1. Countertops and Floors
diamastone® Quartz Surfaces are high quality, solid, non porous products that are resistant to scratches, heat, and stain. However, diamastone®Quartz Surfaces are not heat, stain and scratch proof.
diamastone® Quartz Surfaces require minimum maintenance. The following care and maintenance guidelines will help to keep the surface in immaculate condition for years. diamastone® Quartz Surfaces provide considerable cost reduction in cleaning.
2. General Routine Care and Maintenance
- diamastone® Quartz Surfaces are highly resistant to stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, vinegar, grapes, soft drinks, paints, nail polish and remover, automotive fluids, and permanent makers. Should any of these spill on the top/floor, wipe off the stained area with any commonly available multi-purpose cleaner or household detergent and then immediately with ordinary water. For more stubborn spills and stains, repeat the procedure several times and use a household scouring pad to remove the stain. It is possible that some of the stubborn stains may leave a light mark or very slight discoloration on the stones.
- The high gloss finish of polished surface and extremely low moisture absorption eliminates the need for sealing.
3. Preventing Damage to Countertops from Heat
diamastone® Quartz Surfaces are designed and manufactured to withstand moderate heat but the product is not heat proof. The Thermal shock resistance is increased with the increase of the thickness of diamastone® Quartz Surfaces. A slab with the thickness of 30 mm (1 ¼”) is far more resistant than a 10 mm (3/8”) slab. Like any other composite material, diamastone® Quartz Surfaces may be damaged by a sudden or lasting exposure to high temperatures, mainly at the edges and cut-outs of the product, resulting in cracks. To prevent thermal shock, discoloration or other damages, it is necessary to use insulating pads when putting hot objects on top and not to expose the surface to open flames and prolonged contact with very hot pots. We always recommend using a hot pad or trivet, especially when using cooking units such as electric frying pans, crock pots, or roaster ovens.
4. Use of Common Kitchen Implements
Common kitchen implements including sharp knives will not harm the diamastone® Quartz Surfaces, as it is made up of pure natural quartz. Continued use of kitchen knives on the countertops could dull the polished surface. Care should be exercised when moving heavy objects and avoid dropping heavy kitchen tools.
5. Removing Foreign Materials
In the event that food, chewing gum, nail-polish, paint or any other foreign matter is found sticking to the top / floor, simply scrape away the same with a sharp blade or sharp plastic scraper. The metal surface used in scraping the dirt may leave grey metal marks on the surface, and ordinary scouring pads can easily remove them. Wash and rinse the surface in the normal way with water.
6. Exposure to Chemicals and Solvents
diamastone® Quartz can be permanently damaged by prolonged exposure to strong chemicals and solvents. It is advisable not to use hydrofluoric acid, any product containing trichlorethane or methylene chloride and paint strippers. diamastone® Quartz Surfaces can be cleaned with either detergents that have a pH level no higher than 11 (avoid caustic soda) or with acidic detergents for persistent grime (no lower than pH 3).
7. Exposure to Direct Sunlight
When diamastone® Quartz slabs and tiles are exposed to direct sunlight over a prolonged period, slight colour change and warping may result. It is advisable to avoid direct sunlight over a prolonged period on the surfaces.
8. Maintenance of Floors
Dust, grit and barrier materials should be removed from the floors on a daily basis by sweeping with a soft brush and when necessary by use of machine. The surfaces should always be kept free from dust, sand and soil. diamastone® Quartz Surfaces can be easily cleaned with warm water and a mild household detergent, using a standard mop. Make sure the floor is well rinsed and is completely dry before allowing people to walk on it.
9. Maintenance of Honed Finish
Honed finish surfaces require additional daily maintenance and care than the polished surfaces. The area exposed on a honed finish is more than the polished surface; hence any dirt, markings and scratches would be more obvious on a honed finish surface than on a polished surface. These markings can be removed using non abrasive cleaning products.
10. Advice to Installer
It is the duty of the installer to advise the end user of the important aspects of Care and Maintenance of diamastone® Quartz products.