White quartz countertops can add a clean, bright look to your kitchen. However, like all countertop materials, quartz can be prone to stains from spills and daily use. Don’t panic if your white quartz countertop gets a stain – with the right cleaning methods, you can often remove stains and restore the look of your countertop. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove stains from white quartz countertops.
What Causes Stains on White Quartz?
Before learning how to remove stains from white quartz, it’s helpful to understand what causes them in the first place. Common culprits of stains on quartz countertops include:
- Oils and Grease: Cooking oils, grease from food, and oil-based products like lotions can seep into the pores of the quartz leaving discoloration.
- Liquids: Spills from drinks like wine, coffee, and juice can be absorbed into the quartz leaving a stain.
- Strong Chemicals: Cleaners, bleach, paints, and dyes contain pigments that can bond to the surface.
- Foods: Foods and spices that are strongly pigmented like turmeric, berries, and tomatoes can also stain.
- Heat: Exposing quartz to extremely high temperatures can burn and discolor the surface.
So in a nutshell, both staining agents and heat damage are the two main causes of stains on white quartz countertops. Always use heat protection and clean spills quickly to minimize staining.
Cleaning vs. Removing Stains on White Quartz
It’s important to understand the difference between routine cleaning and removing stubborn stains from quartz:
- Regular Cleaning: Involves using mild soap and water or quartz-safe cleaners to clean dirt, dust, and grime off the surface. This helps prevent buildup that leads to stains.
- Stain Removal: Targets specific stains that have set into the surface and requires using more intensive treatments to lift the staining.
Cleaning quartz regularly will help prevent many stains from occurring in the first place. But even with the best care, stains still happen! When they do, you’ll need to use specific methods to remove stains from white quartz countertops.
How to Remove Stains on White Quartz Countertops
Here are the steps for how to remove various types of stubborn stains from white quartz countertops:
Supplies Needed
- Soft clean cloth
- Warm water
- Dish soap or mild cleaner
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Scotch-Brite scrubbing pad
Step 1: Try Dish Soap and Warm Water
For lightly set stains, begin by trying a soft cloth with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently scrub the stain in circles, rinse with clean water, and dry with a towel. This may lift and remove recent stains.
Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste
For tougher stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste directly on the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the paste over the stain, then rinse. Baking soda is mildly abrasive which can help lift stains without damaging the quartz.
Step 3: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
If dish soap and baking soda don’t remove the stain, try an hydrogen peroxide cleaner. Apply it directly on the stain and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or scrubbing pad. Rinse thoroughly. Hydrogen peroxide can help bleach and lift stubborn stains.
Step 4: Seek Professional Help
For significant stains that won’t budge, contact a professional countertop installation company. They have access to deeper cleaning solutions and tools. But avoid abrasive pads, strong acids, or bleach which can damage the quartz.
Tips for Preventing Stains on White Quartz
Stopping stains before they happen is easier than removing them after the fact. Here are great tips for keeping white quartz stain-free:
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent absorption
- Use cutting boards, trivets and hot pads rather than placing hot items directly on quartz
- Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals like paints, dyes, and cleaners
- Clean with a quartz-safe cleaner regularly
- Re-seal quartz every 1-2 years with a sealant product
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
Common Questions about Removing Stains from White Quartz
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing stains from white quartz countertops:
Can I use bleach to remove stains from white quartz?
No, avoid using bleach or chlorine-based cleaners on quartz countertops. The chemicals can damage and discolor quartz over time. Use a mild hydrogen peroxide solution instead for stain removal.
What removes dried-on food stains?
For dried-on food spills, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The baking soda will help lift and absorb the staining.
How do I get rid of grease stains?
Degrease stains with dish soap and warm water first. If grease persists, spray a degreasing cleaner like Formula 409 directly on the stain and allow it to penetrate for 5 minutes before wiping and rinsing.
Can stains come back after removing them?
It’s possible for light stains or staining agents to absorb back into porous areas of quartz countertops after removing them. Be sure to thoroughly rinse and wipe the area, and consider applying a sealant to help prevent this.
What if stains won’t come out completely?
For stubborn stains that leave behind discoloration or etching even after intensive cleaning, you may need to apply a quartz color enhancer or enamel to help cover up the remaining stain. Consult a countertop pro.
Conclusion
Stains on white quartz countertops are common but can be removed with the proper techniques. First try dish soap, then baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide solutions. For severe stains, seek professional help. Be sure to regularly clean and seal your quartz countertops to prevent stains from occurring in the first place. With some persistence and the right products, you can get your white quartz countertops looking bright and pristine again.