One of the most popular questions I get when people are making a countertop material decision is whether quartz stains with heat. The answer, as you might expect, is a little complicated.
In this article, I will be answering that question in full, explaining the different scenarios in which heat may or may not cause quartz to stain.
First, let’s start with a definition. When we’re talking about heat-staining quartz, what we’re really talking about is thermally-induced discoloration.
This type of discoloration occurs when the heat from something like a hot pot or pan is transferred to the quartz countertop, causing the color of the quartz to change.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s get into whether or not quartz stains with heat.
The short answer is: Yes! while quartz countertops are generally resistant to heat, temperatures exceeding 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit can cause permanent discoloration in quartz countertops.
While all quartz is susceptible to heat-staining, there are some factors that will affect whether or not heat will cause your quartz countertop surface to stain. Continue reading as I share some of these factors and more.
Things That Influence Whether Heat Will Stain Your Quartz Countertop
- Brand and Quality
- How Much Heat Is Applied to the Surface
- The Length of Time the Heat Is Applied
- The Color of the Countertop
- Sealant
Let’s start with the first factor: The brand and quality of the quartz material.
1. Brand And Quality
Generally, quartz that is lower in quality is more likely to stain when exposed to heat than higher-quality quartz.
Although all quartz slabs or materials are supposed to be manufactured following the same general process, there can be slight variations in quality from one manufacturer or brand to another.
One thing that differentiates a good-quality quartz material from a low-quality material is the resins used.
While high-quality quartz countertops will use about 7% resins, low-quality quartz will use up to 12% resins.
The higher percentage of resins makes the low-quality quartz less heat resistant and more susceptible to staining.
If you’re worried about whether or not heat will stain your quartz countertop, make sure to choose a high-quality brand or material.
Some of the most heat-resistant quartz brands on the market include;
- Silestone
- Cambria, and
- Caesarstone
So, if you’re looking for a quartz countertop that is less likely to stain with heat, make sure to choose one of these brands.
Of course, even the best quality quartz is not immune to heat-staining and other types of damage, so it’s important to take care when using heat around your quartz surface.
Now that we’ve talked about the type of quartz, let’s move on to the next factor: How much heat is applied to the surface.
2. How Much Heat Is Applied to the Surface
Generally, the more heat that is applied to the quartz surface, the greater the likelihood of staining, no matter how high-quality the quartz is.
As I mentioned before, heat temperatures above 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit can cause permanent discoloration in quartz countertops.
But it’s important to mention that it’s not just the amount of heat that matters but also the length of time that the heat is applied.
For example, if you place a hot pot on your quartz countertop for a few seconds, it’s not likely to cause any damage.
But if you leave the pot on the counter for an extended period of time, there’s a good chance that the heat will damage the resins and polymers, leaving behind an irreparable heat stain.
So, if you’re going to be using heat around your quartz countertop, make sure to do it quickly and efficiently to minimize the risk of staining.
3. The Color of the Quartz Countertop
Color plays a big role in whether or not heat will stain your quartz countertop.
Lighter colors, such as white or cream, are more susceptible to heat staining than darker colors.
This is mainly because heat stains on dark-colored quartz countertops will be less noticeable than on lighter colors.
So, if you’re worried about heat-staining your quartz countertop, choose a darker color.
One of the best things about quartz countertops is that, because they are engineered, they come in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and style.
4. Sealant
Another thing that makes quartz countertops more resistant to heat staining is the sealant.
A sealant creates a barrier between the quartz and anything that comes in contact with it, including heat.
Sealants are not 100% effective, but they can help to minimize the risk of heat staining and other types of damage.
A good quality sealant on a quartz countertop will absorb the heat stain or damage meant for the quartz. So all you do is remove the old sealant and reapply a new one.
But, if you don’t have a sealant on your quartz countertop, the heat will damage the quartz itself, and you’ll need to replace the entire slab.
Can Heat Stain On Quartz Be Removed?
Now that we’ve talked about how heat can stain quartz and how to prevent it let’s talk about what you can do if your quartz countertop does get stained.
The first thing you need to do is identify the type of heat stain. There are two types of heat stains:
- Discoloration:
This type of heat stain causes the quartz to change color. This will often come from something like hot pots, frying pans, etc, being constantly placed on the quartz counter for an extended period of time.
The good news is that, in most cases, the discoloration can be removed with a little elbow grease and the right cleaners. More on this later!
- Etching Or Melting:
This type of heat stain is more serious because it actually damages the surface of the quartz. Etching cannot be removed and will require you to replace the entire slab.
This is because for the quartz surface to be etched or melted, the resins and polymers need to be damaged, and once they’re damaged, they cannot be repaired.
So, if your quartz countertop has been etched or melted by heat, the only thing you can do is replace it.
If you have discoloration from heat, there are a few things you can do to try to remove it:
Use A Non-Abrasive Cleaner
The first thing you want to do is try a non-abrasive cleaner. You don’t want to use anything abrasive because it will just damage the quartz further.
There are a few different cleaners you can use, but we recommend using something like Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish.
These types of cleaners are designed to remove dirt, stains, and discoloration without damaging the quartz, while ging them a nice polished look.
You want to be sure to use a soft cloth because anything abrasive will damage the quartz.
Magic Eraser
The magic eraser is another option for removing heat stains from quartz.
The magic eraser is a soft, spongy material that is designed to be used on delicate surfaces like quartz.
It’s important to use the magic eraser sparingly because it can damage the quartz if you use it too much.
All you need to do is dampen the magic eraser with water and gently rub it over the heat stain.
You may need to do this a few times to remove the heat stain completely. The job is a lot easier if you pick out a good-quality magic eraser like the one from Mr. Clean.
Use Poultice
If you can’t remove the heat stain with a cleaner, you may be able to use a poultice.
A poultice is a thick paste that is applied to the stain and left to sit for 24-48 hours. The idea is that the poultice will absorb the stain.
There are a few different ways you can make a poultice, but one of the most effective is to mix flour and water or hydrogen peroxide and water.
Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, you want to apply them to the stain and cover it with plastic wrap. This will help to prevent the poultice from drying out.
After 24-48 hours, remove the poultice and see if the stain has been removed. If not, you can try again.
Tips On How To Prevent Heat Stain On Quartz
Now that we’ve talked about how to remove heat stains let’s talk about how to prevent them.
Use Trivets
The best way to prevent heat stains is to use a trivet or hot pad whenever you’re cooking.
A trivet is a small, raised platform that you can place your hot pots and pans.
This will prevent the heat from coming into direct contact with the quartz and causing a stain.
There are all sorts of trivets available, so you should be able to find one that matches your kitchen décor. If not, you can always put a hot pad down instead.
Use Place Mats
Another way to prevent heat stains is to use placemats. Placemats are small mats that you can put down on your countertop.
This is to prevent the accumulation of heat that can discolor the quartz.
There are all sorts of placemats available, so you should be able to find something that matches your kitchen décor.
Use A Cutting Board
Another way to prevent heat stains is to use a cutting board.
When you’re cooking, you’re likely going to be using a lot of sharp knives. If you’re not careful, you can easily damage the surface of your quartz countertop.
To avoid this, you should use a cutting board whenever you’re cutting or chopping. This will protect your quartz countertop and keep it looking like new.
Don’t Put Appliances That Produce Heat On Quartz Countertops
Last but not least, you want to avoid putting appliances that produce heat on your quartz countertops.
This includes things like electric stoves, ovens, toasters, and even curling irons.
The heat from these appliances can damage the quartz and cause it to discolor. If you must put them on the countertop, be sure to use a trivet or hot pad.
By following these tips, you can keep your quartz countertop looking like new for years to come.
