When it comes to choosing countertop materials for kitchens and bathrooms, two popular options are quartz and marble. Many homeowners find themselves debating between quartz vs marble when deciding which material is the best fit for their space. One of the key factors in this decision is the ease of care and maintenance. So, is quartz countertop easier to clean than marble?
Overview of Quartz and Marble Countertops
Before diving into the cleaning differences, let’s first look at some background on quartz and marble countertops.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are made from crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments. The quartz makes up over 90% of the material. It is an exceptionally hard, non-porous surface that stands up well to stains, scratches, heat, and impact.
What is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic stone that is primarily composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals like calcite and dolomite. It is quarried in large blocks and then cut into slabs for countertops and other uses. Marble has been popular for centuries due to its elegance, variety of patterns, and luxurious appearance. However, it is a much softer and more porous natural stone than quartz.
Cleaning Differences Between Quartz and Marble
When examining is quartz countertop easier to clean than marble, there are some notable differences in the cleaning requirements and maintenance of these two materials:
Daily Cleaning
- Quartz – For daily cleaning, quartz only requires wiping down with a soft cloth and warm soapy water or a mild detergent. Its non-porous surface resists stains and buildup. You can also use quartz cleaning sprays designed for stone.
- Marble – Marble is more prone to stains and etching from acidic foods and liquids. It needs to be cleaned more gently, usually just with water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing that could damage the surface. Using marble cleaning spray regularly is recommended.
Sanitizing
- Quartz – The hard, impervious surface of quartz allows the use of bleach or hydrogen peroxide solutions to disinfect the countertop. Strong chemicals don’t penetrate or dull the quartz.
- Marble – Never use bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or lemon juice on marble, as they can eat away at the calcite crystals. Hydrogen peroxide or stone-safe disinfectants are safer options. Be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry marble after sanitizing.
Stain Removal
- Quartz – If stains occur, vigorous scrubbing with baking soda or an alkaline quartz cleaner will often remove them without hurting quartz. For stubborn stains, a poultice might be applied.
- Marble – Stain removal is trickier on marble. Start with a mild poultice or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid acidic cleaners that degrade marble. Consult a stone restoration specialist for ingrained stains.
Heat Tolerance
- Quartz – Quartz countertops are very resilient against heat. Hot pots and pans or baking sheets pulled from the oven generally won’t mark or damage quartz surfaces.
- Marble – Marble is prone to heat damage. Trivets, hot pads, or cooling racks should always be used under very hot cookware, pans, or appliances placed on marble.
Scratch Resistance
- Quartz – Quartz offers superior scratch resistance over marble. Cutting or chopping on a quartz surface typically won’t leave marks the way it would on marble. The only things that can scratch quartz are materials harder than quartz.
- Marble – Marble is prone to scratching from cutting, abrasive cleaners, dropping heavy objects, etc. Existing scratches can be buffed out by professionals. Using cutting boards helps prevent scratching of marble.
Maintenance
- Quartz – Aside from periodic cleaning, quartz requires virtually no maintenance. It does not need polishing or sealing. You can enjoy quartz for many years without deterioration.
- Marble – Marble countertops need regular sealing, typically once or twice per year. This protects against stains and etching. Occasional professional honing or polishing may be desired if the marble loses its luster.
Is Quartz Easier to Keep Clean?
In most cases, yes – quartz is easier to clean than marble. The non-porous and durable composition of quartz makes it very simple to clean and maintain on a daily basis. Regular wiping with mild detergent is often all that is needed. Marble requires more frequent cleaning and care to avoid stains, scratches, and dulling. Accidental damage is also less likely with quartz.
However, no countertop material is completely stain or damage proof. Simple care and cleaning best practices should be followed for both quartz and marble surfaces. With proper maintenance, either material can provide years of beauty in the home. Consider your own needs and lifestyle when choosing between quartz vs marble. For many homeowners, the ease of cleaning and maintenance gives quartz an advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Quartz and Marble Countertops
Here are answers to some common questions about keeping quartz and marble countertops clean:
Is it okay to cut food directly on quartz and marble countertops?
Cutting food directly on quartz is fine and generally won’t damage the surface. However, using cutting boards is still recommended to be safe. Never cut any food directly on marble, as knives will scratch and scrape the softer stone. Always use cutting boards on marble.
How can I get rid of hard water marks on my quartz or marble?
For quartz, use a little bit of soap and water or a stone-safe cleaner. For marble, try a poultice made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch marble. Consult a stone pro if stains persist.
What should I clean marble with?
Use a gentle pH neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid vinegar, bleach, lemon, ammonia, or other acids. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning marble and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water marks.
What should I avoid putting on quartz?
Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals like paint removers or furniture strippers. Do not use abrasive pads or powders that could possibly scratch the surface. Quartz can withstand heat, but prolonged direct high heat could damage solid surface over time.
Does marble need to be sealed?
Yes, it is highly recommended to seal marble every 1-2 years. Sealing helps repel stains, resist moisture damage, and prevent etching on marble surfaces. Professional grade sealants are best for marble countertops.
Can I use bathroom cleaners on quartz?
Yes, bathroom cleaners are generally fine for quartz as long as they do not contain abrasives or acids. As always, avoid harsh chemicals. Simple mild soap and water works great for cleaning and disinfecting quartz.
Conclusion
When comparing the ease of cleaning and care for quartz vs marble countertops, quartz certainly holds some advantages. Its durable non-porous composition allows simple cleaning with soap and water. Marble requires more diligent maintenance and sealing to stay protected. However, both can make excellent countertop materials with proper cleaning habits. Consider how the cleaning needs align with your lifestyle when choosing quartz or marble countertops.