Do Quartz Countertops Need to be Sealed?

Quartz is one of the hardest materials on Earth. Consequently, due to its strength and abundance, it has become a popular and reliable choice of countertops. Read on to learn more information on the care and benefits of quartz countertops:

Do You Need to Seal Quartz?

One of the main questions pertaining to quartz countertops is whether they need to be sealed. In short, no, quartz countertops do not require sealing. Unlike marble, granite, and other hard surfaces that are utilized for countertops, which have to be sealed regularly, quartz countertops never have to be sealed.

What is Quartz Made of? Benefits of Quartz

Quartz is sometimes referred to as an engineered or man-made material, but in fact, it is a natural stone. Of course, each manufacturer varies on how much of the natural pure quartz they use. The end result is a strong, compact slab, though that is an ideal material for countertops. The following are additional benefits of choosing quartz for your home:

• Sturdy: Quartz is a sturdy, durable product and is scratch-resistant. In fact, they are so scratch-resistant that you could potentially dull a knife used directly on the countertop surface. Quartz can be damaged by sudden temperature changes, similar to other natural stones, so trivets and/or pot holders are encouraged to protect a quartz countertop from hot dishes or pots.

• Non-Porous: Quartz countertops are also non-absorbent or non-porous. This means they will resist staining and don’t hold harmful bacteria.

• Easy-to-Clean: You only have to use a mild soap or detergent along with a soft cloth to clean quartz. There is no need for harsh or abrasive cleaners. If stains occur on quartz surfaces, you can use a surface cleaner like Windex. If you are experiencing grease buildup, you can use a degreasing formula but make sure that it is formulated for quartz and that you clean it off immediately.

How Quartz Differs From Other Stone Materials

Quartz is a more durable countertop than marble. Marble scratches and stains pretty easily. Marble also requires frequent maintenance including sealing and polishing, unlike quartz. Granite, another popular countertop option, is also inferior to quartz for various reasons. Granite must be sealed and polished, is absorbent, and is prone to scratching while quartz is much easier to maintain.

Care and Maintenance Tips For Quartz

Maintaining your quartz countertops is best accomplished with some preventive steps.

• Make sure you use trivets or hot pads for dishes or pots and pans that are hot.
• Don’t use a knife against quartz because, although they are scratch-resistant, they can be damaged with a forceful hit from a sharp object.
• Make sure to wipe up liquid spills as soon as possible as they can stain quartz countertops, although they are generally stain-resistant.

To keep clean, simply wipe with a soft cloth and use only mild detergent or soap. Any cleaner should be approved for use on quartz before you use it to clean. If you have gunk buildup on your quartz, you can use a quartz-safe cleaner or can carefully scrape away with a putty knife or razor blade.

Bottom Line: Quartz Is a Good Choice for Countertops

For the many reasons outlined above and more, quartz is a great choice for countertops for the household that doesn’t want to fuss with sealant and polishing or worry excessively about scratches or stains. This natural stone comes in a large selection of designs and is a great option befitting many looks and overall design themes.