Quartz Countertop Safety

Food and Air Safety

• Quartz, the hardest semi-precious stone on the surface of the earth, is the only stone counter surface material that has the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International certification for safe food handling and preparation. Its surface is nonporous, so food and liquids cannot infiltrate it, which prevents the formation and growth of harmful bacteria. It is also very resistant to the growth of mildew and mold. Quartz emits no harmful gases or other noxious elements and has the Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification, a guarantee of air safety given to products that have passed the Greenguard Environmental Institute’s testing procedures.

Surface Durability

• Although quartz is tough and hard, it is not impervious to scratches and nicks. To keep the finish in top shape, use a cutting board on top of quartz countertops to protect the surface as well as prevent your knife blades from premature dulling as they hit the hard stone. Quartz can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans for short periods. It resists staining from wine, tea, coffee, liquid food coloring, felt-tip markers, nail polish, nail polish remover and other discoloring substances but is damaged by harsh solvents and chemicals found in drain openers, paint stripping solutions and oven cleaners. It may also discolor if it is continuously exposed to direct sunlight over extended periods.

Physical Characteristics

• Because it is a natural formation, quartz finishes range from fine patterns to large, mottled ones; its designs are consistent, and quartz colors range from light to dark. The seams between slabs are visible but generally less noticeable in darker colored quartz. To ensure the patterns and colors of your counters match, buy all the quartz for countertops at the same time.

Care and Maintenance

• The shiny surface on quartz countertops is natural and requires no sealants or refinishing. It cleans up easily with mild soap and water or can be easily shined with common window cleaner solutions and a soft cloth. For stuck-on foods, use a nylon or plastic scouring pad with a mild abrasive. Quartz countertops typically come with a minimum 10- to 15-year warranty.