How to Keep Your Quartz Counters Looking Great Over Time
When searching for natural stone countertops that will look beautiful and hold up well over time, many families turn to quartz. Engineered quartz countertops come with a wide variety of benefits. Quartz counters are easily customizable and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Perhaps even more importantly, quartz countertops are considered to be extremely durable, heat resistant, waterproof, stain resistant, and generally low maintenance.
But many families—particularly those who choose white or light-colored quartz counters—tend to wonder … Does ‘stain resistant’ literally mean quartz counters can’t stain—or is there more to the story?
The answer, in short, is that while quartz countertops are far less prone to staining than more porous natural stones (like marble, for example), they aren’t completely indestructible. Here are just a few common issues people with quartz countertops should be aware of to keep their quartz counters looking great for years to come.
Will Food & Wine Spills Cause Quartz to Stain?
The answer here is—maybe. While quartz doesn’t tend to immediately absorb food spills thanks to its low porosity, the resin that seals the quartz can be stained by darkly colored or acidic spills like tomato sauce, red wine, coffee, or tea. Typically, this is only a problem when the spill is left on the counter for an extended period. As long as the spill is wiped up immediately, food stains aren’t a huge concern even for lighter colored quartz counters.
Can I Bleach a Quartz Countertop?
One of the most common ways families damage their quartz countertops is by using the wrong cleaning products. While bleach and other disinfectants seem like they should keep your counters looking brilliant, they can actually damage the resin and cause discoloration. The best way to clean a quartz countertop is by using a gentle soap (like dishwashing liquid) and a non-abrasive cleaning cloth.
Can Heat Discolor a Quartz Countertop?
Quartz counters are heat resistant, but not quite temperature proof. Quartz is tough, but particularly hot pots and pans can still leave scorch marks on the resin. Homeowners should always use a hot plate or trivet when setting hot pans on the counter.
Is Quartz a Durable Countertop Material?
Absolutely! While engineered quartz countertops can technically be damaged by some of the criteria described above, they’re still considered one of the toughest and lowest maintenance natural countertop materials. As long as you practice intentional cleaning methods and stay mindful of potential for everyday wear and tear, quartz counters can be a great low-maintenance, high-impact natural countertop option.
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