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.