Homeowners love the practicality of quartz countertops – they’re tough, withstand heat, and require minimal upkeep, making them perfect for busy kitchens and bathrooms.
Engineered from a combination of 90% ground quartz and 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments, quartz countertops offer a wide array of colors and patterns to suit any design aesthetic.
But are quartz countertops truly stain-proof? While quartz is highly resistant to most stains, it’s important to remember that no countertop material is completely immune.
In this thorough guide, we will delve into the elements that cause stains on quartz countertops, offering suggestions for stain prevention and providing a step-by-step guide for stain removal, should the unfortunate event of staining occur.
Moreover, we are going to have a more detailed look at the white countertops as many homeowners prefer them for kitchen and bathroom renovations.
Quartz countertops are man-made surfaces made from a mixture of crushed quartz, resins, polymers, and pigments. They are highly resistant to damage, but they can still stain if not properly maintained.
Just like any type of countertop, quartz is vulnerable to staining from red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, juice, etc. if the spills are not cleaned right away. But unlike granite (which is a natural stone), the staining does not occur because the staining liquid is absorbed by the countertop surface.
The staining occurs when the liquid reacts to the resin, which is one of the main components in quartz countertops. Resins are what help make quartz countertops non-porous but they are also what can be damaged by cleaners, heat, and chemicals.
Despite being a non-porous countertop material, quartz countertops can still fall victim to staining under certain circumstances. Some of the most common concerns and causes of staining include:
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your beautiful quartz countertops! Here’s how to keep them looking their best:
No matter how much you take care of your countertops, stains are sometimes inevitable. If a stain does occur on your quartz countertop, don’t panic. There are several methods you can use to remove the stain, depending on its type and severity.
Most quartz stains are due to liquid that was able to sit for too long on the surface. Here’s how to handle those pesky marks, depending on what caused them:
Note: These methods will remove stains from quartz but won’t fix a damaged resin.
Water stains are caused by minerals such as calcium or limescale that are left behind when water evaporates, creating chalky stains that won’t wipe away. Although water stains are easily removed by bleach and other acidic cleaners, these products can cause permanent damage to quartz surfaces, and pH-neutral cleaners won’t be effective.
Those stubborn mineral deposits can be frustrating, but here’s how to tackle them safely:
Use a plastic spatula or very fine steel wool to carefully loosen the buildup. Light circular motions are key to avoiding scratches. Wipe away any loosened debris with a dry cloth.
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain and gently rub it in with a soft cloth.
Rinse the area thoroughly with water. If the stain persists, repeat the process. For very stubborn stains, consider a commercial hard water stain remover specifically designed for natural stone surfaces.
If you take good care of your quartz countertops and address stains promptly using the appropriate techniques, you can keep them looking spotless and beautiful for years to come.
Quartz countertops might be highly stain and heat-resistant but they still need proper maintenance in order for them to keep their beauty for a longer period of time.
Quartz countertops need to be cleaned routinely:
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your quartz countertops looking beautiful and pristine for years to come.
Daily wiping your countertops and paying attention to spills will fulfill its basic needs. But once in a while, you will need to deep clean your countertop surface. Spray an ample amount of non-abrasive cleaner all over the surface and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it away with a soft cloth.
Now that you know how to remove stains from quartz, let us now look into the common mistakes that everyone makes when cleaning white or light-colored quartz countertops so that we can avoid making them.
If you take good care of quartz, it will keep making you happy with its spotless look. Like this one.
Yes, you can remove stains from white countertops and quartz countertops, but the whole process can easily be avoided by prevention.
Quartz countertops are known for their resistance to stains compared to natural stones like marble or granite. However, specific conditions can still cause staining on quartz surfaces. To keep your quartz countertops looking their best, it’s important to be aware of the common factors that can lead to staining and take preventive measures.
Additionally, knowing the right methods for removing stains when they do occur can help maintain the beauty and longevity of your quartz countertops.
Remember, the key to maintaining the appearance of your quartz countertops is prompt cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners and materials during the cleaning process.
If you need help in picking out and installing countertops for your home, give Granite Selection a call at (888) 906 3317 and we’ll be happy to assist you. Granite Selection is a manufacturer and installer of natural stone countertops for kitchens and bathrooms in the Chicagoland area. Located in Elk Grove Village, IL, we serve a 70 mi area.
Do you have questions about granite or quartz countertops in Chicago?
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