and pans when using them to serve on table tops but these can also be used to protect your counters.
These also come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. From basic cork mats to fancy cast iron plates, you can find many kinds of functional trivets that elevate your decor and protect your counters. Not only do these mats protect your counter from scratches, but they help dissipate heat from cook pots.
That means that you can use trivets when serving hot food on other surfaces as well. When selecting a trivet or trivet mat, make sure it has a nice soft bottom surface or any sharp points are covered with cork or felt. Don’t have a trivet? In a pinch, a stack of kitchen towels or pot holders can be enough of a barrier to protect your counters.
Use a trivet mat instead of steel wool
When cleaning your counters, swap the steel wool for soft cloths and mild cleaning products when cleaning quartz countertops to prevent scratches.
Abrasive cleaning tools like wire brushes and steel wool will leave micro-scratches on the quartz surface that, over time will dull the shine and finish of your quartz countertop.
Some of the chemicals and grit that are contained in cleaning products can also damage the quartz surface, leaving scratches or discoloring lighter quartz surfaces as well. The best cleaning agent is pure water, or water mixed with a mild detergent. For tougher messes, reach for a product specially formulated for quartz countertops.
Are Black Quartz Countertops Hard to Keep Clean?
