At Marble Granite World, we want you to be as informed as possible about the type of countertop you’re investing in. Quartz countertops involve a certain degree of maintenance to keep them looking their best, and it’s important to know that it’s possible for a quartz slab to experience discoloration over time.
Reasons Behind Discoloration
Here are some reasons why you might notice discoloration on the surface of your quartz countertop:
Soap
Since quartz countertops are nonporous, many people don’t think that they can be damaged by soap. But that’s not true; fading and stains can occur from soaps that contain bleach or other alkaline-based chemicals, because they affect the resins in quartz’s composition.
Soap residue can also leave quartz countertops looking dull and hazy, so if you drip harsh soaps or chemical cleaners on your countertop while washing dishes, wipe it up right away to avoid it drying there.
Direct Heat
While quartz is an extremely durable countertop, we don’t recommend exposing it to direct heat without a hot pad or trivet. Extremely hot items can cause your quartz to discolor.
Hard Water
Hard water can also cause discolorization in your quartz countertops because it leaves behind deposits that are very difficult to remove. It can completely ruin the aesthetic of an engineered or natural stone countertop, so always make sure your countertop is dry after you clean it.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products that are high in acidity can also cause your quartz countertops to become discolored because it puts the polished surface at risk for corrosion. This will leave the surface looking dull and faded, and it will often shorten the lifespan of your countertop.
Sunlight
You might notice some discoloration in your quartz countertop—especially light-colored quartz countertops—if it’s exposed to constant direct sunlight. On average, it takes less than a year of being exposed to direct sunlight for a quartz countertop to show signs of discoloration. The epoxy that is used to bind the quartz breaks down under UV light, which causes the color to change. Normally, this is not an issue for indoor countertops, but it is the number one reason why quartz countertops are not a good fit for outdoor use.
Protecting Your Countertops
Here’s how you can protect your countertop from discoloration—specifically discoloration from UV rays:
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure for long periods of time.
- If your quartz is in a very sunny area, consider installing blinds to discourage the sunlight on the surface of the countertop. If the sun shines through a small window onto your quartz for a small amount of time each day, you’re probably fine.
- Monitor your quartz.
- As part of your quartz maintenance routine, inspect the countertops for any signs of discoloration and damage. If you notice discoloration, first rule out other causes, then consider installing blinds or altering your windows to let fewer UV rays in.
The Beauty of Quartz
If you have concerns about your quartz countertops and discoloration, or if you have questions about how to maintain your countertops, get in touch with Marble Granite World today.