IKEA Claims Red Wine Stains Are A Worry Of The Past With This Countertop
Are you thinking about updating your kitchen countertops? If you are shopping for countertops, one of the things that you might be concerned about is how stain-resistant the material is. Countertops are a major investment and should last many years. No one wants their brand-new purchase ruined by an accidental stain or spill. Low-cost furniture retailer IKEA sells custom quartz countertops that it claims are resistant to even the most difficult-to-clean red wine stains: IKEA's KASKER custom-made quartz countertops.
So, is it true that IKEA quartz countertops can withstand the effects of spilled wine? Yes, as much as any countertop can. Quartz is perhaps the most stain-resistant countertop material available. No material is 100% stain-proof, but quartz does an excellent job of repelling red wine, tomato juice, beetroot, and other tough stains that can ruin granite, marble, and laminate. Like other quartz countertops, IKEA's counters are virtually maintenance-free and don't need to be sealed.
What makes quartz countertops stain-resistant?
Most natural stone countertops, including granite and marble, are porous. This means that they can absorb liquids, resulting in staining. These countertops must be sealed to prevent this from happening. On the other hand, quartz countertops are made with a mixture of quartz and other minerals. The counter is then bound together with a resin. Because of the resin, quartz counters are non-porous, so liquids can't penetrate and stain the surface.
Even though quartz countertops are stain-resistant, they can still become discolored if certain spills — such as paprika, red wine, curry, and turmeric — are allowed to sit on them for too long. While spills may not create a stain right away, it's still important to clean them up as soon as possible. In addition to foods and drinks, certain chemicals — like bleach and oven cleaners — can stain the quartz. The chemicals don't actually soak into the countertop; they instead react with quartz resins and discolor its surface. Avoid using or spilling these products on your counter to prevent any staining.
Other reasons to buy IKEA's quartz countertop
IKEA's quartz countertops aren't just easy to clean, they're also really attractive. They are made to mimic the look of granite, marble, and other expensive stones and look high-end. Quartz can be costly, but IKEA is one of the most affordable places to get these countertops. The average cost of quartz is $70 to $100 per square foot, whereas IKEA's countertops start at just $59 per square foot. Along with being resistant to red wine and other tough stains, these attractive surfaces are both heat and scratch-resistant, making them an extremely durable countertop material. These counters can last for decades.
Quartz is easy to care for. Unlike natural stone materials, you don't need to seal quartz countertops. They also don't require special cleaners, so the upkeep is pretty simple. You simply use any non-abrasive, mild cleaner to wash them. If you do spill red wine and don't see it for a while, wipe the area with some Bar Keepers Friend soft cleaner. The stain should come right off. One thing to note: IKEA is usually a great place for DIYers to shop. But, installing IKEA's quartz countertops is not a DIY job due to the heavy weight of this material. You'll want to hire a pro for this job.