Tips From The Trade: Are White Quartz Countertops Stain Resistant?

Quartz countertops are promoted with lots of promises: They are stain-resistant, waterproof, heat-resistant, easy care, etc. and perfect for busy families in every room of the house. You can even install a pure white quartz countertop with no worries.

But is it too good to be true? Is it just hype? 

Let’s address one of the most common concerns about white quartz countertops — their ability to resist stains. 

Iced White Quartz

We will start off by answering a basic question: "What, exactly, is a quartz countertop?"

It’s a man-made, engineered surface that is manufactured using natural quartz crystals along with other minerals and pigments mixed with a resin. The result is a durable surface that can resemble natural materials such as marble or travertine but can also deliver a look all its own. 

Unlike natural stone countertops, a quartz countertop, even a white one, never needs to be sealed to maintain its resistance to moisture, staining, and other damage. This is perhaps its biggest benefit! But like other countertop materials, stain resistant quartz countertops are not completely indestructible. 

Carrara Grigio Quartz

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 such cases, the staining liquid is not absorbed by the quartz countertop surface.

Staining occurs when the liquid reacts with the resin itself to create a discoloration that is difficult to remove. The good news is that you can prevent these stains easily by cleaning up any spills immediately and using protective surfaces such as trays, trivets, and cutting boards. 

Another cause of staining, particularly with a white quartz countertop, is improper cleaning. It’s true — sometimes, the chemicals intended to get the kitchen bacteria-free and sparkling clean can actually make it look dirty. Avoid using any chemical-containing solvents such as paint thinners, detergent, or oil soaps.

Also, do not use cleansers containing bleach. The best way to clean your quartz countertop is with a gentle soap, such as dishwashing liquid. For stubborn messes, Barkeeper’s Friend is a safe, nonabrasive cleanser. 

Statuary Classique Quartz

Scorch marks can ruin the appearance of a white quartz countertop, even when they are faint. Quartz is heat resistant but not heat-proof. The resin is actually more likely to get damaged from heat exposure than natural stone. Be sure to use a trivet or hot pad when setting down pots and pans. 

Glacier White Quartz

Taking these guidelines into consideration will help you maintain the beauty of a quartz countertop for many years, even a pure white one. It’s mostly common sense, and problems are easily avoided. Although quartz, like any other countertop surface, needs protection to keep looking its best, it’s still one of the most worry-free, easy-care materials available on the market. 

Find out more about its care requirements and warranty, as well as all of the patterns and colors available, in the quartz gallery on MSI’s website. You can also chat with us online now, contact an MSI authorized retailer, or visit an MSI showroom.

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