Stain-resistant countertops are a game-changer when it comes to creating a stylish and functional kitchen or bathroom. Stain-resistant countertops resist stains or spills, which makes for an effortless cleaning routine. Just a simple wipe will do the job in most cases.
Stain resistance is not the only concern for many homeowners, as there is no clear distinction between stain-resistant countertops and non-stain-resistant countertops. There are other factors and various resistance levels to contend with. Thus, you should narrow down a countertop regarding various factors along with cleaning and maintenance requirements.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into the world of stain-resistant countertops, exploring the top materials that excel in repelling and resisting stains. From spilled coffee or red wine to everyday cooking splatter, we’ve compiled a list of countertop options that not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also provide unparalleled durability and ease of maintenance.
Table of Contents
What Is Stain Resistance?
Stain resistance or stain-proof is the ability of a countertop material to resist and repel stains usually caused by food and drinks. Stain-resistant countertops offer easier maintenance and cleaning. Therefore, most homeowners opt for stain-resistant countertops.
What Are The Top Stain-Resistant Countertop Materials?
Here are the top 3 stain resistant countertop materials:
- Quartz
- Stainless steel
- Glass
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is the favorite countertop material for a lot of homeowners because of its incredible stain resistance. Since the surface of the quartz is non-porous, spills or bacteria cannot penetrate under the surface, which allows for easy cleaning.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel is also non-porous, so cleaning the metal surface is very easy. Although fingerprints are more visible on stainless steel countertops, they are removed simply by wiping. This type of countertop is especially common in industrial kitchens.
Glass
Another stain-resistant material is glass. Bacteria and spills cannot stay on a glass surface for long, and by simply using common cleaning sprays you can get rid of even the hardest stains. However, when you touch a glass countertop, it will probably leave a smudge on the surface, so you might need to wipe it often to achieve a spotless shine.
Other Great Countertop Materials With Regards To Stain-Resistance
There are other common countertop materials that many homeowners like to use in their homes, but they don’t offer obvious stain resistance due to their porous surface structure. However, there are still ways to deal with staining on the following countertop materials such as grouting, sealing, refinishing…etc.
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Granite
- Soapstone
- Wood
- Marble
Why Stain Resistance Matters For Countertops?
Stain resistance matters because if a countertop is stain resistant, it is much less prone to bacteria or permanent staining. Stain-proof countertops have little to no maintenance requirements, which saves more time for fun with friends and family.
Stain resistance is also important for the durability of your countertop. Stain-resistant countertops last longer and buying a stain-resistant countertop can be a good investment for your property. You can get a relatively higher resale value because of your stain-resistant countertop.
Does Stain-Resistant Countertops Affect the Home Value?
Yes, stain-resistant countertops can affect home value. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, granite countertops can add an average of $10,000 to the value of a home. Quartz and glass countertops can add an average of $5,000 to the value of a home. Of course, the exact amount that a stain-resistant countertop will add to the value of your home will depend on a number of factors, including the size and quality of the countertops, the overall condition of your home, and the current market conditions.
However, if you are considering updating your countertops, choosing a stain-resistant material is a good way to increase the value of your home.
How to Maintain Your Stain-Resistant Countertops?
Stain-resistant countertops need a good amount of care and maintenance, too. Here are some general tips to maintain your stain-resistant countertops.
- Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth to keep its nonporous surface safe.
- Use mild dish soap for particularly hard stains on the countertop surface.
- Avoid strong chemicals when cleaning e.g.: oven cleaners, paint removers..etc.
- Towel dry the countertop surface to prevent water spots on the surface.
Note that these are general tips to maintain stain-resistant countertops. You can find more information about how to clean your quartz countertop on our website.
Is Stain Resistance the Only Factor to Consider When Choosing Countertops?
Stain resistance is an important factor, but it is not the only factor to consider when buying a countertop. Here are some factors you can consider other than stain resistance:
- Aesthetic beauty
- Cost
- Functionality
- Easy maintenance
- Durability
- Heat resistance
- Scratch resistance
- Versatility
How Stain Resistance Is Measured?
Stain resistance is measured by some industrial and scientific organizations. There are several standards to assess stain resistance. For example, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) uses ASTM D4828 Standard Test Method for the Practical Washability of Organic Coatings and the ASTM D3450 Standard Test Method for the Washability Properties of Interior Architectural Coatings. Typically, certain staining agents are put on various surfaces of different materials. Each agent sits on the surface for a certain duration, and the results are noted. They use particular staining agents such as black carbon soot, waterproof black ink, potassium permanganate solution…etc, and follow the procedural steps to see how much of the stain remains on the surface.
What Are Common Staining Agents In The Kitchen?
Here are some common staining agents in the kitchen:
- Yellow mustard
- Red wine
- Strong brew coffee
- Hot pepper sauce
- Beets
- Turmeric
- Cooking oils
What Are Some Countertops That Offer Exceptional Heat Resistance?
Granite, concrete, and soapstone countertops offer exceptional heat resistance. If you want to learn about countertops that can handle high temperatures without any issues, you can check out our blog post on 7 Most Heat Resistance Countertops for Kitchens.
