Engineered (Synthetic) Quartz Care And Maintenance - Structural Concepts ADDENDA 86772 User Manual

ENGINEERED (SYNTHETIC) QUARTZ CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Engineered Engineered (Synthetic) Quartz Overview:
Quartz
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Engineered (synthetic) quartz is a 'man-made' product. It is sometimes called "engineered stone." It is made from
Overview
crushed quartz particles bonded with polyester, styrene, resin, pigments and tert-butyl peroxybenzoate.
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It is non-porous, mold and mildew-resistant, and impervious to odor-causing bacteria.
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Slabs are specifically sized. Engineered quartz contains a maximum of 94% mineral quartz (though percentages
vary). Engineered quartz is extremely resistant to damaging chemicals.
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There are many engineered (synthetic) quartz brands. These include Caesarstone, Cambria, Compac, Corian, Daltile
ONE, Granite HanStone, Transformations, Kowalski, LG Hausys, LG Viatera, Lunastone, Marble.com, MSI Q, Okite,
Pental, Polarstone, Pompeii, Samsung, Sensa, Silestone, Stone Italiana, Vadara, Vena & Vicostone.
Routine
For Daily, Routine Care and Cleaning:
Care Engineered (synthetic) quartz require very little maintenance. Simply wipe the surface with neutral pH balanced
household detergent and warm water solution with soft sponge or microfiber cloth to maintain its shine.
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To prevent fading, keep from harsh, direct sunlight for long periods of time.
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General cleaners: use neutral pH balanced household detergent and warm water (4 cups of water/1 teaspoon of
detergent). Or isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol). Or use any general, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner or Pine
Sol. Or use Clorox Wet Wipes (as they contain no bleach or and are soft). After cleaning, thoroughly rinse with water
and dry with clean cloth to prevent water spots from forming.
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Specifically designed cleaners for manufactured quartz: Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Counter Cleaner,
Caldrea Countertop Spray, Clark's Natural Stone Spray Cleaner, Granite Gold, Simple Green, Park & Bailey Granite
& Stone Cleaner, Seventh Generation Granite & Stone Cleaner, Stone Care Quartz Clean & Shine, Stone Pro Quartz
Countertop Cleaner, Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish.
Difficult
For Difficult Spills, Stains and Spots:
Spills •
Thoroughly clean with warm water and neutral pH detergent (mixture detailed above) before pursuing next steps.
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Clean up high staining liquids such as coffee, tea, fruit juice, lemon juice, vinegar, wine and tomato juice right away.
Use warm water and neutral pH detergent to do so. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse with water and dry.
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For residues that harden as they dry (food, gum, nail polish, and paint), place wet cloth or paper towel over residue
for 10 minutes (to soften its properties); then gently scrape off residue by using a plastic putty knife or plastic scraper;
avoid metal blades or scrapers if possible; then clean using warm water and soap. If you must use metal razor blade
or scraper, remove gray marks with soap and water. Thoroughly rinse with water and dry to prevent water spots.
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Difficult spots may need to be treated with solutions/chemicals BEYOND warm water and neutral pH detergents: A.
Water/white vinegar mixture: 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in spray bottle; spray surface; allow
solution to sit for 2 minutes; wipe off with soft cloth or sponge. B. Soft Scrub Liquid Gel: Apply gel to cloth or sponge
(not directly to quartz surface); wipe the area in a circular motion; repeat until spot is removed. C. Goo Gone
adhesive remover (for sticky residue). Thoroughly rinse the surface with water and wipe dry to prevent water spots.
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Water stain removal: 1 part vinegar + 3 parts baking soda in warm water. Dip cloth in mixture and thoroughly soak
stain. Leave for 5-10 minutes; then scrub area with soft brush. Rinse with water and dry with clean cloth.
Extreme Extreme Heat Protection:
Heat
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Engineered quartz is extremely resistant to heat, and can withstand moderately high temperatures for brief periods of
Protection
time without being damaged.
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Engineered quartz CAN BE damaged by sudden and extreme temperature changes; thus, use a trivet or a hot pad to
protect its surface from hot pans, hot dishes or small appliances that may reach high temperatures.
Chemicals Chemicals To Avoid:
To •
Nail polish remover (acetone), oil soaps, and furniture cleaners or paint strippers that contain trichloroethane or
Avoid
methylene chloride.
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Chemicals with an alkaline level of pH >10 (oven cleaners, chloring bleach, lacquer thinner, ammonia, tub and tile
cleaner, borax, etc.)
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Chlorinated solvents (trichloroethylene or methylene chloride)
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Concentrated acids (hydrocyanic acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or CLR)
Caution must be used for the following products on engineered quartz surfaces:
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Avoid using products containing oils or powders as may leave a residue.
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Avoid abrasive scrubs/cleaners (such as Ajax, Comet, Scotch-Brite or oven cleaner) as it dull or discolor the finish.
Common stains like coffee, food, makeup, permanent markers, etc.:
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Apply the appropriate cleaner with a paper towel and wipe. If necessary, soak with paper towels from 3-10 minutes.
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Scrub the area with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Preventing Scratch Deterrence: Engineered quartz surfaces are scratch RESISTANT. However, they CAN be scratched or marred
Scratches by certain utensils or cleaning materials.
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Use a cutting board to avoid damaging the quartz surface and knives.
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Never use abrasive scouring pads, steel wool soap pads, Brillo® pads or "Magic Erasers.
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