What Not To Use On White Quartz Countertops

Items to Avoid

The pH values of lemon and vinegar are usually around 2, significantly lower than the neutral pH value of 7 required by quartz materials. According to material science research on quartz countertops, prolonged exposure to these low pH substances can increase the damage rate of quartz countertops to 30%. These acidic substances destroy the silicon-oxygen bonds on the quartz surface, leading to structural loosening and thereby increasing surface roughness and unevenness. According to a 2023 consumer report, complaints about countertop corrosion and color changes after cleaning with lemon juice or vinegar accounted for 40% of all countertop repair complaints, while this proportion was only 28% in 2022.

Placing hot pots and kettles directly on quartz countertops can cause severe thermal damage. Quartz countertops have a 20% chance of cracking or deforming when exposed to heat sources over 200 degrees Celsius. This is because the thermal expansion coefficient of quartz materials does not match the rapid expansion force under sudden high temperatures, leading to excessive internal stress and cracking. Market surveys indicate that each year, applications for quartz countertop repairs due to direct placement of heat sources account for 18% of all quartz countertop damage applications, with this proportion being 16% in 2022, indicating a rising trend.

Oil stains can form permanent marks on quartz countertops. Market research shows that permanent stain issues caused by grease account for over 25% of all countertop issues. The persistence of oil stains is primarily due to the small size of grease molecules, which can penetrate deep into the micropores of quartz, making them difficult to completely remove with conventional cleaning methods. According to a 2023 industry analysis report, only 12% of users who chose to use these specialized cleaning products still reported oil stain issues, compared to 30% of users who did not use these products.

In terms of the use of hard tools, market research data indicate that scratches or indentations caused by these tools account for 30% of quartz countertop damage. This type of damage often occurs when using hard metal kitchenware and ceramics in direct contact with the countertop. Although stainless steel and ceramic knives have advantages in cutting efficiency, their hardness far exceeds that of quartz, easily leaving scratches on the countertop. Some quartz countertop brands have begun to recommend using plastic or wooden cutting boards. According to a survey targeting home kitchens, the proportion of quartz countertops that remained in good condition in households using these protective measures increased by 15%.

Strong Acidic and Alkaline Cleaners

The pH value of strong alkaline cleaners often exceeds 11. Market statistics show that approximately 15% of quartz countertop damages each year are caused by the improper use of cleaners. In practice, issues like fading and material brittleness are common after using strong alkaline cleaners, as high pH cleaners can destroy the silicon-oxygen structure on the quartz surface, leading to decreased hardness and durability.

According to a 2022 industry report, cases of quartz countertop repairs due to the use of inappropriate cleaning products increased by 22% over the past year. In response to this issue, several cleaning products specially designed for quartz countertops have been introduced to the market, which have grown their market share by 30% over the past two years. Some brands of cleaning products clearly label their pH value as 7 and have received high ratings through consumer feedback. Users of these products reported a reduction of over 40% in complaints about countertop damage.

Cleaning Tools

Hard brushes or steel wool are effective in cleaning but also significantly abrasive to quartz countertops, increasing the likelihood of visible damage by 30%. Specifically, about 25% of users report noticeable scratches and corrosion caused by using steel wool. This data underscores the importance of choosing the right cleaning tools. In contrast, microfiber cloths are widely recommended for cleaning sensitive surfaces.

According to consumer feedback in 2023, the probability of maintaining the original luster and undamaged state of quartz countertops cleaned with microfiber cloths is as high as 98%. The fine fibers of microfiber cloths not only effectively absorb dust and grease but also gently clean the countertop without leaving any physical damage. Additionally, among users who use soft sponges, less than 5% report damage to quartz countertops due to cleaning, while those using sponges with abrasive layers have a damage rate of 20%.