How to Clean and Remove Stains from Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are popular in many homes due to their durability, style, and low maintenance. However, like any other surface, quartz can get stained from spills and daily wear and tear. Properly cleaning and removing stains from quartz countertops requires using the right techniques and products to avoid damaging the material. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean and remove stains from quartz countertops.

What is Quartz?

Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz content typically ranges between 90-95%. Some key features of quartz:

Extremely durable and scratch resistant
Non-porous so resistant to stains
Available in wide range of colors and patterns
Low maintenance compared to natural stone
Does not require regular sealing

However, quartz can become stained from spills, especially if left unattended for long periods. Prompt cleaning helps prevent stains from setting.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Regular Cleaning

For regular cleaning, wipe down quartz with a soft, damp microfiber cloth. Use a mild soap and warm water solution if needed for grease or sticky spills. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads which can dull the surface. Rinse off any soap residue completely. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Deep Cleaning

For a deeper clean every now and then:

Mix warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a spray bottle. You can also use a specialized stone cleaner.
liberally spray the solution over the entire surface. Avoid harsh cleaners which can damage sealants.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to dissolve dirt and grease.
Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft bristle brush and gently scrub the surface. Apply light pressure only.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe completely dry with microfiber towels.

Vinegar-Water Solution

For hard water deposits or mineral stains, use a 50/50 mixture of warm water and white vinegar. Spray liberally and let sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping and rinsing off. Vinegar helps dissolve alkaline deposits.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can help remove organic stains like coffee, tea, wine or fruit juices. Spray the stain directly and let bubble for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Rinse thoroughly.

Baking Soda

For odors or grease buildup, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the affected area and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. Baking soda helps deodorize and removes grime.

Important Tips

Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains setting in. Blot liquids right away.
Don’t use acidic cleaners like bleach, ammonia or vinegar for daily cleaning as they can dull the finish.
Avoid abrasive scrubs or scouring powders which can scratch the surface.
Disinfect periodically with diluted rubbing alcohol or other approved disinfectants.
Use ceramic cookware; avoid putting hot pans directly on the surface. Use trivets and hot pads.
Don’t drag utensils, pots or appliances across the countertop. Pick them straight up to avoid scratching.
Cutting directly on quartz can damage the surface over time. Always use a cutting board.
Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with an approved sealant for added stain protection.

How to Remove Different Types of Stains from Quartz

Quartz is prone to staining from oil, grease, food, drinks, beauty products, rust, calcium deposits and other substances. Here are some tips to remove common quartz countertop stains.

Oil and Grease Stains

Degrease immediately with an alkaline cleaner like diluted dish soap, ammonia or baking soda. For tough grease, let the degreaser sit for 10 minutes before wiping.
Follow up with a non-abrasive scrub sponge and warm water.
If any residue remains, use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, acetone or denatured alcohol on a cloth.
Rinse surface thoroughly after cleaning grease.

Food and Drink Stains – Coffee, Tea, Wine, Tomato Sauce

Blot any excess liquid immediately with an absorbent cloth. Don’t rub initially.
Mix baking soda and water into a paste and spread over the stain.
Allow paste to dry completely, then wipe off. The baking soda will draw out the stain.
For stubborn stains, spray with hydrogen peroxide and wipe after bubbling stops.
Rinse thoroughly with plain water. Dry area completely.

Dye, Makeup and Cosmetic Stains

Apply rubbing alcohol or non-abrasive cleanser on the stain. Let sit briefly.
Use a soft cloth to gently rub the stain in circular motions. Take care not to scrub too hard.
For tough cosmetic stains, spray some hairspray and let it soak for 5 minutes. The alcohol in the hairspray will break down the pigments.
Wipe off the stain remnants and rinse thoroughly.

Rust Stains

Liberally sprinkle some lemon juice or cream of tartar on the rust stain.
After 5-10 minutes, scrub with a damp cloth using small circular movements.
For stubborn rust, you may need to use a rust remover solution specifically formulated for stone.
Wipe surface completely dry once rust is gone.

Hard Water Stains and Mineral Deposits

Spray white vinegar directly on the marks and let sit for 15-20 minutes. The acid in vinegar dissolves mineral deposits.
Use a damp microfiber cloth and rub the area gently.
For heavier hard water staining, use a one-part water, one-part hydrogen peroxide solution instead of vinegar.
Make sure to rinse the surface very thoroughly after removing mineral stains.

Etch Marks

Etch marks can occur from acidic foods and chemicals. Try rubbing the area with a wet magic eraser sponge.
If that doesn’t work, restore the polish using a quartz polishing compound. Rub it into the etched area using a soft cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like oven cleaners around quartz. They can react and cause permanent etching.

Dried Spills and Gum

For dried spills like foodresidue or chewing gum adhered to the surface, soften it by soaking a paper towel in warm water. Place it on the mess for 10 minutes.
Once softened, gently scrape it off the quartz using a plastic putty knife. Avoid metal scrapers or harsh scrubbing.
Clean the area with dish soap and rinse thoroughly. Wipe dry with a soft towel.

Preventing Stains on Quartz Countertops

Prevention is key to keeping quartz stain-free and damage-free:

Use trivets and hot pads under hot pans and baking dishes. Avoid direct contact.
Clean up spills ASAP, especially oils, wines and other staining liquids.
Use a cutting board for food prep. Never cut directly on the counter.
For polishing quartz, use a specially formulated stone polish only. Avoid wax-based polishes.
Reseal quartz every year or two with a penetrating sealer to repel stains.
Don’t place rubber mats or dyed fabrics permanently on the countertop. They can leach color over time.

When to Call a Professional

For significant etching, chipping or obvious damage to your quartz countertop, contact a professional stone restoration company. Improper DIY attempts can worsen damage.
If stains persist after multiple cleaning attempts, or cover a very large area, seek expert help. Professionals have access to more powerful cleaning solutions.
For periodic deep cleaning, resealing and polishing needs, hire a reputable professional stone cleaner in your area.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and prompt stain removal are key to keeping quartz countertops in impeccable condition for years. Avoid abrasive cleaners and always use a cutting board. For stubborn stains that don’t respond to DIY methods, call a stone restoration expert for cleaning and repairs. With some basic care, your beautiful quartz countertops will stay looking like new.