Low-Maintenance Countertops Perfect for a Busy Lifestyle

Many countertops on the market require maintenance to keep them looking spick and span. Some require sealing so they do not stain, others are prone to rotting if they are not cared for properly, and some might even peel.

However, quartz countertops are a durable, natural material that are easier to care for than most other countertops materials. They have virtually no maintenance other than cleaning your quartz countertop after use. 

What makes quartz so easy to care for?

It starts with the main ingredient of the countertop, quartz. 

Scoring a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, quartz is the fourth hardest crystalline mineral on Earth and is found abundantly all over the world in a variety of forms. Quartz is also the most common mineral on the planet, making up 12% of the Earth’s crust by volume.

Quartz is versatile in color and application. Applications can include eyeglass lenses, circuits for electronic consumer products such as computers, cell phones, televisions, radios, electronic games, and, of course, surfacing material. 

Quartz makes an excellent low maintenance and easy to care for surfacing material for countertops!

How are quartz countertops made?

Quartz slabs are an engineered surfacing material created from high-quality quartz and resin binders (about 93% raw quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments). Up to seven different sizes of raw quartz can be found in any one quartz slab, and all quartz slabs are impermeable to water, moisture, and bacteria. While quartz countertops are manufactured, they have the natural beauty of stone countertops and are up to two times stronger than granite countertops — one of the most popular countertop materials. 

While quartz countertops are incredibly durable because of their main ingredient, many of their features also make them low maintenance compared to other popular countertop materials. 

What makes quartz countertops low maintenance?

Nonporous Surface

To begin with, quartz is nonporous and solid all the way through, meaning there are no holes or cracks through which air and liquids can pass. Porous countertops, such as granite and marble, have small holes and fissures, which welcome moisture and can harbor bacteria and germs. 

Porous countertops require annual (or more often) sealing to deflect moisture and germs from food preparation. Without proper sealing, natural stone countertops can, as mentioned before, harbor unwelcome bacteria and germs and stain, which can be hard to remove. Quartz countertops require no conditioning or polishing.

Stain-resistance

This feature also makes quartz countertops stain resistant. Some natural stone counters, like marble, may stain easily if common kitchen substances like red wine and ketchup are spilled on the countertops. Quartz is stain resistant, and messes are easily cleaned without a trace. 

Low maintenance

Quartz countertops require virtually no maintenance in addition to general cleaning, which could not be easier. Because of their nonporosity, daily quartz countertop maintenance is simple and quick. 

For daily cleaning, you have a couple of options. Either use mild soap and water or a rubbing alcohol and water solution. Remember, always use a non-abrasive cloth when cleaning to avoid dulling your quartz countertops.

Other stains can be a bit more difficult, but there is always a way to get stains out of your quartz countertops. For any stain, start with soap and water, and then move on to other options. You can learn how to remove most stains with our HanStone Quartz Care & Maintenance Guide, which is found on our website’s downloads section.

Durability

Another important feature of quartz countertops is their durability. While quartz countertops are heat resistant up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, they can be damaged by repeated exposure to excessive heat, so we recommend using a trivet when putting hot pots and pans on your countertops. 

As said earlier, quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, and therefore, it is chip and scratch-resistant. You don’t have to worry about damaging your quartz countertops with everyday wear and tear. 

Be sure to use a cutting board when chopping food to avoid dulling your knives and scratching your countertops. Taking extra care not to drop heavy items on your HanStone Quartz countertops will also ensure the long-lasting beauty of your quartz countertops.

Choose a Low Maintenance Countertop Material

Overall, quartz is a great material for countertops for a variety of reasons, including ease of maintenance. 

At HanStone Quartz, we create products to enhance your life’s journey. Whether you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for your culinary experiences or are designing a new reception area for your business, HanStone Quartz has a product for you. 

Quartz can be used in a variety of applications, including countertops, flooring, and wall cladding. See our full color portfolio and learn about all of the ways you can incorporate HanStone Quartz into your home or commercial space.