Quartz is a popular type of stone that many homeowners choose for their countertops. It’s beautiful and it’s easy to clean, but does quartz attract dust? Let’s find out.
Quartz countertops do not attract dust, in fact, they repel it. Most dust particles are positively charged while quartz is negatively charged. When exposed to each other, they create an electrostatic bond that is strong enough to keep the dust from settling on your countertops.
However, there are some instances where dust can settle on quartz countertops.
1. Quartz Is Negatively Charged
First of all, what does it mean when something is negatively charged? Well, it’s actually pretty simple, it means that the material will react to particles with a positive charge.
This is why quartz does not attract dust because most of the dust particles in the air carry a positive charge while quartz is negatively charged.
For example, if you were to rub your hands together and then touch the countertops, you will see that dust particles do not stick to your hands. This is because of the electrostatic bond created between yourself and the countertops.
The same thing happens when you touch the quartz surface, which is why they do not attract dust particles.
However, if you were to use something with a positive charge, the bond would be broken and it could attract dust.
2. Quartz Has Low Surface Energy
The surface energy of quartz is also another thing that makes quartz countertop so great at repelling dust.
Surface energy is the measurement that determines how much attraction a surface has. The lower the value, the less attractive it is for the dust to settle on it.
Quartz countertops have an extremely low surface energy value. It is so small that it can repel oil or water, which makes quartz very suitable for kitchen countertops and other hardwearing surfaces.
This is a great advantage because it allows you to clean the surfaces with just water.
You do not have to use any chemicals or detergents, which makes it perfect for those who are environmentally friendly.
3. Quartz Is A Non-Porous Material
Another reason that makes quartz countertops great at repelling dust is that they are non-porous.
Porosity is the ability of a material to absorb other materials. When dust particles land on porous surfaces, they can easily settle because the pores suck them in.
Nonporous materials do not absorb water or oil, which makes dust particles unable to attach themselves to the surface.
However, quartz countertops are non-porous and do not have pores or tiny holes that could allow dust to penetrate into them.
Even if there is a chance of some small particles creating pits on the surface, quartz is still a very smooth and polished material.
This also makes quartz countertops very suitable for places where oil is used, such as in the kitchen and in a place where there is a lot of dirt.
Non-porous surfaces are easy to clean because they do not absorb dirt or grime. Just plain water will suffice and all you have to do is wipe it down with a towel.
4. Quartz Has A Smooth Surface
The smooth surface of quartz also prevents dust from settling. This is because the air around it can flow freely and nothing will be able to stop or slow down the movement of air particles.
There are no bumps, pits, or rough edges that could obstruct airflow which makes cleaning a simple task. All you have to do is wipe the surface with a damp cloth and you are done. The dirt will be gone in no time because there is nothing to slow down air particles from reaching them.
This makes quartz countertops great for commercial purposes, such as restaurants where food gets spilled all over the place or even hospitals that have to keep their surfaces disinfected at all times.
The material also does not stain, which means that it is suitable for all kinds of surfaces. It doesn’t matter if the surface gets dirty, all you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth and the dirt will be gone.
Things That Can Cause Quartz Countertops To Attract Dust
While quartz countertops will not usually attract dust, there are certain instances or situations where they might attract dust.
There are some things that can potentially cause this to happen, but you will have to be extra careful when these events occur.
The following are some of the things that you should be aware of:
When The Quartz Countertop Surface Is Wet
Water can cause quartz countertops to attract dust particles. This is because water has higher surface energy than the material and it will attach itself easily to the surface.
When the surface gets wet or damp, dust particles will take advantage of the moisture and will start to settle on its surface.
So, even if quartz countertops have really low surface energy, water will cause dust to attach itself to them.
When The Quartz Surface Is Grease, Oily, or Sticky
The surface of quartz countertops is very smooth. This makes it perfect for use in commercial facilities where there are a lot of spills and grease splatters.
The smooth surface will not allow dust particles to settle on the top, but if there are grease or oil stains, then they can attract dust.
This is the same as when water gets on a surface and dust can settle down easily because of it.
These kinds of stains can be removed with the use of a strong household cleaner or commercial degreaser.
How To Clean Dust From Quartz Countertops
Cleaning dust from quartz countertops is very easy and chances are you already know how to do it.
You can either use a damp microfiber cloth or a paper towel. If you want to make things easier, then I suggest that you use microfiber because it will clean and polish at the same time.
Just dampen the cloth or paper towel with clean water and wipe down the surface to remove any pieces of dirt that are stuck on it.
If you do not have access to water, then just use a dry cloth or paper towel and wipe down the surface until all of the dust is gone.
What If The Dust Doesn’t Come Off?
If the dust does not seem to be going away with just a simple wipe down, then there might be something stuck on it.
In this case, you will have to use a stronger cleaner or degreaser and give the surface a good rubdown until all of the dirt is gone.
Just make sure that you do not over scrub the surface because it may damage the material.
After you have done this, wipe down the area with clean water and let it dry completely before using it again.
If there is any residue left on the surface after drying then just rub it until they are gone as well.
But all in all, quartz countertops are very easy to clean and the dust that sticks to them can be removed with just a damp cloth.
Final Thoughts
Dust on the surface of quartz countertops is not something that you have to worry about.
The surface has low levels of adhesion, which means that dust particles will be unable to stick onto it in the first place.
Additionally, water and oil stains can also cause things like this to happen as well because they increase its level of adhesion greatly.
However, if you are having issues with dust sticking to the surface of your quartz countertops then just wipe it down using a damp cloth.
Most likely, all of the dirt particles will be gone in no time at all and there won’t be any residue left behind.
FAQ’s
Q: How long will the quartz countertop last?
A: The lifespan of a quartz countertop is very high and it can easily last for more than 50 years. How long your quartz countertops last will basically depend on how you care for them and their frequency of use.
Q: Does quartz countertops need sealing?
A: Yes, you do have to seal your quartz counters so that they can protect the material from getting damaged by things like stains, scratches, and staining. Sealing your quartz countertops will also make it much easier to clean and maintain.
Q: How do I stop quartz countertops from getting stained?
A: Quartz countertops are very easy to keep clean. All you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel, but if this doesn’t work then you will have to use a stronger cleaner and scrub the area until all of the dirt is gone.
Q: Are quartz countertops scratch-resistant?
A: Yes, quartz counters are very durable and tough because they have a high level of crystalline. This means that quartz countertops are scratch-resistant and will not get damaged easily.