Does Quartz Stain?

Installing quartz countertops is one of the best decisions that any homeowner can make. They are durable, easy to maintain, and stain-, chip-, and heat-resistant. However, despite the many known benefits of quartz, it’s important that homeowners select their slabs from a top brand like Caesarstone to avoid any disappointment with the quality of the product. 

When choosing quartz, one of the most common concerns for homeowners is whether quartz stains. There are so many myths surrounding the stain resistance of quartz countertops. This article will answer the long-asked question, does quartz stain? Let’s clear up some of these myths and clarify just how stain-resistant quartz countertops are.  

What is quartz?  

Quartz is an engineered stone made with approximately 90% quartz minerals. It is one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals on earth. The manufacturing process involves mixing quartz with about 10% resins and pigments. The resins used are what give quartz its stain and scratch resistance, whereas the pigment gives quartz its unique colour.

Why is quartz the best countertop material?  

As we mentioned, quartz is one of the hardest countertop materials. This means that it’s durable, and is highly resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

Additionally, with the availability of a wide range of quartz colours, patterns, and designs, a homeowner will always get whatever they are looking for. Whether looking for hues of black, browns, and greys, the variety of Caesarstone quartz countertops such as 4004 Raw Concrete, 5143 White Attica, and 6611 Himalayan Moon are just a few hues that suit any space.

Does quartz stain? 

So, do quartz countertops stain? They can if they are not properly taken care of.

Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills. With that being said, the absorption rate of quartz is low compared to its natural stone counterparts, an advantage derived via the use of resins and polymers during the manufacturing process.  

Do quartz countertops require regular sealing? 

Now that we have seen that quartz can stain, homeowners may think that the best stain prevention is sealing. However, quartz does not require sealing. Luckily, quartz countertops are non-porous, and so the stains can’t penetrate the material’s surface, making it easier to remove them.

What is the best way to remove quartz stains? 

Cleaning quartz countertops is quite an easy task. The fact that it is non-porous means that any spills do not settle deep within the countertop material. Here are some measures that homeowners can implement to prevent their countertops from staining. For easy tips on how to clean and maintain Caesarstone quartz countertops, visit https://www.caesarstone.ca/care-and-maintenance/.

• Clean the countertops regularly – Cleaning your quartz countertop regularly is the first step to preventing any quartz stain. Small coffee or wine spills may go unnoticed, but these should be cleaned before they cause further damage. The best countertop cleaning practice is to clean immediately after use.
• Use the right quartz countertops stain removal products – It is normal to think that the harshest chemical will remove those tough stains easily. However, this will only cause further damage to the countertops. A solution of mild soap and water does a perfect job at removing quartz countertop stains. Harsh chemicals react with the resins on the countertops causing them to stain. Some of the cleaning products that should be completely avoided on quartz countertops include detergents, bleach, acids, low PH cleaners, caustic soda, and paint thinners.
• Use the right cleaning cloth – The use of abrasive materials to clean quartz countertops can cause permanent damage. A microfibre cloth is recommended for cleaning quartz countertops since it does not leave watermarks and is also highly absorbent.
• Clean spills immediately – Leaving spills to sit on the countertops is the best way to get them stained. Coffee, wine or even tomato paste spills should be cleaned immediately.

Here are some more quartz countertop maintenance tips

• Protect quartz countertops from heat – Quartz is a heat-resistant material. However, just like staining, it is not immune to heat. As such, placing hot items on the countertop can cause burn marks. While discolouration caused by heat cannot be fixed, using trivets or cooking pads guards the countertop material against heat.
• Always use a cutting board – Quartz is a highly durable countertop material. However, it can still scratch when the right amount of force is applied to the countertop, often caused by sharp objects. Using a knife on the countertop will cause permanent scratches that cannot be repaired.
• Never use metallic objects to scrape the surface – Over time, gunk may accumulate on the countertop surface especially when left to sit for too long. This is easily removed by scraping it off the countertop. This is not advised as it can ruin the countertop and void some quartz countertop warranties, such as Caesarstone’s lifetime warranty. Rather, Caesarstone recommends opting for approved quartz cleaning products, such as Vim Cream.
• Never use hot water to clean quartz countertops – Using hot water to clean quartz surfaces will only damage the countertop’s resins. Mildly warm or room temperature water does an excellent job at cleaning the countertop while also preventing damage.
• Place permanent markers away from the countertop – Permanent markers will leave marks on any surface. Quartz countertops are no different, when they come into contact with the quartz, the result is permanent ink marks on the countertop surface.

Can stained quartz countertop materials be restored?

This is a common question among most homeowners. Quartz is not a cheap countertop material. But the durability is worth the cost. However, homeowners tend to think that quartz countertops can be restored, similar to natural stone countertops. Does restoration work for quartz countertops? This depends on the extent of the damage. Generally, seriously stained quartz countertops cannot be restored.

This is why it’s vital to care for quartz countertops. A simple routine that includes cleaning spills as soon as they occur and using the recommended cleaning agents will ensure the longevity and durability of your Caesarstone quartz countertops.