How to Clean Stained Quartz Countertops

Cleaning and maintaining quartz countertops does not have to be a difficult task. With the right techniques and products, you can keep your quartz looking like new for years to come. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean stained quartz countertops.

What You Need to Clean Quartz Countertops

Before getting started, gather the proper cleaning supplies:

Mild dish soap or stone soap
Soft cloth or sponge
Baby shampoo (optional)
Non-abrasive scrub pad
Microfiber towels
Stone polish (optional)

Avoid using any abrasive cleaners, pads, or sponges as they can scratch and damage the surface.

How to Remove Common Stains from Quartz

Quartz is resistant to most stains, but some residues can build up over time. Here are tips for removing some common stains from quartz countertops:

Food and Drink Stains

For stains caused by food and drinks like coffee, wine, juice, etc., follow these steps:

Wipe up spills immediately with a soft cloth to prevent staining. Avoid using paper towels.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the stain. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Rinse clean with water and dry with a soft towel.

For stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub it on the stain. Rinse thoroughly after 10 minutes.

Oil and Grease Stains

To remove oil, grease, or cooking residue:

First scrape off any excess oil or grease gently with a plastic scraper or spatula.
Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water and scrub with a soft sponge using circular motions.
Rinse with clean water and dry the surface thoroughly.

Hard Water Stains

To get rid of cloudy hard water marks:

Make a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
Dip a soft cloth into it and rub gently over the stains.
Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.

Dried Spills or Gum

For cleaning dried or sticky messes:

Apply some isopropyl alcohol on the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will help loosen the stain.
Gently scrape off the softened stain residue with a plastic scraper.
Use a damp cloth to wipe the area clean and rinse thoroughly.

Marker or Ink Stains

To remove stubborn marker or ink stains:

Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Use a damp cloth to gently rub the paste over the stain in a circular motion.
Rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat if needed.

Discoloration or Dullness

To make your countertops look glossy and vibrant again:

Mix a few drops of mild soap with some warm water.
Dip a soft cloth into it and clean the entire surface.
Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.
Apply a stone polish and buff the countertops with a microfiber cloth.

Daily Cleaning of Quartz Countertops

To keep quartz looking clean every day:

Wipe up spills promptly with a damp microfiber cloth to prevent staining.
Clean surfaces using a mild soap, water, and soft cloth or sponge as needed.
Rinse off any soapy residue thoroughly and dry.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Disinfect quartz regularly with an EPA-approved cleaner.
Re-apply stone polish periodically for added shine and protection.

How to Care for Quartz Countertops

Follow these care tips to ensure your quartz countertops stay in good condition:

Use cutting boards and trivets when preparing food to prevent scratching or burns.
Clean up any spills promptly to avoid staining. Acidic substances like wine, tomato sauce, and citrus can etch quartz if left for too long.
Avoid exposing quartz to harsh chemicals like paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. They can damage the surface.
Don’t place hot pans or pots directly on the countertop. Use trivets and hot pads. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks.
Re-seal quartz every 1-2 years using a stone sealer for added protection.
Avoid sitting or standing on quartz countertops to prevent cracking.

Tips for Removing Difficult Stains from Quartz

For really stubborn stains that don’t budge, try these techniques:

Make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it on the stain, cover with plastic wrap and let sit overnight before rinsing.
Mix together lemon juice and cream of tartar into a thick paste. Rub it on the stain and rinse after an hour.
For ink or dye stains, apply a dab of acetone-based nail polish remover on a cloth and rub gently on the stain. Rinse thoroughly.
Use a razor blade scraper to gently dislodge any hardened material like food or gum. Then scrub with soapy water and rinse.

If stains persist even after trying these methods, consider calling in a professional stone restoration service for stronger cleaning solutions. Avoid attempting to remove stains using harsh chemicals on your own.

Maintaining Quartz Countertop Appearance

To keep quartz countertops looking pristine:

Clean quartz regularly with mild soap and water to prevent buildup of residues.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for applying sealers and polishes. Using the wrong products can damage the surface.
Avoid placing hot pans, pots, and plates directly on the quartz. Use trivets or hot pads.
Don’t use abrasive pads or scrubbers that can scratch the surface. Rub gently with a soft cloth instead.
Rinse off acidic foods like juices immediately to prevent possible etching.
Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with a penetrating stone sealer for protection.

How to Remove Etching from Quartz Countertops

Etching on quartz countertops appears as dull, whitish marks. While quartz is stain-resistant, prolonged exposure to acidic substances can damage the surface. Here’s how to remove etching:

Try rubbing the mark gently with a wet magic eraser first. Rinse thoroughly after.
Make a poultice by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a spreadable paste.
Apply the thick paste on the etched area and cover it with plastic wrap.
Allow it to sit for 24 hours before rinsing clean.
If etching persists, use a specialty marble polishing compound. Rub it onto the surface using a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly after.
For deep etching, professional resurfacing by a stone restoration company may be required. This involves mechanically smoothing and polishing the damaged layer of quartz.

To prevent future etching:

Wipe up spills from acidic foods/drinks quickly. Don’t let citrus juices, alcohol, vinegars, etc. sit on quartz.
Use coasters under glasses and apply sealants regularly.
Avoid exposing quartz to chemicals like skin peels, drain cleaners etc.
Keep quartz surfaces clean and dry to minimize etching risks.

How to Get Scratches Out of a Quartz Countertop

Scratches on quartz countertops often occur from dragging rough objects across the surface. Here are some remedies:

For minor scratches:

Use a countertop polish labeled for use on engineered stone. Apply with a soft cloth using gentle circular motions. This can help reduce the appearance of shallow scratches.

For deeper scratches:

Use a rubbing compound designed for glossy finishes. Rub it into the scratch with a microfiber cloth using firm pressure.
Try a product called a burnisher, which is made to polish out defects in quartz.
Apply an enamel paint touch-up kit made for stone surfaces into the scratch. Wipe off excess and buff.
If scratches are very noticeable, hire a professional stone fabricator to polish and resurface the countertop using specialized tools. This is the best way to remove deep scratches.

To prevent future scratching:

Don’t drag cookware, utensils or appliances across the quartz surface. Always lift items when moving them.
Use cutting boards, trivets and pads. Never cut anything directly on quartz.
Keep granite clean and free of gritty material that can get caught under objects and cause scratches.
Apply sealants regularly to protect the surface.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Quartz Countertops

Hard water contains minerals that get deposited on surfaces and leave unsightly stains on quartz countertops. To remove them:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray it on the stained area. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
Use a soft cloth dipped in the vinegar solution to rub the stains gently.
Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth.
For tough stains, make a baking soda paste. Leave it on the stains overnight and rinse off in the morning.
A 50/50 vinegar and water solution can also be used to wipe hard water stains daily as prevention.
Rubbing the stains gently with a lime remover can also help break down mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly.
Avoid using harsh acids like hydrochloric acid to remove hard water stains. They may damage quartz.

To prevent hard water stains on quartz:

Wipe up water from spills and splashes on quartz right away.
Dry quartz thoroughly after cleaning.
Have a water softener system installed to minimize minerals in water.
Apply a quality quartz sealer periodically to make quartz more stain resistant.

With the right techniques, keeping quartz countertops looking beautiful doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these tips to remove stains and maintain the pristine look of quartz surfaces for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use bleach to clean quartz countertops?

No, avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals like oven cleaners on quartz. They can damage and discolor the surface. For cleaning, mild dish soap and water is best.

What happens if you leave lemon juice on quartz?

Leaving acidic substances like lemon juice on quartz can lead to etching damages. The acid eats away the surface leaving dull, whitish discolorations. Wipe up spills immediately and rinse quartz well to prevent discoloration.

How do you clean oily quartz countertops?

Use a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Gently scrub oily areas with a soft sponge and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. For cooked-on oil, let it soak for 5 minutes before wiping.

Can Mr. Clean products be used on quartz?

Some Mr. Clean products like their granite and marble cleaners are safe for use on quartz. Avoid their abrasive scrub sponges and products containing bleach or ammonia as these can dull the surface over time.

How do you polish dull quartz countertops?

Use a Quartz polish or rubbing compound specially formulated for engineered stone. Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth. Rub gently using circular motions. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid applying too much pressure during polishing.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and prompt stain removal are key to maintaining beautiful quartz countertops for the long-term. Always use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners and scrub pads to avoid scratching. Re-sealing quartz every 1-2 years also adds protection. Follow these tips and your quartz countertops will stay looking like new for many years.