Maintaining Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: What You Need to Know

Both quartz and granite countertops are excellent choices for your kitchen or bathroom due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, maintaining these surfaces properly is essential to ensure they continue to look great for years to come. While both materials are relatively easy to care for, each has specific maintenance needs. In this post, we’ll explore the differences in maintaining quartz vs. granite countertops and offer practical tips for keeping them pristine.

Cleaning: The Basics

Cleaning your countertops is essential for daily maintenance. Both quartz and granite are easy to clean, but the products you use can make a difference.

• Granite: Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous and can absorb liquids if not properly sealed. To clean granite, use a pH-neutral cleaner or mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners like vinegar, which can damage the stone. Make sure to wipe up spills quickly, especially from oils, wines, or acidic substances like citrus.
• Quartz: Quartz is non-porous and resistant to stains, so it’s easier to maintain. You can clean quartz with a mild dish soap solution or a stone-specific cleaner. Since quartz is non-porous, it won’t absorb spills like granite, making it less likely to develop stains. However, avoid using abrasive pads or cleaners with bleach, as they may damage the resin used in quartz.

Bottom Line: Both surfaces are easy to clean, but granite requires more attention to prevent liquid absorption, while quartz is more resistant to stains and less prone to damage from cleaning products.

Sealing: Why It Matters

One of the biggest differences between quartz and granite is the need for sealing.

• Granite: Granite is porous, which means it needs to be sealed to prevent liquids from penetrating the surface and causing stains or bacteria buildup. Depending on how often your countertops are used, granite should be sealed every 1-3 years. To check if your granite needs sealing, perform a simple water test—drop a few droplets of water on the surface. If it soaks in, it's time to reseal.
• Quartz: Quartz is engineered with a resin binder that makes it non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing. This is one of the major advantages of quartz, as it eliminates the need for regular upkeep in that regard. You can skip the hassle of resealing and enjoy a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for surface

Bottom Line: Granite requires regular sealing to maintain its protective barrier, while quartz doesn’t need sealing, making it much easier to care for in the long term.

Preventing Damage: What to Avoid

Both materials are durable, but they can be damaged if not properly cared for. Here’s what to avoid:

• Granite: Granite is resistant to heat, but extreme temperatures from hot pots and pans can still cause damage over time. It’s recommended to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface. Granite is also prone to chipping if heavy objects are dropped on it, so always be cautious with sharp or heavy items.
• Quartz: Quartz is more flexible than granite, which makes it less likely to chip. However, quartz can be damaged by heat. Always use trivets or cutting boards to protect the surface from direct heat and sharp objects. Unlike granite, quartz is sensitive to UV light, which can cause fading, so it’s important to keep it out of direct sunlight for extended periods.

Bottom Line: Both surfaces require protection from excessive heat and heavy impacts. Granite is more heat-resistant, while quartz needs protection from UV rays.

Stain Removal: How to Treat Stubborn Spots

_Stains can happen, but the approach to removing them varies depending on the material.

• Granite: If you notice a stain on granite, apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the affected area, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it overnight. This helps to lift oil and other stubborn stains. For organic stains like wine or coffee, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean the surface.
• Quartz: While quartz is resistant to most stains, it’s important to clean spills quickly to avoid any potential staining. For sticky or stubborn spots, use a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can affect the resin that holds the quartz together.

Bottom Line: Stain removal is easier on quartz due to its non-porous nature, but with the right treatment, granite can be restored to its original beauty as well.

Polishing and Restoring Shine

Both granite and quartz maintain their shine with the right care.

• Granite: Over time, granite surfaces can lose some of their shine. You can use a stone-safe polish designed specifically for granite to restore its luster. Just make sure the polish is made for natural stone to avoid damage.
• Quartz: Quartz generally maintains its polished look without the need for regular polishing. However, if it begins to look dull, you can use a gentle polish designed for quartz surfaces to restore the shine.

Bottom Line: Granite may need occasional polishing, while quartz maintains its shine with minimal effort.

Bottom

Maintaining both quartz and granite countertops requires care and attention, but quartz offers a more low-maintenance, hassle-free experience due to its non-porous nature and lack of sealing requirements. Granite, while beautiful and durable, requires more attention to sealing, cleaning, and protection from spills and heat.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your preference for maintenance and aesthetic. Both materials are durable and long-lasting, but understanding how to care for each will ensure that your countertops continue to look beautiful and function effectively for years to come.

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