Discovering stains on your elegant quartz countertop can be worrying. Fortunately, quartz countertops exhibit high stain resistance but they are not completely stain-proof. Food substances such as turmeric or food dyes may cause moderate to very faint staining on quartz countertops. Fortunately, it is possible to remove stains from quartz countertops.
Why quartz may stain though it’s stain-resistant
Quartz countertops are made from two primary materials: polymer resins and natural quartz. It’s the natural quartz that’s impervious to liquids, impermeable to gases, and non-reactive.
The polymer resins (about 5% to 10% in volume) bind the quartz particles. But under certain conditions, polymers may undergo slight chemical transformations. This may occur, for instance, if you leave a harsh chemical on the quartz countertop for an extended time.
Slow reactions may result in staining. This may sound alarming but manufacturers use stable polymers with high chemical resistance, making the countertops safe for food preparation. The quartz is unlikely to stain because it’s hard and non-porous.
Here are 7 methods for removing stains from quartz countertops.
Seven ways to remove stains from Quartz countertops
Can’t seem to remove those stubborn stains from your quartz countertop? Here are some of the best methods to try:
Most glass cleaners don’t leave any streaks or smears on the surface. They also dry quickly. Products such as Windex, are not likely to damage bonds between quartz and the resin. Some also dissolve grease, and lift dirt from the surface.
You can remove stains with supplies you already have in your kitchen. A mixture of white vinegar and water is a popular household cleaner to rid of tough stains like hard water spots from faucets, stains on surfaces, and others.
The acidic property of vinegar makes it ideal for breaking down all types of stains.
When preparing the mixture, use this easy formula: equal parts water and vinegar. Allow the solution to sit on the stained surface before wiping with a cloth. For stubborn stains, leave the solution to soak overnight.
This is among the best natural methods for cleaning your quartz countertop.
Sometimes an all-purpose cleaner can work on quartz stains with a little patience. Just spray your regular cleaner on the stain. Give it some time to work and buff it out. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.
Cleaning methods that are okay to use with some care
The most popular scouring powder is Bar Keeper’s Friend, manufactured in 1882. It’s used to clean cookware, sinks, backsplashes, non-stone countertops, stoves, and other surfaces.
It’s easy to use. Just sprinkle on a wet surface and rub gently with a damp cloth.
When working with quartz countertops, Bar Keeper’s Friend advises against leaving the product for a very long time or over-applying in a small area.
Soft Scrub Gel with Bleach is a great option for removing tough stains. Just be sure not to leave the product sitting on your countertop for a very long time as any acidic cleaning substance can cause discoloration when not used properly.
Get help from a professional for deep stains
How will you know when to get professional help? Some stains may be impossible to remove with regular cleaners. The appearance of blotches, haziness, or discoloured patches may also be a result of permanent chemical reactions.
In such cases, it’s always advisable to reach out to the retailer where you purchased the quartz countertop.
Bonus: Tips to Keep Stains off Quartz
First line of defense against stains is becoming vigilant. That means wiping spills from the quartz countertop immediately. Don’t expose the countertop to high temperatures from hot pans. Avoid harsh cleaners that may react with the resins used for binding.
Bottom Line
Quartz countertops are highly resistant to stains as they are engineered stones and much easier to care for than natural stone countertops such as marble. Still, it’s good to know that when accidents happen, you can fix them using readily-available products.
Learning to get spots off of quartz countertops without damaging them is valuable information. It removes the annoying and unsightly mark, but it also preserves its value and prolongs its integrity.
Unfortunately, many homeowners mistakenly think that "common-sense" cleansers are ok to use- cleaners like nail polish remover or bleach- when in fact, they are very damaging. Even the type of sponge could mean the difference between preserving the surface polish or increasing the damage with deep scratches.
Read on to learn how you can remove stains from quartz the right way.
It's completely natural that engineered quartz will stain occasionally. To prevent the stains from setting, you will need to use a soft sponge or dishcloth. Dip it in warm water and scrub lightly.
If you perform this simple routine maintenance, stains are unlikely to become a big issue. However, this doesn't mean that your counter is destroyed if a stain does set.
Water stains are by far the most common reasons that quartz countertop material might lose its luster. When water is left to set into the material, it will cause damage to the finish that seals the countertop. You can generally prevent water stains from ever becoming an issue if you wipe up spills immediately after they take place.
If you do not notice a spill and it becomes a stain, you can use a simple warm water/baking soda mixture to remove it. Pour a small amount of this liquid over the stain and rub it with the same soft kitchen sponge you would use for routine maintenance.
This is an especially common way to eliminate stains that were made by glasses. Condensation buildup causes circular water stains that are easily eliminated by this mixture.
For a more stubborn water stain, you can cover the stain with plastic wrap after pouring the baking soda water on it. This will create heat that pulls the stain out of your quartz countertops. At this point, you should have the original polished finish back.
However, water stains aren't the only problems that homeowners encounter. Other common countertop stains include hot sauce, sharpie marker, spaghetti sauce, nail polish, and brightly colored spices like cumin and turmeric.
In addition to damaging the finish, these stains can significantly alter your quartz countertop colors. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate these blemishes even if the stain has set. Your gorgeous countertop color will be retained.
Calacatta Miraggio Quartz Countertop
You likely will need more assistance than your baking soda/water mixture can provide. Use a liquid cleanser like Mr. Clean, 409, Simple Green, or Fantastic. Ordinary dishwashing detergent also will work when mixed with warm water and a White Scotch Brite.
Note what you never should use a red or green Scotch Brite because they contain aluminum oxide. This will dull the finish of your countertop. Chemicals such as drain cleaners, paint strippers, or products containing Hydrofluoric acid, Methylene chloride, or trichloroethylene will also discolor quartz countertops.
You can use the same sponge and circular scrubbing motions as you would for cleaning water stains. Not using abrasive movements- or cleaners- is key. You should never put abrasive cleaners like Comet or Ajax on your surface as it will scratch the quartz.
No matter how your countertop edges are shaped, it's inevitable: you're going to have a spill that runs over them eventually. You can clean up after these accidents in the same way that you would the top surface of your slab.
Removing stains from your countertop is fairly simple. However, because it's so important, you likely still have some questions. This is completely normal!
Which Cleaner Brands Are Best?
Bar Keepers Friend soft cleanser liquid is by far the best option that we recommend for scrubbing into the stained area. This cleaner doesn't dull the hues of your countertop. It also is 100% nonabrasive and will not scratch the surface.
However, you can use any of the brands that we have discussed earlier. This is just the #1 option when you are given a choice.
Can I See How to Clean My Quartz Countertops?
If you want to learn more about what caring for your countertop looks like, watch the video below about our Q collection. It will explain and showcases what everyday cleaning looks like as well as how a gentle liquid cleaner can help. It also shows you how to remove the toughest stains, so take a look.
What If I Can't Remove a Stubborn Stain?
If you can't remove a stain no matter how hard you try, there's no need for a full kitchen remodel. You should contact the person who initially installed your countertops and ask about your warranty. Some stains will likely be covered while others aren't, so ask about your specific situation.
Calacatta Viraldi Quartz Countertop
If it is covered, great! You can have a new slab installed or get the existing one fixed easily. If not, look into other cleaning alternatives- professionals may have tools that you do not.
Now that you understand how to get spots off of quartz countertops, it's time to get started. Contact us with any remaining questions that you have about quartz maintenance.
Our experts are happy to provide you with some tips and tricks to keep your countertops in top shape. We also will point you in the direction of cleaning supplies and guides that can help you get common stains off your counters. Chat online with us now, visit one of our showrooms, or find an authorized MSI dealer near you.
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