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You’ve probably heard a million things about the pros and cons of Quartz countertops. Some praise its virtues as if they were the physical manifestation of everything right about the world. However, on the other end of the spectrum you’ll hear enough of how bad it is that it’d paint anyone as a fool for even considering. Well, business propaganda and marketing bias aside, the truth, as always, is somewhere in between. Whether it’s quartz, granite or solid surface, choosing the right material depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, so it’s prudent to understand both the ups and downs” THE PROS Although its name might lead you to think of natural stone, the quartz we’re talking about here is really an engineered composite. It combines a high percentage of crushed quartz (about 90 to 94 percent) with a binding polymer resin to create something that has the best of natural stone and synthetics (e.g. solid surface, laminates). With that in mind, let’s explore the primary pros and cons of quartz countertops: 1. NON-POROUS – HYGIENIC, STAIN RESISTANT AND EASY TO CLEAN. Unlike natural stones that contain microscopic pores over its entire surface, the resin in between the crushed quartz bits evenly fill out the gaps and surface.This makes quartz countertops very resistant to stains as liquids and pigments won’t seep in and cause a mess, unlike natural stone. It also makes cleaning easier since any mess or spills simply glide off the surface. More important, however, is that non-porous quartz countertops are highly anti-microbial, a desirable characteristic where hygiene is a concern. Without gaps or spaces (pores) for microorganisms to latch on, it significantly inhibits their ability to grow and form colonies. Many common bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus (which you can find living on your own skin!) produce dangerous toxins that are difficult to destroy. Therefore it is DEFINITELY in your best interest to not let them breed in the first place. In the worst case scenarios, pores can trap liquids in between a solid surface – making it the perfect place for many common types of bacteria to start building biofilms. This is a real problem since biofilms protect the bacteria and can make getting rid of them a gazillion times harder than it should. 2. HEAT-RESISTANT (~204 DEGREES CELSIUS). Compared to other synthetic-based options, such as solid surface and laminate, quartz will not bend and warp if it were to come into contact with hot objects. In addition, burn marks on quartz countertops can be repaired by sanding down the surface. This isn’t possible with solid surface or laminated countertops, which would’ve popped and sizzled into an unsalvageable mess and must be replaced. 3. SCRATCH RESISTANT. Composed almost entirely of hard quartz mineral, quartz countertops will blunt knives and other sharp metal objects before it scratches. But while the resin is soft and susceptible, very little of it is exposed on the surface, and is unlikely to scratch except in the most severe cases. Still, it’s far more durable than solid surface countertops are, which scratch and cut easily. 4. IMPACT RESISTANT. Quartz countertops exhibit greater durability to cracking due to impact compared to granite, thanks to the polymer resin in between the crushed quartz. Flexible and elastic, the resin serve as shock absorbers that disperses the energy from an impact before it reaches the hard but brittle stone – the same properties that makes Kevlar so resistant to high-speed projectiles. In addition, the granules of crushed quartz in the flexible resin polymer matrix provides even more “give” that further helps disperse high energy impulses which would otherwise be destructive to the surface. THE CONS If there is one often recurring theme in everything is that there’s always some give and take. While the polymer resin filling in quartz countertops contributes to many of its advantages, it is also the cause of most of the failings. Below are the main disadvantages of quartz countertops: 1. EXPENSIVE Probably the first thing anyone will notice is the price tag. Costing just a little less than granite (18% less), and significantly more expensive than solid surfaces (54% more) or laminate (270% more), quartz countertops are quite expensive. Nevertheless, its durability, ease of maintenance and hygiene benefits makes up for its price. 2. NOT SUITED FOR OUTDOOR USE. Although great at holding up in a kitchen environment, quartz countertops aren’t the best choice for outdoor use. Prolonged exposure to the elements will quickly fade as the polymer resin and colour pigments react to sunlight and chemicals in the rain and air. It is also more likely to get scratched as conditions are a little less controlled outside of an indoor environment. While that isn’t to say that quartz cannot be used outdoors, there are simply better options to choose from, such as granite, stainless steel or even concrete. 3. NOT PERFECTLY HEAT RESISTANT. While it will not melt and warp like solid surfaces countertops would, placing a hot object directly on quartz is probably going to leave burn marks or obvious discolouration. Using a pad or trivet will completely circumvent this problem, but there are times when you might just forget to use them. Also, what if your little kid started climbing out the window? There won’t be time to look for trivet… So, if you want/need AFFORDABLE quartz for your house countertop, the you should really look for STONE AMPEROR!

The 3 homemade cleaners we are talking about are baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to find something that is TRULY “cheap and good”… but I must say these 3 modest (yet mighty) homemade cleaners totally fit the bill as “cheap and good” home cleaning solutions. The thing is, besides being essential ingredients in your cooking and baking, the 3 non-toxic homemade cleaning agents will make your cleaning chores less strenuous… and quite satisfying too. These unassuming cleaning superheroes with gentle abrasive and deodorizing properties can truly save you lots of time, energy, and money. Without further ado, let’s get into the 30 cleaning hacks using just these 3 homemade wonders… BAKING SODA 1. UNCLOG YOUR KITCHEN DRAINAGE To clear a stubborn clog faster than your spouse can start cursing, simply pour half a cup of baking soda down the sink/drain inlet, followed by an equal part of vinegar. Cover the drain inlet with a wet cloth and do 5 minutes of burpees or squats… then flush your drainage with hot water. This works like magic every single time. 2. ELIMINATE YOUR GARBAGE BIN ODOURS Nobody likes weird garbage bin odours. Get rid of any odours once and for all by placing some baking soda at the bottom of your garbage bins, always. 3. SCRUB YOUR MESSY BBQ GRILL Love your barbeque sessions but hate the cleaning? You’re not alone. Do you know that you can easily remove all the stubborn cookout grime just by sprinkling some soda powder on your grill brush before you start scrubbing? Yes, no more vein-popping, teeth-gnashing frustrations. In fact, you can be the official hero to battle the BBQ aftermath next time! 4. BRIGHTEN YOUR GLOOMY LAUNDRY Want to make your clothes look more vibrant after laundry every single time? Then add a cup of baking soda to your laundry load along with the detergent to balance the pH… so you can preserve (and even brighten) the whites and colors like a Pro. 5. DUST YOUR KIDS’ STUFFED ANIMALS If your children have a lot of stuffed toys, chances are, you rarely get the chance (or perhaps you’re too tired to bother) to get rid of the accumulated dust. But for your kids’ well-being, be a good parent and do it once in a while. To make your job easier, place them in a large (clean) garbage bag and pour a cup of baking soda in. Then secure the top and bring them outside your house to give them a good shake. The amazing baking soda will help draw out the dust (and even soil). Next, remove the stuffed toys and just vacuum everything away. 6. SCRUB THE ARTISTIC CRAYON WALL Provided you have your kids’ permission to erase their masterpieces on your walls, you can sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and start scrubbing away their crayon art. Want the artists to be responsible for their own work? Teach them how to do this together as a fun game or mini workout after their creative art sessions. 7. CLEAN YOUR SUPER GREASY COOKWARE AND DISHES Always have a hard time scrubbing off stuck-on food on your dishes and favorite pots and pans? Just sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge along with the detergent, and voila… the stubborn food residues will be gone in no time. 8. BANISH THE FOUL SMELL IN YOUR FRIDGE No worries about pungent or fishy smells from your overnight food (especially seafood) — because you can easily absorb any lingering strong odours by placing a cup of baking soda in the fridge. This way, you can prevent the unpleasant food odours from affecting the neighbouring foods. You can also go the extra mile and clean your fridge with a damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda. 9. CLEAN THE (TOXIC) FRUITS & VEGGIES Now, this is our favorite baking soda hack — removing the toxic waxy coating from fruits, and dirt from the vegetables. Washing your fruits and veggies with water and baking soda is the perfect solution for this. That means much safer and healthier eating for you and your loved ones, always! 10. BRIGHTEN YOUR DULL JEWELRY Ok, this last hack has nothing do with your home, but it’s worth mentioning… because it has got to do with your precious bling blings. Yes, isn’t it splendid to know that you can restore the sparkle of your jewelry with just baking soda? Make a paste with baking soda and water (3:1) and apply it to your jewelry using a microfiber cloth, then rinse and dry them to remove the tarnishes. Try it yourself today… and experience the satisfaction VINEGAR 1. CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS Why spend money on window cleaning chemicals (that may still leave smudges or harm your skin) when you can use just white vinegar and water? (Use apple cider vinegar if you want something milder). Just mix equal parts of the 2 solutions and apply to your windows with a soft sponge or newspaper (avoid using paper towels because that will leave streaks on your windows). Then simply wipe your windows clean with a wet squeegee. 2. REMOVE FOOD RESIDUES FROM THE MICROWAVE If you have a pesky someone at home (or at work) who always leaves food residues in your microwave no matter how many times you remind him/her not to… fret not. Instead of cutting off the perpetrator’s ears, you can simply boil a solution of water and white vinegar in the microwave. Wait for the steam to form on the microwave window, then you can wipe away the food residues with ease. 3. CLEAN YOUR AUTOMATED COFFEE MAKER If you are using a coffee maker and having a hard time cleaning the build-up every time, then the white vinegar is your saviour. Just fill up the reservoir with white vinegar and run a brewing cycle. Then empty the carafe, rinse away the vinegar by running a round of water through another brewing cycle, and voila… now you are ready to make some hot fresh coffee. 4. RESTORE SPARKLES TO YOUR DISHES & GLASSES Want to keep your dishes and glasses sparkling clean always? Just add 2 cups of white vinegar into your dishwashing machine during a regular cycle and watch the vinegar do its wonder! 5. GET RID OF BATHTUB FILM If you have a bathtub, you’ll be familiar with the yucky bathtub film that accumulates over time. You can remove them quickly by wiping them with vinegar and baking soda. Then just rinse them off with clean water. To remove the bathtub film effectively, wipe it first with white vinegar, then with some baking soda. Rinse away the grime with clean water. 6. CLEANSE YOUR SHOWERHEAD You can also use vinegar to remove grime and mineral build-up on your showerhead. Use a small plastic container with enough vinegar to soak the showerhead. Leave it overnight and you’ll see the nasty build-up and grime dissolve the next day. Then just turn the shower on to rinse clean. 7. REMOVE PET URINE FROM YOUR CARPETS As much as you love your pets, it’s pretty frustrating when they pee on your expensive carpet. To clean the urine effectively, use some paper towels and apply as much pressure as possible on the area to blot out as much of the urine as possible. Do this a few times. Now, this is important — before you apply the vinegar treatment, be sure to test (at a less conspicuous area, like under the sofa or TV console) that the colors of your carpet do not run. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, then apply the solution to the affected area and allow it to sit for around 10 minutes. Continue to blot with paper towels as before repeatedly. Then sprinkle some baking soda to remove the odour. You can then go watch some Netflix or do some yoga… and come back to vacuum your carpet in about an hour. 8. REMOVE THE DREADED WINE STAINS Wine stains are among the hardest to clean. And it hurts more when you stain your favorite shirt or dress. But not to worry, Mr. Vinegar is here to the rescue. To remove wine stains (from cotton or poly cotton fabrics), just be sure to sponge them directly with white vinegar within 24 hours. After the stains disappear, wash them according to your apparel care label and you’re done. 9. AVOID RUNNING COLORS Remember those unfortunate events when someone’s new jeans or T-shirt turned your whites into blue or pink? Now you can prevent this frustrating mishap by soaking the colored fabrics in white vinegar for a few minutes before washing. This will prevent the colors from running and spoiling your favorite clothes. 10. CLEAN YOUR BLINDS LIKE A PRO To clean your blinds, you can use a mix of white vinegar (half a cup), ammonia (1 cup), baking soda (a quarter of a cup) and about 3.5L of warm water. Just use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe your blinds with this powerful mixture and they will look good as new in no time. LEMON “When life gives you lemons… use them to clean your home!” 1. ENHANCE YOUR DISH DETERGENT’S DEGREASING POWER This first lemon hack will make your dish-washing much easier (and your other half more willing to help you with the dishes). Simply add a few drops of lemon juice to your dish detergent, and you’ll enjoy more degreasing power — that means less energy and time for the dreaded dish-washing chore. 2. REMOVE MINERAL BUILD-UP IN YOUR POTS & KETTLES You can solve this mineral build-up problem by boiling a few thick lemon slices in your pots and kettles. Leave this powerful lemon mixture alone for a couple of hours, then rinse and dry your cookware, and voila… they’ll be almost as good as new. 3. CLEAN YOUR GLASS SHOWER DOORS Instead of brushing or scraping the icky soap scum and hard water stains on your glass shower doors, just rub them off with a half cut lemon. 4. UNCLOG YOUR DRAINAGE Similar to the vinegar, you can unclog your drainage with a “baking soda and lemon combo”. The foaming action of this mixture will help you clear minor blockages like a breeze. Finish the power combo by pouring hot water down your drainage. 5. FRESHEN YOUR TOILET BOWL Want to keep your toilet bowl hygienic always? Then do this one-minute routine every day. Pour half a cup of lemon juice into the toilet bowl and swish it around with the toilet brush. Leave it there for 15 minutes, then flush it all away into the dark abyss… 6. CLEAN YOUR MIRRORS & WINDOWS If you can’t stand seeing smudges on mirrors and windows like I do, then you’ll love this — make a mixture of water and a few tablespoons of lemon juice in a spray bottle, then use it to clean your mirrors and windows to get rid of any smudges in just seconds. 7. REMOVE FOOD PREPARATION SMELLS This lemon hack is especially useful if you deal with seafood and meat marination a lot. Simply wash your hands in a dilute solution of lemon juice and water to remove the smells entirely. 8. CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE & REMOVE UNWANTED ODOURS Similar to the acidic vinegar, the lemon juice is a great solution to clean and freshen up your microwave oven. Just place a cup of water with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave and heat to boiling point (put a toothpick in the water to prevent overheating). Then leave it for 10 minutes. After that, just wipe away any food residues with a clean damp cloth and dry it. 9. REMOVE THE UGLY GROUT You can easily remove the tile grout with some lemon juice and an old toothbrush. No need to buy any expensive grout removal chemicals at all. 10. KILLS GERMS & CLEAN STAINS FROM CHOPPING BOARDS The chopping board is just like a perfect hangout place for germs. Crash the disgusting party by rubbing some lemon juice onto the stains, leave it overnight, then rinse and dry the next day.

One of the biggest fears people may have about natural stone is the maintenance it requires. With many individuals increasingly turning to the use of natural materials in the home, granite has become the countertop of choice. Synthetic solid surface materials are no match for the richness, depth, and incredible performance of real granite. Unlike laminates and solid-surface materials, a hot pot or frying pan has no effect on granite’s mirror-like finish. Most importantly, by choosing a granite countertop you not only give your kitchen everlasting performance and beauty, but you also increase the value of your home. Granite is also a very hard mineral and is virtually impervious to abrasions, impact damage and heat. However, the material is prone to cracking due to mechanical stresses caused by repeated heating and cooling. While the seams in between slabs provide some leeway for this repeated expansion and contraction, it is best to keep granite away from sources of large heat fluctuations. You’ll find caring for your natural stone is easy. The best care you can give your natural stone is preventive care. By following a few suggestions, your countertops will last a lifetime while maintaining a brand-new appearance. BASIC CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 1. AVOID USING CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH ANY KIND OF ACID OR ABRASIVE. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents that contain strong acids/alkaline (e.g. bleach, glass cleaners, ammonia, degreasers) or abrasives (e.g. powdered ceramic/bathroom cleaners) as it can cause the sealant to discolour and scratch. Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and soft clean cloth are generally all that’s needed to maintain your granite countertop surface. 2. AVOID SUBJECTING YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOP TO HEAVY WEIGHTS AND PRESSURE. While hard, granite surfaces are brittle and you should not stand, kneel on, sit or stack heavy objects onto your countertops as they could crack or break. This doesn’t mean that granite is fragile, however, and it’s perfectly capable of supporting microwaves, dish holders and other moderately heavy objects. 3. DO NOT PLACE HOT PANS OR OTHER OBJECTS DIRECTLY ON YOUR COUNTERTOPS. Again, hot objects can cause the sealant to discolour (mainly in dark granites) and/or cracking. Always use a protective barrier between any hot object and granite such as trivet or mat. Unsealed granite countertops do not have this problem, but are highly porous and come with other problems. 4. WIPE OFF SPILLS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. Sealed granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains from citric acid, coffee tea, alcohol, or wine. However, as a preventive measure, wipe up any spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time and do not let liquid sit on the countertop overnight. 5. Watch out for oil stains. Granite is most prone to staining by oil – be careful not to place any pots or frying pans with oil traces on the bottom on the countertop surface. Blot oil and acid spills as soon as they happen, and clean with mild soap and warm water to avoid any harm to your countertops. If the oil stains remain, there is a special cleaning procedure for the removal of deep-seated, time-set dirt and grime. A general poultice with baby or baking soda and water is the best remedy. First, moisten the surface of the granite with the same liquid that made the paste. Next, apply the poultice paste to the granite surface about half an inch thick. Tape plastic sheeting over the poultice area, and allow it to sit for 48 hours. Remove the poultice with a spatula, rinse the cleansed area with clean water, wipe off excess water, and allow the surface to dry. 6. RINSE SOAP AND WASHING DETERGENTS OFF TO PREVENT LIME BUILD UP. Rinse with hot clean water on a regular basis and use a paper towel to dry. Another way to remove lime build up , soap scum, stains or dried spills, is to use a straight razor blade in a gentle scraping motion. Do not use lime removal products or cleaning products that contain ammonia, as this will affect the seal on the stone. 7. AVOID HITTING THE SURFACE WITH HARD OBJECTS. Chips in granite are not a common occurrence. When they do happen, chips are most often caused by banging something into the edge of the countertop. Take care when you handle heavy pots and pans around your granite profiles as these are the most prone to cause chipping. If a chip does occur and you find the piece that chipped out, hold on to it. Most of the time it can be epoxied back into place. 8. APPLY SEALERS. The use of sealers is an excellent preventive measure and will encourage the preservation of your granite countertops. Some granite can be very porous. Sealers fill in natural pores and repel spills on the surface, radically reducing the rate of absorption. This gives you time to wipe spills away before they have a chance to penetrate your stone. After the installation process, the granite must be sealed. We recommend a re-application of this sealer annually, or more often for some light granites, to fully maintain the luminosity and avoid stains. Some dark-colored, dense granites (browns, blacks) do not require sealing. When the water or liquid spilled on your countertop fails to bead up when splashed, or you begin to notice a water darkening spot that dries out, this is an indication that your countertop needs to be re-sealed. 9. AVOID STORING CHEMICALS ON THE SURFACE. It’s risky to store chemicals on the surface of your granite countertop in case of spillage. This includes cooking oil, hair products, chemical cleaners and cosmetics.

I am renovating my kitchen cabinets and everything in the master bathroom. My contractor marks up a lot for the kitchen and bathroom tops and so I am looking for an honest direct supplier. I have read up that polyester may stain and not last as long as quartz or granite. There are different grades I know. In fact the best quartz it seems is iQuarts. I am thinking of cheaper granite from China and a cheaper quartz. Any recommendations for direct supplier or what to be aware of China granite and cheaper quartz? Thank you.

Hi, Anyone knows a supplier in Singapore for stainless steel kitchen tops with integrated (double) sink? Something like these samples: