The engineered stone – quartz – is quite the in-thing for countertops today. And this is thanks to the significant advantages it brings over the traditional rocks.
There are talks about quartz being waterproof, heat resistant, and beautiful. Still, one of its most significant selling points is its low maintenance requirement and stain-resistant quality.
However, it’s almost leading me to believe that this means quartz doesn’t stain. This is far from it. Quartz countertops, although possessing high resistance to stain, can stain in reality.
Precisely, there are even some stains that can cause permanent discoloration. As such, you still need to pay special attention to your quartz and engage in proper maintenance.
In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about quartz stain-resistant capacity. We’ll also guide you on actions to take in situations where your quartz countertops get stained.
But first, what are quartz countertops?
Getting to Know Quartz Countertops
Unlike marble, granite, and other natural stones, quartz is an engineered and human-made surface. It comes from quartz crystals that are combined with resins.
Usually, it includes other pigments and materials that provide a durable product that looks like other traditional countertops.
It’s highly preferable as it combines the beauty of marble with the function of quartz. For instance, you don’t have to seal it before use.
Why is Quartz Stain Resistant?
You must have heard the statement that quartz is stain resistant, unlike some other countertop options. And if you’re wondering why it’s quite easy. It’s thanks to its low rate of absorption.
Unlike some other choices, quartz has special resin binders which combine the quartz crystals to pigments and other minerals. Thanks to this significant binding, there’s less possibility of absorbing liquids when it comes to quartz.
In turn, it means, fluids can hardly penetrate to stain your quartz.
Can Quartz Countertop Stain?
Yes, your quartz countertops can stain. And it’s particularly vulnerable to products such as tea, tomato sauce, coffee, red wine, and other liquids in cases where you don’t clean it immediately.
In such instances, the liquid and the resin react to establish a discoloration on your quartz.
Also, staining can occur in cases where you fail to clean properly. And this is usually the case when you use inappropriate chemicals to clean your countertop’s surface.
So, while you intend to clean, the chemical reacts poorly with your countertops. And this eventually causes discoloration to your quartz.
Usually, this results from using compounds that contain oil soaps, detergent, or paint thinners. Cleansers that have bleach can also contribute to this discoloration.
Your quartz countertop can also get stained from heat effects. Generally, exposure to direct sunlight or heat will cause your quartz to display discoloration.
This is because heat causes the petroleum byproducts in your quartz to react. The discoloration can then appear as a stain.
As such, the truth is that, although stain-resistant, quartz isn’t stain-proof. It remains susceptible to stains without proper maintenance.
Why Does Quartz Stain?
Stains occur because quartz is still made of pigments and resins, which are technically petroleum byproducts. Generally, petroleum byproducts react to certain substances to create stubborn stains.
In such cases where you expose your quartz to them without cleaning up fast, then your quartz countertops will get stained.
How to Prevent Your Quartz Countertop from Staining
You can prevent liquid and heat stains through various means. And prime among them involves the use of protective layers on your quartz countertop.
For instance, trays, cutting boards, and trivets will help prevent liquid from spilling directly on your board.
It also prevents your quartz from getting into direct contact with hot surfaces that might cause discoloration. And the idea is that you stop these liquids with stain potential from coming into direct contact with your quartz.
Another way to prevent stains is the immediate cleaning of the surface after a spill. The idea is to prevent the liquid from having enough time to penetrate your quartz.
So, you wipe off the liquids as fast as possible. And this way, you avoid your quartz countertop from absorbing the liquid and getting stained.
Again, to prevent discoloration, you’ll need to clean properly. And this involves avoiding chemicals with solvents like paint thinners, oil soaps, and detergents. You’ll also need to avoid bleach.
Then, you’ll need to ensure you only use gentle soap and nonabrasive cleansers in your quartz countertop cleaning activities.
Also, don’t bother sealing as you’ll merely be wasting your money. Quartz already comes sealed, and your additional sealant won’t penetrate its surface.
How to Remove Quartz Countertops Stain
Preventing your quartz countertop from staining is the ideal thing. However, you might find yourself in a situation where it’s already stained. You’ll need to remove the stains to restore the quality of your quartz countertops.
Generally, to rid your quartz countertops of stains, you’ll need to wipe off spills and scrub where necessary. However, you’ll need to ensure you do this with a soft cleaning pad.
This way, you don’t add more marks and stains to your quartz countertop.
You might also need to resort to a quartz cleaner. However, ensure you use only recommended cleansers. You don’t cause more detrimental chemical reactions within your quartz.
Also, in cases where the stain is a result of paint, lipstick, nail polish, or wax, you might need to dig a little deeper. And this will involve scraping the surface with a spatula or plastic knife.
This would ease the strain of cleaning. And then, you can engage in general stain removal.
Other things that might be relevant to your stain removal endeavor includes
- Magic eraser – You should be very careful and ensure you test it first. This is because it sometimes causes dulling to your countertop’s surface.
- Diluted bleach – While bleach is a bad idea, diluting it might do the trick for specific spots. However, ensure you clean it off after cleaning and dilute one-part bleach with eight parts of water.
- Acetone – You can use it to remove ink stains from your countertop. It also works for gummy items on your countertop. However, avoid long contact and rinse well as soon as you complete its application.
Final Thoughts
Quartz countertops can stain over time. Various liquids and chemicals can cause discoloration to that beautiful surface. And this can become quite problematic if you allow it to accumulate.
As such, you’ll need to avoid materials and liquids that can stain or hurt your countertop. You’ll also need to imbibe a proper maintenance routine.
This way, you can prevent stains and keep your quartz in the best condition.
You even can request the help of an RSK Marble and Granite professional to have it done for you.
Call the experts here at RSK Marble & Granite at 978-447-1001 or by contacting us here.