What You Need
- Paper towels or clean rags
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Acetone nail polish remover
- Magic eraser sponge
- Sharp plastic scraper (old credit card)
Step-by-Step Process
Act Quickly
The longer an ink stain sits on quartz, the harder it will be to remove. As soon as you notice an ink stain, start taking steps to clean it up. Blot the stain with paper towels to remove excess ink. Don’t scrub aggressively at this stage.
Try Dish Soap
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Use a clean rag or sponge to gently clean the stain. Avoid abrasive scouring pads. Let the dish soap sit for a few minutes before rinsing. This may be enough to lift some fresh ink stains.
Use Baking Soda
Make a baking soda paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Baking soda can help absorb and lift staining. Rinse well after.
Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can also help bleach and lift ink stains. Dip a clean rag in peroxide and dab at the stain. Let it bubble on the surface for a few minutes before rinsing. Be careful, as peroxide can lighten the quartz.
Try Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Use a small amount of acetone remover on a clean cloth. Gently rub at the ink stain. Avoid excessive rubbing, as acetone can dull the quartz shine. Rinse surface quickly after rubbing.
Use A Magic Eraser
These melamine foam sponges can help lift ink without damaging quartz. Dampen sponge and gently rub stained area. Rinse surface after. Don’t use too much force.
Try A Plastic Scraper
Use a sharp plastic scraper, like an old credit card, to gently lift staining from the surface. Hold at 45° angle and avoid scratching quartz. Can be used in combination with other methods.
Call a Professional
For stubborn stains that won’t budge, call a quartz cleaning professional. They have access to stronger cleaners like hydrogen fluoride that can remove tough ink stains without damaging the countertop.
Tips to Prevent Future Stains
- Use sealants and coatings to make quartz more stain-resistant
- Clean up ink spills immediately
- Use trivets and mats under hot pans
- Avoid exposing quartz to ink or permanent marker
- Don’t let stains set in the surface
FAQs about Removing Ink from Quartz
Can I use bleach to remove ink stains from quartz?
No, avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals like oven cleaners on quartz. They can damage and discolor the surface. Milder cleaners are safer options.
What happens if I can’t get the ink stain out completely?
For light stains that won’t fully lift, you may have to live with a bit of discoloration. Harsh scrubbing risks more damage. Consult a pro for stubborn stains.
How can I prevent ink stains on my quartz countertops?
Keep pens, markers, and stamp pads away from the countertops. Clean up spills immediately. Use a trivet under papers when writing. Seal the surface.
Will nail polish remover damage my quartz countertop?
It’s fine for spot cleaning stains in moderation, but avoid excessive rubbing. Test on an inconspicuous spot first. Rinse immediately after use.
What’s the best homemade stain remover for quartz?
Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit briefly on the stain before rinsing. The peroxide can help lift staining. Baking soda absorbs messes.
Can I use a Magic Eraser on all quartz countertop finishes?
Yes, Magic Erasers are safe for polished, matte, or textured quartz finishes. Just be gentle and don’t over-scrub to avoid dulling the surface.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops are prone to ink staining, but these stains can usually be removed with the proper cleaning methods. Blotting immediately, using mild cleaners like dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, and gently scrubbing with baking soda paste or Magic Erasers can all help lift ink. For really stubborn stains, call in a professional quartz cleaner to avoid damage. With some elbow grease, you can get your quartz countertops looking clean and bright again.