Removing pen ink stains from quartz countertops can seem daunting, but with a few simple techniques and household items, you can get them looking pristine again. Quartz is an extremely durable and stain-resistant material, so while ink can stain, it can also be removed with a bit of elbow grease.
What You’ll Need
- Paper towels or clean cloths
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Magic eraser
- Acetone nail polish remover (optional)
Act Quickly for Fresh Stains
If the ink stain is still wet, act quickly to absorb as much as possible before it sets into the quartz:
- Blot the stain with a paper towel or cloth to soak up excess ink. Don’t rub, as this can spread the stain.
- Rinse the area with warm water and apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain. Scrub gently with a sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed.
- For stubborn fresh stains, use an ink stain remover like Amodex or Hairspray. Follow product instructions.
Acting fast can remove many fresh ink stains completely. But if any discoloration remains, move onto other removal methods.
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
For dried ink stains, make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide:
- In a small bowl, mix a spoonful of baking soda with just enough hydrogen peroxide to form a spreadable paste.
- Using your fingers or a cloth, apply the paste directly to the stain.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry. Check if the stain lightened or lifted.
- Repeat as needed, allowing the paste to sit longer each time. The peroxide will bubble and lift more ink.
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that lifts stains, while peroxide is a bleaching agent that can break down stubborn ink discoloration.
Try a Magic Eraser
MAGIC ERASER
Magic erasers like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power are amazing at removing dried ink stains from hard surfaces like quartz. Here’s how to use one:
- Wet the magic eraser until fully soaked. Wring out any excess water.
- Gently rub the stain using medium pressure. Concentrate on stained areas.
- Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Check results. Repeat rubbing with moderate pressure if needed.
The melamine foam construction of magic erasers lets them scrub away tough stains without damaging most surfaces. They work well on quartz.
Consider Acetone (With Caution)
ACETONE
As a last resort for stubborn ink stains, you can try applying acetone:
- Dip the corner of a cloth into some acetone/nail polish remover.
- Dab it onto the stained area of the quartz.
- Let it sit for 1-2 minutes before rubbing gently with the cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly. Check if stain is removed.
- Repeat if needed, limiting acetone exposure time.
While acetone is an effective stain remover, it can also damage some surfaces. Quartz is generally resistant, but always spot test first. Limit exposure time.
Preventing Future Ink Stains
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to stains on quartz:
- Use sealants and waxes to protect the surface.
- Avoid leaving pens/markers unattended on the countertop.
- Clean up spills immediately as they occur.
- Use trivets and mats when setting down glasses.
- Keep quartz looking new with routine cleaning.
With some care and the right techniques, you can get pen ink out of quartz countertops without too much hassle. Just remember to act quickly on fresh stains!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove dried ink stains from my quartz countertop?
For dried ink stains, make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The peroxide bubbles up and lifts staining, while baking soda works as a gentle abrasive.
What household items can remove ink from quartz?
Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, ink stain remover, hairspray, and magic erasers are all effective at removing ink stains from quartz surfaces. Acetone can also work, but use caution as it can damage some surfaces.
Is ink permanently staining for quartz countertops?
Ink can stain quartz, but it is rarely permanent. With the right cleaning methods, even dried ink can be removed without damaging the quartz surface. The key is using abrasives that are hard enough to lift the stain but soft enough not to scratch.
Can I use bleach to remove ink stains from quartz?
It’s best to avoid bleach on quartz countertops. While it can lift some stains, the harsh chemicals in bleach can damage and discolor quartz over time. Opt for gentler methods like baking soda and peroxide pastes instead.
How can I prevent ink stains on my quartz countertop?
The easiest way is to avoid setting down pens and markers on the surface. Clean up any spills immediately as they occur. You can also apply sealants and waxes to add an invisible protective layer against stains. Using trivets and mats can also help.
Conclusion
Removing ink stains from quartz countertops is very doable with some tried and true techniques. By using household staples like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, magic erasers and acetone (carefully), you can lift and remove dried ink without damaging the durable quartz surface. With some elbow grease and patience, you can get your quartz countertop looking clean and pristine again.