Care & Maintenance
Protect Your Investment
Understanding Care & Maintenance
This page answers the question: How do I care for quartz and porcelain countertops?
Both quartz and porcelain are remarkably low-maintenance. Understanding how to handle the 5 most common challenges—smears, spills, stains, scratches, and scalds—ensures your surfaces stay beautiful for decades.
Learn how to handle the 5 most common countertop challenges: smears, spills, stains, scratches, and scalds. Watch our video guides for each.
How It Works on Each Material
The application and characteristics of care & maintenance can vary depending on the surface material.
Quartz
Quartz requires minimal maintenance thanks to its non-porous surface. Handle the 5 common challenges with simple, effective techniques shown in our videos.
- Smears: Wipe with microfiber cloth and mild cleaner
- Spills: Wipe immediately with damp cloth
- Stains: Use baking soda paste for stubborn marks
- Scratches: Always use cutting boards
- Scalds: Always use trivets for hot items
Porcelain
Porcelain is virtually maintenance-free with exceptional resistance to all 5 common challenges. The most forgiving countertop material available.
- Smears: Any household cleaner works
- Spills: Wipe with any cleaner—fully stain resistant
- Stains: Virtually stain-proof—easy cleanup
- Scratches: Highly scratch-resistant surface
- Scalds: Hot pans can be placed directly on surface
Where This Works Best
Different care & maintenance options are suited to different environments. Here's where each shines.
Care & Maintenance Options Compared
Each option has its own characteristics. Compare them to find the right fit for your project.
Smears
Fingerprints, grease marks, and surface residue are inevitable in daily use. Learn the quick techniques to restore a streak-free shine.
- Quick to clean
- Prevents buildup
- Maintains appearance
- Simple daily routine
- Requires microfiber cloths
- May need specific cleaner for stubborn smears
High-traffic kitchen areas, bathroom vanities, and commercial countertops
Spills
From water to wine, spills happen. Immediate action prevents most issues. Watch our guide for handling different types of liquid spills effectively.
- Easy to wipe up
- Non-porous surface resists absorption
- Most spills don't stain
- Quick response prevents issues
- Some liquids need immediate attention
- Oils can leave residue if not cleaned promptly
Kitchen countertops, bar areas, and food preparation surfaces
Stains
Stubborn discoloration from coffee, wine, or other substances requires specific techniques. Our video shows you exactly how to remove common stains safely.
- Most stains are removable
- Non-abrasive methods work well
- Restores original appearance
- Prevents permanent damage
- Older stains are harder to remove
- May require specific products
- Some stains need overnight treatment
Areas prone to coffee, wine, or food stains—especially kitchen islands
Scratches
While quartz and porcelain are highly scratch-resistant, prevention is key. Learn proper cutting board use and surface protection techniques.
- Prevention is simple
- Maintains pristine finish
- Protects long-term value
- Easy habits to adopt
- Requires cutting boards
- Heavy items should be lifted, not dragged
- Some scratches difficult to repair
Food prep areas, high-use kitchen zones, and commercial applications
Scalds
Hot pots, pans, and appliances can damage certain surfaces. Understand heat resistance differences between quartz and porcelain, plus protection methods.
- Prevention is straightforward
- Protects against thermal shock
- Extends surface life
- Porcelain is naturally heat-proof
- Quartz requires trivets
- Heat damage may void warranty
- Thermal shock can cause cracks
Kitchen countertops near stoves, ovens, and cooking areas
Care & Maintenance in Real Projects
See how different options look in completed installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Choosing?
Our experts can help you select the perfect care & maintenance for your project.