Quartz, Do quartz countertops stain easily?  

There is a big myth surrounding quartz countertops and their stain-resistant properties. People believe that quartz kitchen countertops stain easily and the stain doesn’t go away anytime soon. This isn’t true. Quartz doesn’t stain as easily as some of the other materials like granite, marble, or a few other natural-stone surfaces. However, it isn’t impervious to staining. There may be times when the stain sits on the countertop permanently. But that’s a rare occasion.

Stain-resistant or stain-proof

Many people think that stain-resistant and stain-proof are both the same thing. This is where the confusion arises. Stain-resistant means it can resist most of the stains that other natural stones cannot. That doesn’t mean it can prevent any type of stain from sitting on it. Stain-proof, on the other hand, means the stone will never allow any stain to exist. The two properties are completely different.

Quartz is stain-resistant and not stain-proof. It means the countertop may have stains if specific chemicals or solutions fall on it. Quartz is a far superior material when it comes to countertops than granite. This is because it has a significantly low absorption rate, thanks to the resin binders. Quartz is virtually nonporous compared to some of the other natural stones. Hence, it is easier to care quartz countertops than marble countertops. Marble can develop stain even from water.

Quartz, however, contains artificial pigments and resins that petroleum byproducts. This means they will react to some of the substances, such as sodium hydroxide, a few alkaline chemicals, and permanent marker ink to develop stains. It proves that quartz countertops are stain-resistant but not stain-proof.

Quartz isn’t completely impenetrable

There is another myth that surrounds quartz. People think that quartz is impenetrable. Well, it’s not. Homeowners don’t have to think of sealing the quartz countertops. The installers will take care of that. But that doesn’t make the countertops impenetrable. Tea stains and hard water stains are quite common on quartz countertops but they can’t penetrate as deep as in some of the unsealed natural stones. This makes it easier to clean those stains. Kitchens with quartz countertops with creamy white Carrara marble-look may develop occasional stains if you don’t wipe any spills immediately.

Preventing quartz stains

Now that you know that quartz countertops may develop stains if you spill specific chemicals, you should also know how to prevent and clean these stains. The best advice for preventing the development of quartz stains is not to spill liquids on the surface. Of course, water will spill every now and then. But don’t forget to wipe it away quickly. Similarly, if you spill some other liquid, you should ensure that you wipe it away with water immediately.

Moreover, don’t expose dark quartz countertops to direct sunlight. It may develop discolored spots over time. You can use pot holders on countertops to prevent keeping hot utensils on them.

Scrubbing is a common habit among homeowners. Experts suggest that you use a non-abrasive material to scrub on quartz countertops. This would prevent the development of scratches. You should also use a significant amount of quartz cleaner if you notice any stain. If you see stains caused due to nail polish, wax, food particles, lipstick, or wax, you should scrape it with a plastic spatula or knife. This should remove the stain faster than you expect.

Although quartz is an excellent stain-resistant material, it is not completely stain-proof. The countertops don’t stain easily but they don’t guarantee that they won’t stain for a lifetime. Keep the cleaning materials handy so that you can quickly remove the stain as soon as you see them to keep your kitchen countertops neat and tidy.

Jason Goldblum is the owner of AGS Granite and has always had a great passion for design, cooking and innovation. He started AGS Granite in 2007 and has been going strong ever since, specializing in stone countertop Fabrication and Installation.