Countertops are one of the most important components in a kitchen. They have a functional purpose and they also boost the design value of your kitchen. Your kitchen countertops are one of the most heavily used spaces as well. This is why it is important to make sure that they are constructed with durable material. Quartz countertops are one such option. They are very durable and have high aesthetic value. A lot of people choose quartz because they feel like the surface is easy to clean and modern-looking.
Do Quartz Countertops Need to be Sealed?
Unlike granite, quartz countertops are man-made materials that are manufactured by heating the crushed mixture of natural quartz, other stones such as marble, and fused with resins. The aggregate is compacted under and high pressure and temperature to make solid quartz slabs. High-quality engineered quartz countertops are non-porous and do not require sealing.
Quartz countertops are one of the most popular materials for kitchen and bathroom counters, but there is a lot of misconception about whether or not they need to be sealed. Most people think that sealing quartz countertops is an essential part of maintaining them when in reality it is not necessary at all. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t seal your quartz countertops.
Sealing quartz countertops is unnecessary and expensive. Quartz is made from natural minerals fused with resins; which means it’s impervious to any type of liquids or anything that you can spill on them – including water, wine, vinegar, fruit juices, etc. Quartz countertops aren’t porous, and they already have a permanent seal on their surface because of the fabrication process.
Do You Need to Seal White Quartz?
If you have a white quartz countertop, it is not necessary to seal them. They already come with a permanent coating on the surface that prevents spills from penetrating into the stone, and this will last for years without any maintenance at all. In comparison both granite and quzrtzite which are natural stones are porous and are expensive.
Should You Seal Quartz Tiles?
Most natural stone tiles need to be sealed because they are porous in nature. These stones cannot be grouted without sealing. However, that is not the case with Quartz. If you have a quartz tile countertop, it is not necessary to seal them. The tiles are already sealed when they come out of the fabrication process, so any additional seals will wear away quickly and won’t last for very long at all.
What Happens if You Seal Quartz Countertops?
As quartz isn’t porous in nature, the sealant will stay on top of the countertop. Even if it absorbs any of the sealants, it would wear away after a while. Sealing quartz countertops wouldn’t have any functional purpose and it would just be an extra expense.
Do White Quartz Countertops Stain?
White Quartz is generally stain-resistant however sometimes if a spill isn’t cleaned right away then it can leave a stain on your quartz countertops. Tea, red wine and tomato sauce are some of the things that may leave a stain on your white quartz countertops.
How Do You Keep Quartz Countertops Shiny?
As quartz countertops do not need to be sealed, the question of ways to keeping them shiny is very common.
Usually, Quartz countertops stay shiny for years. However, with the passage of time, even quartz starts to lose its luster. If you want to keep your quartz countertops always shining then you can make a simple cleaner at home. Add a little vinegar to water and pour it in a spray bottle and voila. You have a home-based quartz cleaner.
If you don’t want to make the cleaner at home, you can always purchase a vinegar-based cleaner from the market. Don’t forget to use a microfiber cloth to wipe the countertops when you are spraying them with the cleaner.
How do I Protect My Quartz Countertop from Heat and Stain?
Even though Quartz countertops are very heat resistant, they can lose their shine due to heat and stains. These countertops are very durable but putting a hot pan on the countertop can damage them. It can not only cause discoloration but can also crack the countertop. So try to use a piece of cloth or an oven mitt as a base for the hot pan. Never put the hot utensil directly on the countertop. If you want to protect your quartz countertop from stains then make sure that you always wipe the area with a wet cloth and a high-quality cleaning spray. In addition to that, you should never forget to use coasters under glasses or mugs.