You might notice some discoloration in your quartz countertop—especially light-colored quartz countertops—if it's exposed to constant direct sunlight. On average, it takes less than a year of being exposed to direct sunlight for a quartz countertop to show signs of discoloration.
Glass cleaner to the rescue: For mild stains, spray on some glass cleaner and gently scrub with a non-abrasive pad. DIY solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a natural stain-fighting option. Simple soap & water: Dish soap and warm water often work wonders on fresh stains!
On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade. The epoxy used to bind the quartz breaks down when exposed to UV light, causing a colour change. Although they tend to be affected less, darker examples are vulnerable in the same way.
Do Quartz Countertops Yellow Over Time? The short answer is that high-quality quartz countertops should not yellow over time if properly maintained and cared for. However, certain factors can contribute to the yellowing or discoloration of quartz countertops.
Common Causes of Staining
Yet, if spillages like coffee, wine, tea, or oily substances are left unattended for an extended period, they can leave superficial stains. High pH Substances: Highly alkaline or acidic cleaning agents can damage the resin in quartz, leading to dull spots or discoloration.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
For natural stone or quartz, you'll use a mixture of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for a minimum of 15 minutes, and then wipe it away with a sponge or soft cloth. Repeat as needed. For tough stains, you may want to leave the poultice overnight.
Use a baking soda paste. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help to scrub away hard water stains. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and scrub with a soft brush.
Under ideal conditions, a high-quality quartz countertop could last 50-100 years. But most of our homes do not offer ideal conditions. A more typical lifespan is 15-20 years. With proper care and maintenance, a homeowner might be able to extend it for a few more years beyond that.
Why Does My Quartz Countertop Look So Dull? There are several reasons why your quartz countertop may have lost its shine. Daily use, cooking oil spills, and grime buildup can leave a film on the surface and dull its natural radiance.
While quartz is naturally tough, the resin and pigments used to bind it can be sensitive to UV rays from sunlight. Exposure to these UV rays over a long period can cause fading or discoloration, with some parts of the quartz taking on a yellowish tint or losing their vibrancy.
Abrasive scrubbing with soapy dishes or sponges could potentially cause clear quartz stones to develop a cloudy appearance. Extreme heat exposure can bring about cloudy crystals.
To remove hard water stains on quartz countertops, it is recommended homeowners use Soft Scrub Liquid Gel, a non-abrasive cleaner. This gel should be applied to a damp cloth or paper towel – not applied to the countertop directly. The stain should then be wiped up in a circular motion.
You shouldn't be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.
If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
For quartz countertops, always choose mild dish soap and water or cleaners specifically designed for quartz. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar, which can damage the surface. A soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge is ideal for wiping down your counters.
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.
Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. Unlike granite, marble, or other porous natural materials, quartz is naturally non-porous. This means you do not have to seal, polish, or recondition your countertop when it is made of quartz.
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Quartz countertops do have a certain level of heat resistance. However, it's not as heat-resistant as granite countertops. The same thing that makes quartz countertops so strong also makes them weak when you put heat or hot cookware on them.
Acidic Water or Cleaners
If it tests positive, avoid cleaning your counters with tap water and opt for a natural stone cleaner. Restoring a hazy, etched countertop to its original shine and polish requires the expertise of a local stone restoration company.
We've talked about items you can successfully clean with Bar Keeper's Friend before and, with caution, this includes white quartz countertops.
Quartz countertops can stain if they are exposed to alkaline cleaners, high pH detergents, certain acids, nail polish, wax, makeup, and even some foods. However, staining typically only occurs if the substance is not immediately cleaned up.
Baking Soda and Warm Water
Baking soda on its own is dangerous for quartz countertops, but when combining warm water with baking soda, the water balances out the alkalinity to make it safer to use.
You can also use a simple mixture of vinegar and water to bring back your quartz's shine. Mix 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water in a spray bottle, then ensure the whole surface is covered in the solution. Once covered, use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to polish your quartz countertop until the shine is restored.