When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are a lot of different materials you can choose from. However, if you’re looking for something that is low maintenance, you might want to consider quartz.
Quartz is a natural stone known for its durability and low maintenance requirements. Among all countertop materials quartz is in fact one of the easiest to take care of and requires very little to no maintenance.
Here are nine reasons why quartz countertops are low maintenance:
1. Quartz Countertops Have Non-Porous Surfaces
One of the things that make quartz countertops low maintenance is that they have non-porous surfaces. This means that liquids and spills will not be able to penetrate the countertop’s surface, making it easy to clean up.
The reason why the quartz countertop is non-porous is that quartz particles are tightly bonded together with resins. This makes the countertop non-porous.
The benefit of quartz countertops being non-porous is that it prevents bacteria from growing. This is because bacteria need moisture to survive, and they will not be able to find any moisture on a quartz countertop surface.
So, to wrap up on this point, I will say that quartz countertops tend to be low maintenance because of the non-porous surfaces.
2. Quartz Countertops Are Resistant to Stains
Another thing that makes quartz countertops low maintenance is that they are resistant to stains. As I mentioned before, the non-porous surface of quartz countertops prevents liquids and spills from penetrating the surface.
But not only that, but it also makes it difficult for stains to set in. So, if you accidentally spill something on your quartz countertop, you don’t have to worry about the stain setting in and being difficult to remove.
And, if you do get a stain on your quartz countertop, it is usually easy to remove with just a little bit of soap and water. So, to summarize this point, I will say that quartz countertops are low maintenance because they are resistant to stains.
3. Quartz Countertops Are Easy to Clean
Similar to the point mentioned above, quartz countertops are low maintenance because they are easy to clean. Because of the non-porous surface, all you need to do is wipe down the countertop with a damp cloth and some soap.
And, if there are any stubborn stains, you can usually remove them with a little bit of elbow grease and a soft scrub brush. Generally, you should be able to get rid of any organic or inorganic stain with just a little bit of effort.
Apart from soap and water, you can use almost every kind of chemical cleaner to clean your quartz countertop. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the countertop’s surface.
4. Quartz Countertops Don’t Require Sealing
Unlike countertop materials like marble, granite, etc., that need sealing, quartz countertops don’t require sealing. Sealing your countertops every so often can be a real pain, and it’s something you don’t have to worry about with quartz.
One of the reasons why quartz countertops don’t require sealing is that they are non-porous. As I mentioned before, the resins that bind the quartz particles together make the countertop’s surface non-porous.
This means that there are no tiny holes or cracks for liquids or stains to seep into, eliminating sealing. So, in short, quartz countertops are low maintenance because they don’t require sealing.
5. Quartz Countertops Are Scratch Resistant
The next important reason quartz countertops are low maintenance is that they are scratch-resistant. This is a big selling point for quartz countertops, as most other countertop materials are not as scratch-resistant.
The reason why quartz countertops are so scratch resistant is due to the synthetic adhesive finish that is applied to the surface. This finish makes it difficult for anything to scratch the surface of the quartz countertop.
The adhesives and resins create a durable and hard surface that is difficult to damage. Meaning you will not have to resurface your quartz countertops like you would for countertop surfaces like marble or granite.
6. Quartz Countertops Are Heat Resistant
Another big selling point for quartz countertops is that they are heat resistant. Although this does not mean you can put hot pots and pans straight from the stovetop on your countertop, it does mean that accidental spills will not damage the surface.
The heat resistance of quartz countertops is due to the fact that they are made from engineered stone. This means that the quartz material is specially engineered to withstand a substantial amount of heat. Generally, quartz can withstand heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
While heat resistance is a big selling point, you should still use caution when placing hot items on your countertop. It’s always best to use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface from direct contact with heat.
7. Quartz Countertops Don’t Fade in sunlight
Another great reason that quartz countertops are low maintenance is that they don’t fade in sunlight. This is because the pigments and resins used to color the countertop are UV resistant.
This is why quartz is one of the best materials for outdoor kitchen countertops. Unlike other materials like wood or laminate, quartz will not fade or discolor when exposed to direct sunlight.
However, it is still important that you avoid direct sunlight on your quartz countertop for long periods of time. This can cause the color to fade over time, even if it is UV resistant.
So no worries if you have your quartz countertops in a spot where there is direct sunlight for only a few hours of the day. Quartz will be able to withstand such exposure without fading or discoloring.
However, quartz surfaces that see direct sunlight from dusk till dawn will eventually start to fade.
To avoid this, you can use window treatments like blinds or curtains to filter out the direct sunlight when it is not needed.
Or, you can be mindful of the arrangements during the planning and installation of your quartz countertop to make sure it does not get too much direct sunlight.
Quartz is a strong and durable material that can withstand a lot of abuse. But, like all materials, it has its limits. To ensure your quartz countertop lasts for many years, it’s important to follow these simple maintenance tips:
8. Quartz Countertops Are Durable
Quartz countertops are some of the most durable countertops on the market. They are made from one of the hardest minerals on earth, making them incredibly difficult to damage.
This makes quartz a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Because they are so durable, quartz countertops require little maintenance and can last for many years.
When it comes down to it, quartz countertops are one of the best choices for low-maintenance countertop material. They are scratch and heat-resistant, don’t fade in sunlight, and are incredibly durable.
9. Quartz Countertops Are Chip Resistant
One of the best things about quartz countertops is that they are chip resistant. This is due to the fact that they are made from one of the hardest minerals on earth.
This makes them much more difficult to damage than other countertop materials like granite or marble. And, because they are so durable, they will not need to be replaced as often as other materials.
Care And Maintenance Tips For Quartz Countertops
Although quartz countertops are low maintenance, there are still a few things you can do to ensure your quartz countertop lasts even longer than you can ever imagine. These tips are simple and will take just a few minutes if not seconds of your time:
- Wipe Up Spills Immediately:
Just like with any countertop material, it’s important to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. This will prevent the spill from damaging the surface of your quartz countertop.
- Use Hot Pads or Trivets:
As we mentioned before, quartz countertops are heat resistant but not heatproof. This means that you should still use caution when placing hot items on your countertop. It’s always best to use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface from direct contact with heat.
- Use Cutting Boards:
Although quartz is one of the hardest minerals on earth, it’s still best to use a cutting board when chopping or slicing food. This will prevent your knives from dulling and damaging the surface of your countertop.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners:
Abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of your quartz countertop. So, it’s best to avoid them altogether or make sure to remove them completely after use. Better still, stick to mild soaps and cleaners that are designed specifically for quartz countertops.
You should also get into the habit of spot-testing products in an inconspicuous area before using them on your quartz countertop. This will help to ensure that the product is safe for use and will not damage the surface.
- Clean Your Quartz Countertops Regularly:
It’s important to clean your quartz countertops on a regular basis. This will prevent dirt, grime, and bacteria from building up and causing damage. The best way to clean your quartz countertop is with a mild soap and water solution.
- Avoid Abrasive Scrubbers:
Abrasive scrubbers can damage the surface of your quartz countertop. So, it’s best to avoid them altogether or make sure to remove them completely after use. When cleaning your quartz countertop, it’s best to use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. This will help to avoid scratches and other damage.
Final Thoughts
Quartz is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a low-maintenance countertop option. Quartz countertops have several great benefits that make them easy to care for and maintain.
So, if you’re looking for a durable and low-maintenance countertop material, quartz is definitely the way to go! Thanks for reading!