But like other countertop materials, stain resistant quartz countertops are not completely indestructible. A white countertop can be spectacular. But even a white quartz countertop is vulnerable to staining from products such as red wine, tea, coffee, tomato sauce, and more if it's not cleaned up right away.
In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills. With that being said, the absorption rate of quartz is low compared to its natural stone counterparts, an advantage derived via the use of resins and polymers during the manufacturing process.
While most coffee and tea mugs will not burn through your quartz counter the first time you set them down, you do not want to tempt fate. Use coasters to protect the stone from heat marks. Over time this will help you with the maintenance of your counter.
Common Causes of Staining
Oils, grease, and cooking additives, like vinegar, can also stain the quartz, though the most problematic substances are cleaning solutions. Harsh chemical cleaners, like bleach can leave stains and discoloration across the quartz, so it's important to avoid using these cleaners.
If coffee or tea spills are allowed to stay on quartz for an extended period of time, they can discolor the surface. If the daily cleaner does not remove this type of stain, call a professional cleaning service to help with the issue.
If you spill any coffee, fruit juices, tea, or wine on your countertop and it sits for a while, leaving a stain, then try mixing baking soda and warm water together. Lightly scrub the surface with the paste and a soft cloth. Use three parts baking soda to one-part water, mix it together, and let sit on the surface.
We are big fans of cleaning with white vinegar, mixed in equal parts with water. Apply it to white quartz countertops with a soft cloth, allow it to soak for 15 minutes, then wipe away and rinse. 'For stubborn stains, leave the solution to soak overnight,' say the experts at stone countertop experts Caesarstone.
Coffee and Tea The natural pigments that give tea and coffee their dark coloration can create surface stains on quartz surfaces. Similar to wine, you shouldn't leave coffee and tea spills to dry on quartz, but you also don't have to panic each time there's a spill.
Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface. Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion.
But even a white quartz countertop is vulnerable to staining from products such as red wine, tea, coffee, tomato sauce, and more if it's not cleaned up right away. In such cases, the staining liquid is not absorbed by the quartz countertop surface.
Do NOT use crock pots or electric skillets while in direct contact with your Quartz surfaces. Always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock.
Although quartz is generally heat-resistant, it can be damaged by high temperatures, as when you take a hot pot or pan off the stove and set it directly on the surface. Exposure to extreme heat, or temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, could lead to scorch marks or discoloration that mars your countertop surface.
Some might notice stains on their white quartz countertop as a result of using the wrong cleaning products. Anything with harsh chemicals, including oil soaps, detergents, paint thinners, and any cleanser containing bleach, could stain or discolor your countertop instead of getting it sparkling clean.
This is primarily because it is more resistant to stains, but this does not mean that it's impossible to stain. Just like every other countertop, quartz is vulnerable to stains, including water stains.
The polymer resins (about 5% to 10% in volume) bind the quartz particles. But under certain conditions, polymers may undergo slight chemical transformations. This may occur, for instance, if you leave a harsh chemical on the quartz countertop for an extended time. Slow reactions may result in staining.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
If you have a quartz countertop, you should be able to use Dawn Dish Soap without any issues. However, if you notice any discoloration or staining, you might need to switch to another brand of dish soap.
Using mild detergent: Small, and easy stains
Mixing a mild detergent (like shampoos, or dish soap) with warm water is the most effective, easy option for cleaning quartz countertops since harsher detergents can damage the surface.
Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate. If you need to use vinegar for cleaning quartz, always make sure you dilute it with water. Lysol wipes may be acceptable for quick cleaning as long as they are bleach free but use them sparingly.
Dealing with stubborn stains
Rather than trying to scrub too hard, a non-abrasive gel and a damp cloth will do the trick. Bar Keepers Friend is perfect for any Caesarstone quartz countertop.
While quartz is one of the most durable stones, you must avoid using acidic or harsh cleaners. Don't clean your counters with vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or acid-based products.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.