When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are a lot of different options to choose from. You can go with a traditional option like granite or marble, or you could switch things up and go with quartz. Quartz has become a very popular choice in recent years, and for good reasons – it’s durable, stylish, and easy to maintain.
But one question that often comes up is whether or not quartz countertops absorb stains. In this article, we will take a look at the answer to that question and provide some tips on how to keep your quartz countertops looking their best.
So, do quartz countertops absorb stains? The answer is yes – quartz countertops are susceptible to staining, just like any other type of countertop. However, the good news is that Quartz is a non-porous material, which means that it won’t absorb liquids the way that granite or marble will. This makes it a lot easier to clean up any spills quickly and prevent stains from setting in.
Although quartz countertops are generally non-porous, there are some instances where quartz countertops may absorb stains. Some of the instances where quartz countertops can absorb stains include;
1. When The Quartz Countertop Has Cracks
If your quartz countertop has any cracks in it, then it is more susceptible to staining. This is because the cracks provide a way for liquids to seep into the countertop and cause stains to form.
These cracks can result from a number of different things, such as age, wear, and tear, or even accidental damage. You can check out an article I wrote earlier on how some natural stone countertops crack.
If you have a quartz countertop with cracks, then you need to be especially careful about spills and make sure to clean them up quickly. Also, you would want to make sure that you get your countertop fixed or repaired if it has cracks on it.
So as you can see, if you begin to notice that your quartz countertop is absorbing stains or looking dirty, then chances are your quartz have cracks and that it’s probably time for a deep clean and sealed.
2. When The Quartz Countertop Wasn’t Installed Properly
Another common instance where quartz countertops absorb stains is when they weren’t installed properly in the first place. If your quartz countertop wasn’t properly shimmed or seamed during installation, then it can create small gaps or cracks that will allow liquids to seep in and cause staining.
Shimming is the process of adding small pieces of material (usually wood) to level out the surface before installation. When this is not done properly, it can leave small gaps or cracks in the surface that will allow liquids to seep in.
As far as seaming goes it’s the process of joining two pieces of quartz together, and it’s important that this is done properly in order to create a watertight seal.
This is why it’s so important to make sure that your quartz countertop is installed by a professional who knows what they are doing. If you try to install a quartz countertop yourself, then you run the risk of not installing it properly and causing cracks or other damage.
If you have a quartz countertop that was installed improperly, then the best thing to do is to get it fixed by a professional. This will help to prevent any further staining from occurring.
3. When There Is A Sealant Defect
If your quartz countertop was sealed properly, then it should be resistant to staining. However, if there is a sealant defect or the sealant has worn off, then your quartz countertop will be more susceptible to staining.
Sealing is an important step in preserving your quartz countertops and keeping them looking their best. It helps to protect the surface from spills and staining, and it should be done on a regular basis.
Common knowledge has it that sealing quartz is not necessary but if you want to keep your quartz looking new, it is a good idea to seal every few years.
Also if there are any signs of cracks or deterioration on the surface of your quartz countertop, then you should seal it as soon as possible.
If you have a quartz countertop that has been sealed properly, then you don’t need to worry about it absorbing stains. However, if you notice that the sealant is wearing off or there is a defect in the sealant, then you should have it resealed as soon as possible.
4. When There Is A Poor Quality Quartz Countertop
I must admit, not all quartz countertops are the same. There are some lower-quality quartz countertops on the market that are more susceptible to staining.
While there is a general standard that guides the engineering of quartz countertops, there can still be some variance in quality from one quartz slab to the next.
This is why it’s so important to buy your quartz countertop from a reputable source and to make sure that you get a warranty with your purchase. If you do happen to buy a lower-quality quartz countertop, then you should be extra careful with it and make sure to clean up spills quickly.
If you have a quartz countertop that is of poor quality, then you can expect that stains will get absorbed quickly and can be hard to remove.
These lower quality quartz countertops usually have a thinner surface and they don’t have as much of a polish or shine as higher quality quartz countertops. This means that they are less resistant to spills and staining.
5. When There Is Improper Maintenance Of The Quartz Countertop
Even the best quality quartz countertops will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear if they are not properly maintained.
Quartz countertops are very easy to take care of, but there are still some things that you need to do in order to keep them looking their best.
One thing that you need to be careful of is not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners on your quartz countertop. This can damage the surface and make it more susceptible to staining.
The best way to clean your quartz countertop is with a mild detergent and water. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface.
But the reality is some quartz countertops will start to show wear and tear no matter how well you take care of them. In this case, the best thing to do is to get it refinished by a professional.
If you don’t take proper care of your quartz countertop, then it will start to show signs of wear and tear. This can include scratches, stains, and even chips or cracks.
Tips On How To Make Your Quartz Countertop Resistant To Stains
There are a few hacks you can use to make your quartz countertop resistant to stains:
- Use a cutting board when you are preparing food on the countertop. This will help protect the surface from spills and knife marks.
- Clean up any spills or messes as quickly as possible. The longer they sit, the more likely they are to stain the surface.
- Apply a sealant every few years. This will help to protect the surface from spills and staining.
- Do not bang, stand, or sit on your quartz countertop. This can damage the surface and make it more susceptible to staining.
- Be careful with hot pans and pots. Do not place them directly on the surface of the quartz countertop as this can weaken the surface or cause discoloration.
- Use coasters for any cups or glasses that you place on the surface of your quartz countertop.
Final Thoughts
Quartz countertops are a beautiful and durable option for your kitchen. But like any other surface, they can be susceptible to staining if not taken care of properly.
By following the tips provided in this article, you can help to keep your quartz countertop looking its best for years to come. Thanks for reading!