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How to Avoid Stains on Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are popular among homeowners because they are durable, can tolerate high temperatures, and require little maintenance, making them ideal for busy kitchens and bathrooms.

The countertops comprise 90% powdered quartz with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. They come in various hues and patterns to suit any design aesthetic.

But are quartz countertops stain-proof? While quartz is resistant to most stains, remember that no countertop material is immune.

Why do quartz countertops stain?

Quartz countertops are man-made surfaces of crushed quartz, resins, polymers, and colors. They are highly resistant to damage, although they can still stain if not properly cared for.

Quartz, like any other countertop, is prone to stains from red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, juice, and other accidents if not cleaned immediately. However, unlike granite, staining does not develop because the countertop surface absorbs the staining liquid.

The staining occurs when the liquid combines with the resin, one of the critical components of quartz surfaces. Resins contribute to making quartz countertops non-porous, but they are also susceptible to damage from cleansers, heat, and chemicals.

What causes staining on quartz countertops?

Quartz countertops, despite being non-porous, are susceptible to stains under certain conditions. Some of the most common issues and causes of staining are:

Hard water problems: Those annoying mineral deposits from hard water can leave permanent markings. You can prevent this by promptly mopping up spills and considering a water softener for your home.

Food and beverage spills: Red wine, coffee, tea, and tomato-based sauces are all known contributors. You should blot spills promptly to prevent stains from settling in.

Oil and grease: Cooking with oil is essential, but splatters can leave stains. Wipe them up quickly to keep your countertops spotless.

Ink, cosmetics, and nail polish: If these ordinary items remain in place, they can leave stains. Any spills or mishaps should be cleaned up immediately.

Bleach, paint thinner, and super-strong cleansers are all examples of harsh chemicals. These can degrade the resins in quartz, increasing the likelihood of discoloration.

Extreme heat: Although quartz is heat-resistant, using trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from boiling pots and pans is highly recommended.

Improper cleaning: Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, bleach, and highly acidic or alkaline cleaners. This is because these can damage the resin and make discoloration more likely.

How to avoid quartz countertop stains

Prevention is usually better than cure, especially regarding your lovely quartz countertops. Thankfully, you can prevent the countertops from developing stains in several ways. These ways include:

  • Clean up the spills quickly with a soft cloth or sponge.
  • Cutting boards, trivets, and coasters are helpful beyond their cosmetic use. Use them at all times when using your countertops.
  • Avoid putting hot pots directly on the countertop surface.
  • Use a moderate dish soap and warm water (not hot) for routine cleaning.
  • Avoid bleach, acidic cleansers, and anything abrasive. These can cause harm to the surface of your counters.

Ways to remove stains from your quartz countertops

Stains are unavoidable, no matter how well you clean your countertops. If a stain appears on your quartz countertop, don’t panic. There are numerous removal methods, depending on the type and severity.

Most quartz stains are caused by liquid being on the surface for an extended period. Depending on what created them, here’s how to deal with those bothersome marks.

Removing everyday spills

Spritz some glass cleaner for light stains and gently scrub with a non-abrasive pad. For a natural stain-fighting solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dish soap and warm water often remove fresh stains, so use them.

Removing hard-to-remove spills

To remove the hard-to-remove spill stains, apply a powder cleaning product while aiming it at the stain and scrub with a nylon pad. Use a non-abrasive gel cleaner containing bleach, such as Soft Scrub.

While these treatments are highly effective and will remove stains from quartz, they will not repair a damaged resin.

Water stains are created by minerals like calcium or limescale left behind after water evaporates, resulting in chalky streaks that will not wash away.

Although bleach and other acidic cleaners can rapidly remove water stains, they can permanently harm quartz surfaces, and pH-neutral cleaners are ineffective.

Tricks to keep your quartz countertops clean

Wipe with mild dish soap: Harsh cleaning solutions are likely to react with the resin on the countertop surface, causing the quartz to discolor. Avoid cleaning products and use a dish, antibacterial, or hand soap. Mix the soap with water, and your quartz countertop will clean quickly.

Clean with lemon or vinegar: Combine water and lemon juice or white vinegar for an eco-friendly cleaning solution. These natural powerhouses are ideal for removing minor stains and grime, leaving your home sparkling clean without harmful chemicals.

Use the correct cloth: Make sure the fabric you’re using to wipe down your countertop isn’t abrasive since this could cause lasting harm to the quartz surface. A microfibre cloth is ideal for cleaning quartz surfaces since it is highly absorbent and does not leave watermarks.

Wipe spills promptly: Always wipe up spills as soon as they occur. It is always a good idea to clean up spills as soon as they occur.

Always use a cutting board when preparing meals to prevent scratches and cuts to the tabletop surface.

Place hot pots, pans, and plates on trivets or hot pads to protect your quartz countertop from heat damage.

Following these basic care guidelines, you can keep your quartz countertops looking gorgeous and immaculate for years.

Parting shot

These are some ways to prevent stains from developing on your quartz kitchen countertops NC. As mentioned, while the countertops are non-porous, you should take good care of them and remove any spills as soon as you notice them.

Wiping your countertops daily and paying attention to spills will meet its fundamental requirements. While this is the case, you will occasionally need to clean your countertop surface deep.

Spray a generous amount of non-abrasive cleaning onto the surface and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before wiping it away with a soft cloth.

Is Quartz Easier to Maintain Than Granite?

In many ways, yes. While both are stone countertops, there are significant variations between quartz and granite. Granite countertops are porous and absorb liquids.

This makes them far more susceptible to stains than quartz, which is nonporous because of its manufacturing process.

On the other hand, granite is far more heat resistant than quartz. Hot pans can be placed directly on granite counters; however, hot pads or trivets are recommended for quartz worktops.

There is also long-term maintenance to consider. Granite needs to be resealed on a regular basis to prevent stains and other damage.

This entails applying a resealing substance to the surface. Quartz requires no similar long-term upkeep. While quartz cleaning supplies are commercially available, you can simply use warm water and soap.

If you’re transitioning from granite to quartz countertops—or vice versa—it’s critical to understand the fundamental differences between the two. Both have individual advantages and limitations, but there is no doubt that, overall, quartz is easier to maintain and care for.

How do you maintain quartz countertops?

While quartz is easy to maintain, it doesn’t mean you should mishandle it. You still need to take good care of it. To help you out, here are ways to maintain your quartz.

Watch the materials you use to clean the surfaces.

You should not expose quartz countertops to harsh chemicals since they can damage the surface. Avoid using bleach, oven cleaners, or any other cleaning products that contain pumice. Also, do not clean the surface with furniture polish, paint removers, silver cleaners, or oil soaps.

You should avoid using any of the following cleaning agents on your quartz countertops:

– Acid-based cleaning products.

– Alkaline cleaning products

– Products for removing nail polish and cleaning granite countertops.

– Bleach or bleach-based cleansers for ovens and stainless steel.

There are many more chemicals that can damage your quartz. As a general rule, if the packaging does not state that the product is suitable for quartz use, avoid using it on your countertop.

Don’t cut directly on the countertops.

Avoid using knives directly on quartz countertops as they are not scratch-resistant. When you put sharp objects on a countertop, you risk damaging it. Instead of sharp, abrasive objects, use a soft cloth.

Your quartz should withstand accidental knife cuts and fallen objects. However, you should make this an exception rather than the rule.

When slicing fruits or vegetables, continue to use a cutting board and avoid slamming things down onto the tabletop surface. Remember that excessive force or pressure on the surface might cause cracks or chips in the stone. And you don’t want this.

In most circumstances, cutlery will not harm the quartz as is one of the toughest stones available. However, it may damage the protective resin layer, leaving a mark so be gentle with them.

You should note that quartz knives will most certainly destroy the countertops, causing them to dull rapidly. So, avoid using them.

Take care not to stain the countertops.

No homeowner is perfect, and if you spend a lot of time cooking in your kitchen, there will be an inadvertent spill at some point. The good news is that quartz is relatively resistant to most types of stains. When discoloration occurs, you can easily remove it.

While this is the case, you should note that different types of foods may produce different results. Here’s a quick list of the most prevalent stains on quartz surfaces that you should keep a close eye on.

Spices: Colorful spices such as curry, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder can stain your countertop. Unfortunately, these are some of the most regularly spilled items while making dinner.

The good news is that the majority of this discoloration occurs on the surface. Wipe away spilled curry stains with a moist rag, and apply dish soap if necessary.

Food coloring: As a literal dye, it can discolor your quartz momentarily. You should exercise caution when using food coloring in the kitchen; wherever possible, apply food coloring to your plate while standing over the sink. If you spill food coloring on your quartz, clean it up as quickly as possible.

Tomato Sauces: As any household with discolored Tupperware knows, the combination of acidity and color in tomatoes may cause permanent stains.

If you spill tomato or chili sauce on your counters, clean it up as quickly as possible.

Keep the markers away.

Keep permanent markers away from quartz countertops. The marks can disfigure the surface, which is difficult to clear. If you see a persistent ink stain on your countertop, you should first utilize normal cleaning to remove the contaminant.

If the discoloration persists, saturate a cloth with glue remover and rub it into the stone. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the countertop with warm water to remove any cleaner residue.

Don’t place hot objects directly on the countertops

As much as quartz is tough, you should keep in mind that it is not as heat-resistant as granite countertops. If you want to save the quartz countertop’s original look, avoid placing hot things on it.

Placing a roasting pan or hot skillet directly on the surface may cause damage to the countertop.

Thermal shocks can cause cracks to grow on the surface. To protect the surface, use hot pads and trivets.

Parting shot

These are some of the ways to keep your countertops in top shape. Quartz countertops Durham, unlike granite, are not porous. This means you can clean the surface with the traditional soap and water solution.

Begin by removing any items on top of your countertop, such as appliances, cookbooks, and utensil holders. Then, using a spray bottle, clean the countertop with a mixture of dish soap and water. Dish soap is a degreaser that can assist in removing stuck-on particles.

Besides this, you should avoid placing any hot objects on the countertops as they will cause damage.

Can You Pour Boiling Water On Quartz Countertops?

Thinking of adding quartz countertops to your space? Great move because these countertops have been capturing the attention of many not only for their visual appeal but also for their resistance to staining and durability. As a homeowner, you will also appreciate that they are low-maintenance as well.

Now, because quartz countertops are mostly installed in kitchens and bathrooms, you may be wondering if yours coming into contact with hot water may be a problem. Well, that depends on how often that happens and for how long the water sits on the surface.

In this article, we will explore the composition of quartz countertops, their heat resistance, and debunk common myths surrounding their invincibility.

Understanding quartz countertops

To understand the effect of hot water on your quartz countertop, you need to understand its composition first. They are usually made from stone, comprising a huge percentage of crushed quartz crystals mixed with polymers, resins, and pigment.

When all these are mixed, the result is a beautiful, non-porous material that you call a quartz surface.

What is the heat resistance of quartz?

Surely, even with its impressive heat-resistant abilities, quartz has to have a certain temperature degree that will make it crack.

True to this, the material can only handle temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius before showing signs of damage. This high tolerance can be attributed to the resin contained in quartz.

The myth of invincibility

Most people misconstrue quartz to be indestructible, which is also why most people choose it for their kitchens and bathrooms. You should note that quartz has a breaking point where it cannot withstand stress. Exposure to extremely high temperatures may cause it to falter.

 As such, it is important to understand the potential risks as well as employ the necessary measures to ensure that your quartz countertop maintains its beauty and durability.

The reality of thermal shock

Now, while your quartz countertop can very well resist heat, it is susceptible to thermal shock. This is when there is a sudden change in extreme temperatures.

Simply put, if you expose your quartz countertop to extremely high or cold temperatures, it may experience thermal stress that will in turn, cause cracks, chips, or worse still, damage to the structural integrity of your countertop.

Practical considerations

With the myth about quartz being indestructible out of the way, it is necessary to be cautious with yours. While occasional exposure to hot crockery may not cause much or immediate harm, constantly subjecting your quartz surface to extreme temperatures will be detrimental.

Therefore, you may find it useful to employ responsibility when using your quartz surface to extend its life.

Importance of trivets and hot pads

Although a quartz countertop is durable, practicing proper maintenance is crucial, and the best part is that it’s not taxing.

The most you would have to do is place trivets and hot pads on top of your surface to create a barrier. What this does is that it reduces the chances of thermal shock when the surface comes into direct contact with your hot pans or boiling water.

Effects of boiling water: Immediate vs. long-term

At this point, you already know that pouring hot water on a quartz surface is unlikely to cause damage immediately owing to its heat-resistant properties.

Nonetheless, you must not take this for granted. Rather, you must be careful not to allow your surface to suffer the long-term effects of doing the same.

Extended exposure of your quartz countertop to hot water can compromise the countertop’s resin and lead to structural damage, surface dullness, and discoloration.

Mitigating risks

Like any other homeowner, you may want to reduce the risks that may compromise your quartz countertop’s longevity and visual appeal, right? Here’s how to do that.

1. Avoid direct heat

As previously mentioned, you want to avoid placing hot cookware directly from the stove or oven onto the quartz surface. This is because direct exposure may lead to thermal shock which will compromise the resins in your quartz countertop and ultimately cause structural damage.

2. Clean spills promptly

While it is normal to have spillages in the kitchen or bathroom, you want to avoid damaging your countertop by promptly cleaning them up. This is particularly important if it is a hot liquid spillage. Your quick action is what will minimize the likelihood of your quartz surface getting damaged.

Debunking common quartz countertop myths

There are some common myths regarding quartz countertops. Debunking them will help ensure that you get the most out of yours.

Myth 1: Quartz is indestructible

Yes, quartz is durable and can resist a lot, but that does not mean that it is invincible. In that regard, you want to put in place the right maintenance practices that will guarantee the extended life of your quartz countertop.

Myth 2: Boiling water causes immediate damage

Accidental or purposeful pouring of hot water on your quartz countertop should not cause panic. This is because the material has remarkable heat-resistant abilities.

While this is the case, frequent exposure to hot water or other liquids is detrimental and may ultimately affect the structural integrity of the quartz.

Generally, quartz countertops can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit) without immediate damage.

It is no wonder that they are a popular choice among homeowners for areas like the kitchen where heat is involved.

As you may have guessed, knowing and respecting these temperature limits is what will make the difference between a long-lasting countertop and one that weakens after a short while.

Conclusion

Pouring hot water on your quartz kitchen countertops NC is not something that you should make a habit. If you do, you risk compromising its durability, beauty, and color. Instead, you should think of it as an occasional occurrence that perhaps happens accidentally. Moreover, you should clean up the spillage as soon as it happens.

Ultimately, quartz countertops can handle only up to 150 degrees Celsius of temperature. Anything beyond that is detrimental, especially in the long run.

Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops Myths

If you want to redo your kitchen, there are a lot of different countertop materials to consider. Most people think about granite, quartz, and marble countertops. 

Butcher block is often forgotten because many people have myths about it. Which are these myths? Here they are. 

The butcher block is high maintenance.

Many people must know that taking care of and maintaining a butcher block countertop takes a lot of time. But this isn’t true. 

Butcher block countertops do need to be cared for, but they won’t take up much of your time and aren’t that different from caring for other materials. 

To keep your butcher block countertop looking and working its best, reseal the surface. You should do this once or twice a year, depending on how often you use your counter.

Butcher block countertops are easier to keep clean and fix than other materials. If your countertops get dents or scratches, you can sand them down and put a new coat of sealant on them. 

The countertops scratch easily.

People also worry that butcher block countertops will get scratched easily, which is another reason they don’t use them. People worry that their countertops won’t look good and will be an eyesore in their kitchens instead of a beautiful focal point. 

Even though they are softer than stone and will get nicks more easily, the same is true of slate and other hard stones. 

If you slide something unfinished over a butcher block countertop, you are about as likely to scratch it as you are to scratch a countertop made of a different material. 

No matter what material you use, you need to be careful with this.

To protect your surfaces, use a food-safe coating. This will protect the natural wood from scratches. And, as was said above, if your countertops get scratched over time, you can sand down the finish and reapply the sealant to make them look new again.

The countertops aren’t durable.

Some people decide not to put butcher block countertops in their kitchens because they are worried about how long they will last. In reality, butcher blocks last about the same amount of time as a number of other materials. 

When well maintained, they can last about 20 years, the same as laminate and cultured marble.

To extend the life of your countertops, seal the surfaces at least once or twice a year with a sealant that is safe for food and water. You also should smoothen the scratches and stains with sandpaper.

The countertops hold a lot of germs and bacteria.

Everyone has heard it. Butcher block countertops are dirty and dangerous because they hold germs. But this is just a story. Yes, wood is porous, but if you take care of your countertops, you should be able to use them to prepare food and do other cooking-related tasks in a clean way.

To keep your countertops clean, make it a habit to clean them after each use, just like any other material. 

Remember that you can’t place a raw steak on any countertop and expect the spot where it was, free of germs or bacteria. 

Ensure the butcher block countertop you choose doesn’t have a coating that lets water through. 

By doing this, bacteria won’t get into the wood itself. After using the counter, always clean it with either soap and warm water or vinegar and water.

The countertops aren’t water resistant.

Many rumors also say that butcher block countertops can’t stand up to water or heat, but this is untrue. 

Yes, water can get into wood countertops that aren’t sealed. The trick is to give your countertops a finish that doesn’t let water in. This will make it less porous. 

Several mineral oil products that are safe for food will protect the wood from anything you put on the countertop. Then, all you have to do to protect your countertop is put on a new coat of sealant about twice a year. 

It’s not too hard. Even though it’s true that you can’t let water sit on butcher block countertops or they’ll warp, the same is true for stone. 

Marble kitchen countertops NC can get permanent stains from water. Like marble, butcher blocks need to be cleaned of any standing water to keep them from getting damaged.

Things You Should Know About Kitchen Countertops

Is this the first time you own kitchen countertops? There are several things you should know about them. These things include:

Some countertops need sealing

If you recently moved to a house with already installed countertops or newly installed units, you should know that some countertops might require you to seal them once a year. As you can guess, this is an additional expense on your part.

The countertops need sealing because they are porous, and the sealant prevents liquids from seeping through and staining the surfaces.

Two of the countertops that require sealing are granite and marble. You also should regularly seal any porous countertops that you might install.

If you aren’t sure whether to seal the units, enquire from a reputable countertop company. You should also research the countertops you have installed in your home.

For peace of mind that your countertops won’t stain the next time you place items on them, please make an effort to seal them at least once a year. When applying the sealant, ensure that its high quality.

You can apply the sealant yourself or hire a professional to help you.

Even if you have already sealed granite countertops, you should note that you still need to take care of your counters. This calls for you to watch what you place on them. As a rule of thumb, don’t place liquids on the surfaces, as they will leak to the inner layers.

It would be best if you also always cleaned the spills that happen as soon as they do. This is because even if you have already sealed your surfaces, the falls will still get to the inner layers when you go for a long time without removing them.

Even with thoroughly sealed counters, always get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

The countertops aren’t as tough as they look.

When you touch granite, quartz, marble, and other countertops, you might have the impression that they are destructible, but this isn’t the case. Just because the countertops appear challenging doesn’t mean that they are.

To protect your surfaces from damage, avoid cutting directly on them. Please don’t do it now on the countertops when cutting vegetables or chopping meat. Instead, always have a chopping board that prevents you from making marks on the surfaces and simultaneously prevents the spread of bacteria from the meat to the counters.

When you regularly place the hot pots on, most countertops will also be damaged by fire. For your countertops to look good for long and last for as long as possible, avoid placing the hot pots directly on your countertops.

Instead, have hot pads and mats on the counters. When you place your pots, you get them from the stove.

If you don’t have these units, don’t take the pots from the stove. Instead, leave it there until it has completely cooled down.

Besides heat, you also look out for weight, as placing too much weight on the counters will damage this. Many homeowners have the propensity to bathe their young ones on their kitchen sinks. Don’t do this, as you will place too much pressure on the counters.

You also should avoid placing an oversized cooking pot on the counters.

Other homeowners tend to sit on the counters while waiting for the food to cook or when reaching for the top shelf or replacing the bulbs. When you bathe your child in the sink, you place too much pressure on the countertops when you sit or step on them, which expands even the tiniest fissures leading to cracks you didn’t want in the first place.

Countertops need care

Whether you have granite, marble, or quartz countertops Raleigh, you need to give them the best care they deserve. This means that you should regularly clean them.

You might have the impression that you need harsh cleaning products, but this isn’t the case. Simple soap and water are enough to leave your countertops sparkling. You should always avoid harsh chemicals as they cause more harm than good.

Can You Set Hot Things On Quartz Countertops?

The short and sweet answer is no. It’s unwise to place hot things directly on the countertops. This is because the resin on the countertops isn’t as heat resistant as natural stone. Due to this, placing a hot item such as a hot pan will scorch the surfaces, leaving a permanent spot of discoloration, and you don’t want this, do you?

To ensure that your quartz countertops don’t have any damage, you should protect them from harm. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include:

Always use potholders and trivets

Potholders are made from cloth or silicon squares, allowing you to grab the hot handles of your pots, so you have an easy time moving your pots from the stove. You can also slip the potholders underneath your hot pot, which comes in handy to protect the counter or table surface.

On the other hand, a trivet is designed for the countertop or table. Trivets are usually thicker or more rigid than potholders and can be quite decorative.

To ensure that you never place the hot pot directly on the countertop, keep the trivets or potholders strategically in an area you can easily reach.

Whether you are interested in trivets or potholders, ensure that you go for high-quality ones that will withstand the test of time.

Lay out the heat mats and towels

Heat mats are similar to trivets but are made from materials such as bamboo rolls, wood blocks, hand towels, and even silicon mats.

When handling hot pans, heat mats create a safe counter space where you can set the pans without worrying about damaged countertops.

Again, like the trivets, get high-quality thick heat mats that protect your surfaces.

Protect your curling iron

Have you installed quartz countertops in your bathroom? You should be cautious of the curling irons and straightening plates as, like hot pans, they can damage your countertops.

When any hot part of the hair tools comes in contact with your countertops, it’s bound to leave unsightly scorch marks, and you don’t want this on your surfaces, do you?

Have spoon rests to ensure that your countertops never get damaged by the hot hair straightening tools. You can also have a stylish trivet-like mat in your bathroom where you place your curling iron.

Make use of coasters.

Rarely will tea and coffee mugs burn through your quartz countertops, but you shouldn’t take the risk as there have been cases where the countertops have been damaged by the repeated placement of hot tea cups on the countertops.

To protect your countertops, always place coasters on the surfaces that will protect the countertops from burning.

Use serving dishes

When serving food, always use serving dishes. While the bottoms of these dishes will get warm, they won’t be dangerously hot that they damage the countertops.

Other tricks to protect your countertops

Besides preventing hot items from landing on your countertops, you can do plenty of other things to keep your countertops looking great. Some of these things include:

Don’t let spills dry on the countertops

You can’t stay away from spills on your kitchen and bathroom countertops, but you should always ensure that they don’t dry on your counters.

When you are tired, it’s tempting to want to finish your meal and wipe the spills later, but you shouldn’t do this as the spills usually dry on surfaces that are hard to remove.

To avoid this, always move with haste and get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

To prevent spills from coming about in the first place, be cautious of the liquids you handle around your countertops. Keep soda, coffee, wine, and even cooking oils from your counters as a rule of thumb.

Clean the countertops properly

How you clean the countertops comes in handy in determining how your countertops look. To maintain a clean look of your quartz kitchen countertops Durham, clean your surfaces using warm, soapy water.

You should avoid highly alkaline products such as acidic cleaners, degreasers, and glass cleaners, as they are too tough and tend to harm your counters.

Can I Put A Toaster On A Quartz Countertop?

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If you love toasted bread, you must be wondering whether you can place your toaster on your quartz countertops. After all, you don’t want to damage your countertops, right?

Well, you shouldn’t place your toaster directly on your countertops without a protective barrier such as a trivet, glass cutting board, or ceramic tile to prevent the heat from transferring from the toaster to the countertops.

What happens when you place the toaster directly on the countertops?

Placing the toaster on the countertops without any form of precaution will bring about a number of issues such as:

Heat from the toaster will damage the polyester resin on the quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone created largely from tough minerals, usually consisting of 90% quartz stone and 10% polyester resin. The polyester resins hold or bind the quartz together, helping quartz to be one of the most durable materials on the market.

Unfortunately, the polyester resin in quartz can be easily damaged by heat from the toaster oven, electric frying pan, oven, crock pot, or any other appliance that produces a lot of heat.

The heat weakens the polyester resins when you place the toaster unprotected on the countertops. In the long term, the resins swell or even swell.

The toaster oven harms indoor air quality.

As you use your toaster, the heat produced by the appliance gets transmitted onto the countertop’s surface, where it emits harmful pollutants into the air.

This happens due to synthetic polyester resins releasing chemicals into the atmosphere.

The pollution from these chemicals can be anything from carbon monoxide to hydrocarbons that can cause respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma, pregnant, and infants, still in their growing stages.

The toaster dulls the countertops.

In most cases, when you use the toaster directly on the countertops, it makes the countertops duller. In some cases, the countertop begins to form stains, which, as you can guess, isn’t a good look.

How can you protect the countertops?

To prevent the dangers of placing the toaster directly on the countertops, you should protect the countertops from damage. How do you do it? Here is how to go about it:

Trivets

Trivets are an excellent way to avoid direct contact with your countertops with the toaster. Trivets are made from steel, ceramic, and even silicone.

The best and most affordable trivets you should go for are silicone trivets. They can tolerate the same high heat as the other trivets made from ceramics and cork.

At the same time, they stay cool, and you can leave your toaster on them for a long time without worrying that they will get too hot to the extent they damage your countertops.

When buying the trivets, ensure that you buy them from a reputable store. This way, you have peace of mind that they are high quality and will give you a long service.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles come with an in-built protective coating that enables the tiles to withstand daily use without showing signs of damage.

The beauty of the tiles is you don’t need any special tools to install them, which makes them an excellent and cost-effective solution to the hot toaster. All you need to do is to align the tile around your appliance, and once you complete the four sides, you are good to go.

Cardboard or wood

You can always use cardboard if you don’t want to invest in a trivet or ceramic tile. Be cautious of your safety when using a board, as the plastic board can melt fast.

As much as a wooden board won’t melt, it is risky to staining, especially when exposed to high temperatures.

Steel baking sheet

Steel baking sheets don’t scratch or damage the surfaces and, at the same time, remain durable enough to withstand heat from different appliances, including toasters.

When buying the sheets for your quartz kitchen countertops Durham, pay close attention to how wide and deep the coaster is. As a rule, ensure that the sheets perfectly fit your appliance.

How Do You Keep Your Countertops Looking Like New?

Every homeowner’s dream is to keep their kitchen countertops looking new for as long as possible. After all, the countertops don’t come cheap, do they?

If you are one of these homeowners, you should know that there are plenty of ways to do it. How you keep your countertops in top shape depends on the nature of your countertops. To help you out, here are some of the ways to keep the various countertops looking new.

Marble

Marble is one of the hardest materials to maintain. Since it’s naturally porous and highly susceptible to etching, you should be cautious when preparing your meals. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut directly on the countertops.

You also should make it a habit to seal the countertops at least once a year.

If there is any surface damage or stains, move with haste and fix them as soon as possible. If there are oil stains on the surfaces, remove them using ammonia, mineral spirits, or hydrogen peroxide. For the food stains, lift them using water-based dish soap and baking soda paste.

Do your surfaces have chemical corrosion? Buff it out with marble polish.

Wood countertops

For elegant-looking butcher block countertops, apply mineral oil at least once a month. If your countertops aren’t butcher block, apply marine oil to keep the stain fade resistant.

Are there marks and burns on the countertops? Sand them out, then remove the stains using lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide.

Stainless steel

If you have stainless steel countertops, you know that scratches are inevitable on the surfaces. Thankfully, you can buff them out with an abrasive pad.

To protect your surfaces from rusting, prevent cast iron pans from contacting the countertops. If there are already rust stains, remove them using lemon juice and baking soda.

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are known to be heat, stain, and scratch-resistant. They are also nonporous and don’t need sealing. If your surfaces develop stains, apply a paste of hydrogen peroxide and flour, then let it sit for at least 24 hours.

Soapstone

Soapstone is also naturally nonporous, so it doesn’t require sealing. Unfortunately, nicks and scratches are common, so you should be cautious when working around them. Like marble, don’t cut directly on it. Also, avoid placing hard items on it.

If your countertops have slight discoloration from oil or any other material, rub out the discoloration using mineral oil.

Laminate countertops

The most common problem with laminate countertops is stains. Thankfully, you can remove them using baking soda paste. Leave the paste on the countertops for 3-5 minutes, and the paste will lift the stains out, leaving your countertops spotless.

If you have difficult stains that are hard to remove, get rid of them using bleach.

Concrete

You should start thinking about concrete countertops before you even install them. As a rule of thumb, seal the countertops before you install them. This is to prevent them from staining.

Besides this, make it a habit of applying tung oil a few times a year to keep the surfaces stain resistant. For a glossier look, apply wax regularly.

Solid surface

If there are stains or fine scratches on the surfaces, you can buff them out using a mild abrasive. The most common problem with the countertops is a plastic-like patina developing on the countertops. This patina is difficult to remove as you rarely have the right materials.

To avoid damaging your countertops while trying to remove the patina, let a professional handle it.

Ceramic tile

It’s easy to keep your ceramic tile countertops in top condition. Clean the surfaces regularly with a toothbrush and mildew fighting solution and fight occasional stains with diluted household bleach.

Granite countertops

The most important thing to do to your granite countertops NC is seal them. To prevent the countertops from stains, make it a habit to seal them once a year.

To find out whether your surfaces are properly sealed, splash some water on the surface, and if the water isn’t absorbed, the surfaces are properly sealed, but if the water absorbs fast, you need to apply another layer of sealant.

Thankfully, you can professionally seal the countertops without the input of a professional.

What are Corian countertops?

Most people know about granite, marble, and quartz countertops, but there are plenty of other countertop materials you should know about. For example, you should know about Corian countertops.

Corian is the brand name of a solid surface countertop created by DuPont. These countertops are made from a natural mineral blend and acrylic polymer composed of Alumina Trihydrate. Although the countertops mimic the appearance of a stone, they have several distinct properties that make them great countertop choices.

Corian countertops pros and cons

Like other countertops, Corian countertops have their good and bad sides.

Pros

Affordable

Compared to granite, quartz, marble, and other countertops in the market, Corian countertops are much cheaper, making them affordable for most people.

They conduct electricity

This is a unique feature that you won’t find in most countertop materials. While this feature might sound gimmicky to most homeowners, it’s real, and you can work with your technicians and install it on your countertops making it possible to charge your phone wirelessly on the countertops.

While this feature might not be attractive to most homeowners, it comes in handy to those that love cooking while reading recipes on their phones or iPads.

If you are thinking about installing this feature on your countertops, you should note that it will cost you, and you will need to give your countertops special care.

It’s non-porous

Unlike marble and granite, Corian countertops are non-porous, meaning that wine, water, and other liquids won’t easily seep through when you spill on them. This makes the countertops easy to maintain and gives you peace of mind that stains won’t easily come about.

The non-porous nature of the countertops also means that you won’t have to keep sealing the countertops to keep them impermeable to liquids.

Cons

Corian isn’t durable.

Although Corian is affordable, it doesn’t have a long life. This means that when you install it, you will have to replace it several times in your lifetime, and as you can guess, this makes the countertop expensive to have.

One of the reasons the countertop has a short life is because it’s prone to scratches and heat damage, so when you consistently place hot pots on it, it gets damaged, and you have to replace it.

How to maintain Corian countertops

Like other countertops in the market, the key to extending the life of Corian countertops is to take good care of them. How do you do this? Here is how to go about it:

Clean the countertops routinely.

Like other countertops, you have to clean the countertops to keep them looking good. The beauty is you don’t have to be fancy how you go about it. Clean the countertops with dish soap and water to eliminate everyday dirt, grime, and food residues.

Once you are done, dry the countertops with a soft cloth to prevent hard water marks and streaks from forming. The soft cloth also makes the countertops look glossy.

For stubborn dirt, get rid of it using an ammonia-based spray cleaner. When buying the cleaner, pay close attention to the packaging and ensure you aren’t buying a glass or window cleaner. While these have ammonia, they will leave streaks on your countertops, and you don’t want this.

To prevent hard water marks and stains, make it a habit to clean spills as soon as they happen.

Regularly polish the countertops.

Corian countertops come with a semi-gloss, matte, and high gloss finish that you can easily maintain by regularly polishing them. While there isn’t a countertop that will give off the same shiny look you find in granite, you can buff and enhance the look of the countertop with glossy finishes.

All you need to do is spray the polish on the countertops, then buff with a dry, soft cloth.

Protect the countertops from damage

As mentioned above, the reason Corian countertops don’t last as long as granite countertops Raleigh and other countertop materials is because they are easily damaged, so you should protect them from damage.

One way to do it is to protect them from hot pots and pans using oven mitts, trivets, and thick towels. You also should avoid cutting directly on the countertops or sitting on them.

4 Problems with Quartz Countertops

Although quartz has its perks, such as beautiful appearance and durability, it also has its unpleasant side. To help you out, here are 4 of the most common problems with quartz countertops:

They discolor

When you visit many countertop stores, the salespeople move with haste to point out that quartz doesn’t stain so you don’t need to give a lot of care to it. While this is true, it’s not the entire truth.

Quartz is ground down into a fine powder and then mixed with resins before it’s reformed into a countertop. Even though the stone itself is resistant to stains, the resins used to make the countertop vary in stain resistance from one manufacturer to another.

This means that if you buy the wrong type of countertop, you will have to deal with stains hence the countertops requiring almost the same care as granite.

Most countertop stains result from spills, but these aren’t the only things you need to worry about. Quartz counters change their color when exposed to direct sunlight so if your house has large windows allowing a lot of sunlight in, you have to keep closing and opening the drapes to keep the sun out.

Also, the color changes mean you can’t use the countertops outdoors or in grilling spaces.

The countertops have also been shown to stain due to hard water exposure. The iron, magnesium, and calcium in the water leave unsightly deposits on quartz that sometimes come off but sometimes they don’t.

They are expensive to install

Quartz surfaces don’t come cheap so if you are operating on a tight budget, you should look for other options. The reason for the high cost is due to the process involved in their installation. The process involves:

Fabrication: The contractors cut and smooth the slab to the needed shape and size. The larger and more complicated the shape is, the more expensive it’s going to be so if you are looking to save money, you should go for a simple design.

Support addition: If there are areas on the countertops that don’t have cabinets or appear weak, the contractors install extra support on them. The purpose of the extra support is to reduce the risk of the countertops breaking or cracking.

The contractors can install the supports in different ways. They can add extra wooden beams to the wall or secure them close to the cabinets.

Leveling: The purpose of leveling is to reduce the risk of the countertops cracking. The contractors can raise or lower the countertops or cabinets depending on the needs.

They are not resistant to heat

Quartz itself is highly resistant to heat, but the resins used in making the countertops aren’t. This means that placing a hot pan or baking dish directly on the countertops will cause them to have a white discoloration or a cloudy appearance.

To keep your countertops in top shape and avoid damaging them, avoid exposing the countertops to temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure that you don’t damage the countertops, always use a hot pad or trivet instead of placing the hot items directly on the surfaces.

When it comes to cutting on the countertops, don’t cut directly on the surfaces. Instead, have a cutting board in place, as the countertops are prone to scratches.

They tend to have ugly seams

When you hire inexperienced contractors to install the countertops for you, they don’t put the slabs together as well as they should and as a result, you have ugly seams that ruin the appearance of the countertops.

Installing the countertops isn’t DIY friendly

Installing quartz countertops is complex thus not fun especially if you love engaging in DIY projects. Although there are easier to install slabs in the market that you can go for, they too require specialized tools to properly install them.

Moving the countertops is also a problem as they are too heavy. Due to this, you have no way out other than to hire professional contractors to install your quartz kitchen countertops Durham.

When hiring the professionals, ensure they are experienced enough. They also should be authorized to practice in your local area. It also doesn’t hurt hiring insured contractors.