Quartz countertops are a popular choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance. However, like any other countertop material, quartz can become damaged over time. Chips, cracks, stains, and other issues can occur through regular use. Thankfully, many quartz countertop problems can be repaired by the homeowner without requiring a full replacement. This guide will provide tips on how to fix the most common quartz countertop problems.
Cleaning and Preventing Stains on Quartz Countertops
Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your quartz looking like new. Quartz is non-porous, so spills and stains tend to sit on the surface rather than absorbing into the material. This makes quartz very stain-resistant overall. However, some staining can still occur if spills are left for too long. Here are some tips for cleaning and stain removal:
Use Mild Cleaners
Avoid abrasive cleaners or anything acidic when cleaning quartz. Instead, use a mild dish soap and warm water. For tougher messes, a stone cleaner made specifically for quartz or granite is recommended. Stay away from bleach, ammonia, vinegar, lemon, or anything else too harsh.
Blot Spills Quickly
Immediately wipe up any spills on your quartz, especially oils, wines, coffee, and other staining substances. Don’t let the spill sit or you’ll increase the likelihood of a stubborn stain developing. Blot with a paper towel instead of wiping, as wiping can spread the spill.
Clean After Prepping Food
Be sure to clean your quartz thoroughly after food prep. Things like turmeric, berries, beets, and tomato sauce can leave stains if left on the surface. Don’t let food residues linger. Wash up right after cooking.
Use a Daily Cleaner
For a quick daily maintenance clean, use a specially formulated quartz daily cleaner. Spray it on and wipe with a microfiber cloth. This will remove light dirt and fingerprints to keep your countertops always looking clean.
Consider Re-Sealing
Quartz itself doesn’t require sealing like natural stone. However, the grout between quartz slabs may need occasional re-sealing to prevent stains from absorption. Use a penetrating sealer made for grout every 1-2 years.
By using mild cleaners and tending to spills quickly, you can prevent most stains on quartz counters. But if a stain does occur, try these removal techniques:
Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste of baking soda and water and rub it into the stain with a soft cloth or sponge. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. The baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can lift many staining agents without damaging the quartz.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and dab it onto the stain with a cotton ball. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before wiping away. The peroxide will bubble away many types of stains.
Bleach Pen
A bleach pen allows you to apply bleach directly to the stain in a controlled way. Test on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure the bleach won’t discolor the quartz. Gently scrub and then rinse.
Magic Eraser
The melamine foam in a Magic Eraser can lift many stubborn marks. Dampen it slightly and rub in a circular motion on the stain. Rinse afterwards. Be cautious not to scrub too hard.
With the right cleaning methods, you can keep quartz looking like new and deal with stains that do pop up. Preventing damage in the first place is ideal, but when necessary, use these stain removal techniques.
Repairing Chips and Cracks in Quartz
Chips and cracks are common quartz countertop problems that occur over time. Quartz is very durable, but it isn’t completely damage-proof. Setting down a heavy pan too forcefully can chip the edge. Allowing an impact against the corner can crack the surface. Thankfully, minor chips and cracks can often be repaired:
Sand Down Uneven Edges
If a chip results in an uneven edge, use an electric sander with 150 grit sandpaper to smooth it down. Sand in a circular motion. This will get rid of the sharp unevenness so it’s not a cutting hazard.
Fill With Resin
Use a colored epoxy resin to fill small chips and cracks. Tape off the area and mix the resin according to package directions. Fill the damaged spot just above the surface. Once cured, sand flush.
Use Touch-Up Markers
For barely noticeable chips, use a quartz repair marker in a matching color to fill in the spot. This fills and disguises small flaws. Larger chips and cracks will still require epoxy resin.
Consult a Pro for Severe Damage
If the damage is large, deep, or affects multiple slabs, consult a professional quartz fabricator. They have specialized tools to cut out and seamlessly replace damaged sections. DIY repairs won’t suffice for major damage.
With these techniques, minor chips, cracks, and uneven edges can be smoothed over to be less noticeable. But be sure to call in a professional if the damage is beyond what can be fixed with sanding, resin, and touch-up markers.
Getting Rid of Hard Water Marks on Quartz
Hard water can leave behind calcium or limescale deposits on quartz surfaces. These mineral deposits appear as spots, rings, or a filmy residue. Hard water marks can develop over time from repeated exposure to tap water. Thankfully, they can be removed with the right techniques:
Baking Soda Paste
Once again, our friend baking soda can come to the rescue. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the marks and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a soft cloth and rinsing.
Vinegar
Use undiluted white vinegar and pour directly onto the marks. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge before rinsing clean. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves mineral deposits.
Citrus Cleaners
Look for commercial cleaners formulated with citric acid for removing hard water stains on quartz and other surfaces. Apply as directed, allow time to work, then rinse away. Lemon juice can work too.
Magic Eraser
The melamine foam in a Magic Eraser lifts away hard water residue effectively. Dampen and rub over the marks in a circular motion, then rinse thoroughly. Be cautious not to scrub too aggressively.
Daily Prevention
Get in the habit of wiping down quartz with a squeegee after contact with water. This prevents water droplets from drying and leaving their mineral deposits behind.
With persistence and the right cleaning solutions, hard water stains can be removed from quartz surfaces. For prevention, squeegee after each use and wipe up spills quickly to minimize mineral residue.
Dealing With Scratches on Quartz Countertops
Quartz is very scratch resistant thanks to its durability. However, it isn’t completely scratch-proof. Over time, daily wear and tear can take its toll. Utensils, pots and pans, keys, and appliances can all lead to fine scratches on your quartz. Thankfully, light scratches can be minimized. Here are some options:
Sanding
Use 400 grit sandpaper to lightly buff out very fine scratches. Work in a circular motion. Take care not to aggressively over-sand, as you may create deeper grooves.
Polishing Compound
Apply a dollop of quartz polishing compound to the scratch and rub with a soft cloth until it disappears. Rinse clean afterwards.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
The melamine foam in a Magic Eraser can work wonders on light scratches. Dampen and gently rub in a circular motion over the scratch to diminish its appearance. Rinse when finished.
Prevent Scratches
Prevent new scratches by using cutting boards, trivets, and pan liners under kitchen tools and appliances. Keep keys and other hard objects off the surface. Be careful about dragging items across the counter.
While light scratches can’t be completely erased, they can be minimized with some elbow grease and the right methods. But be sure to also prevent new scratches by changing habits.
Removing Etch Marks and Dull Spots from Quartz
Acidic substances like citrus, vinegar, wine, and tomato sauce can potentially etch light marks into quartz surfaces. This removes the shine and leaves behind dull, matte spots. Thankfully, refinishing and polishing can help fix this. Here are some tips:
Re-polish With Sandpaper
Start with a 400 grit sandpaper to buff out etching and provide a uniform surface. Follow up with an 800 and then 1500 grit paper. Finish by rubbing a polishing compound to restore the quartz’s shine.
Use an Etch Remover
Look for a quartz etch remover product online or from your countertop dealer. These are formulated to remove etching damage and restore the glossy finish. Follow product directions closely.
Refinish With Resin Coating
For extensive dull areas, you may need to re-coat the quartz with an epoxy or polyurethane resin formulated for quartz countertops. This fills and refinishes the surface. Call a pro for help.
Prevent Future Damage
Avoid exposing quartz to acidic substances like juices, wines, vinegars, etc. Immediately wipe up spills and never use harsh chemicals like drain cleaners that can etch the surface.
With the right refinishing methods and care, you can remove etching damage and restore the quartz’s smooth finish. Prevent future problems by cleaning spills quickly and avoiding exposure to acidic products.
Smoothing Rough Spots and Pits in Quartz Countertops
Sometimes small pits, divots, and rough patches can develop in a quartz surface. This may result from air bubbles in the quartz slabs during manufacturing or from damage that occurred through use over time. Thankfully, most minor surface flaws can be smoothed over:
Use Fine Sandpaper
Gently smooth out small pits and roughness using a 400 grit sandpaper. Rub in a circular motion. Take care not to put too much pressure and create deeper divots.
Fill With Resin
For deeper holes, you’ll need to fill them in with an epoxy resin specially made for quartz countertops. Tape around the pit, fill just above the surface, allow to cure, then sand flush.
Add a Coating
If pits are very minuscule and widespread, it may be better to apply an overall quartz-safe coating like polyurethane. This will fill and create an even, uniform finish.
Prevent Heat Damage
Avoid exposing quartz to excessive heat from hot pans, which can potentially damage and roughen the surface over time. Always use trivets and hot pads.
Take care to address small pits, divots, and rough areas when they first appear. This prevents them from worsening and makes smoothing easier. With some elbow grease and the right materials, you can restore the quartz to an even finish.
Removing Dried Adhesive, Sealant, or Gum
During countertop installation or repairs, you may get adhesives, caulk, or other sealants onto the quartz surface that can be tricky to remove once dried. Chewing gum and candle wax can also inadvertently get on the counters and harden. To remove:
Use a Plastic Scraper
Gently scrape at the hardened material with a plastic putty knife or scraper, taking care not to scratch the quartz. This helps pry up stubborn gum, caulk, etc.
Apply Heat
For gum or candle wax, apply a hot wet cloth or heating pad to soften the substance, then scrape away with a plastic tool. The heat makes it easier to remove.
Use Dental Floss
Work dental floss back and forth under the hardened material to help loosen it from the surface below. Combined with scraping, the floss can cut through adhesive.
Try Nail Polish Remover
Dab a bit of acetone-free nail polish remover onto old caulk or gum residue. Let it soak in for 2-3 minutes, then gently scrape away. The acetone will break down the gummy residue.
Prevent the Problem
Avoid getting adhesive or sealant on the counter surface during installation/repairs by covering with protective plastics and painters tape. Clean up any messes before materials dry.
Thankfully quartz can withstand scraping and chemical cleaners, allowing you to break down and remove dried residues that were accidentally left behind. Take steps during repairs to prevent adhesive mishaps.
Restoring Quartz Countertops to Look Like New
If your quartz counters are starting to show their age despite your best cleaning and care efforts, a professional restoration can get them looking fresh again. Quartz restoration technicians have industrial tools to re-finish and polish the surface. Here is what may be involved:
Deep Cleaning
A combination of cleaning solutions and a steam cleaner purges built-up grime that regular cleaning can’t tackle. This degreases and preps the counters.
Etching Removal
Specialized compounds and motorized buffing pads smooth away etching and water marks that dull the finish. This restores the glossy surface.
Scratch Repair
Light to moderate scratches can be minimized by sanding and re-polishing the surface. Deeper scratches may need to be filled first.
Resurfacing Treatment
A professional grade sealant is applied to coat the quartz and evenly resurface the top. This provides protection and a “like-new” appearance.
High-shine Polishing
The final step is polishing compounds and buffing pads to achieve that factory-fresh, mirror-like shine. Your counters look brand new again.
While DIY efforts can fix minor issues, a full professional refinishing is sometimes needed after years of wear. This restores both the look and protective qualities of aged quartz countertops.
How to Fix Quartz Countertops FAQs
Still have some questions about repairing and restoring your quartz countertops? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do you shine up dull quartz countertops?
- Use a quartz polishing compound and buff in a circular motion with a soft cloth to restore lost shine. Can also have counters professionally refinished.
Can you remove hard water stains from quartz yourself?
- Yes, with cleaning solutions like vinegar, citrus, baking soda paste, or quartz etch removers. Gently scrub, let soak, then rinse away.
What’s the best way to fix chips and cracks in a quartz countertop?
- Small chips can be smoothed by sanding. Deeper cracks and chips need to be filled with a special quartz epoxy resin, then sanded flush.
Is there a quick fix for light scratches on quartz?
- Polishing compound or a Mr. Clean magic eraser can diminish light scratch marks. Take care not to scrub too aggressively.
How do you get dried adhesive or gum off a quartz counter?
- Use scraping tools, apply heat, or use acetone-free nail polish remover. Gently work at the residue without scratching quartz.
Can you DIY quartz repairs or do you need a pro?
- Many minor repairs like chips, scratches, stains, and marks can be DIY. But extensive damage or resurfacing should be done by a professional.
What’s the best way to prevent damage and stains on quartz?
- Use trivets and cutting boards, wipe up spills immediately, clean frequently with mild soap, and avoid exposing quartz to excessive heat or acids.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and prompt spill cleanup can prevent many issues with quartz countertops. But chips, scratches, stains, and dull areas are common problems that occur with daily wear and tear. Thankfully, many of these quartz damage issues can be repaired without requiring full replacement. Use sanding, polishing, specialty cleaners, and resins to fix chips, scratches, hard water marks, and etching. For extensive damage or restoration of aged quartz, consult a professional refinishing company to make it look brand new again. With the right techniques and care, you can keep your quartz countertops in excellent shape for years to come.