Quartz countertops are popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms because of their durability, appearance, and ease of maintenance. However, like any surface, quartz can become stained under certain circumstances. Understanding why quartz stains and how to prevent it will help you keep your countertops looking like new.
What Causes Staining on Quartz Countertops?
There are a few common causes of stains on quartz countertops:
Oil-Based Substances
Oils, grease, and foods with high oil content can stain quartz if left on the surface. Things like olive oil, cooking oils, butter, and salad dressings contain pigments that can soak into the pores of the stone.
Dark-Colored Liquids
Beverages and liquids like red wine, coffee, tea, fruit juice, and soda contain pigments that can leave stubborn stains on quartz. The darker and more pigmented the liquid, the more likely it will stain if not cleaned up promptly.
Harsh Chemicals and Cleaners
While quartz is resistant to most mild cleaners and chemicals, prolonged exposure to aggressive cleaning products can damage the finish and make the surface more prone to staining. Avoid bleaches, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and the like.
Dyes and Pigments
Direct contact with dyes, pigments, or colored liquids like markers, paints, and nail polish can permanently discolor the surface. Anything that can stain a fabric or other surface can potentially stain quartz.
How to Prevent Staining on Quartz Countertops
There are simple habits you can practice to minimize the risk of stains on your quartz countertops:
Clean Up Spills Quickly
Don’t let spills sit on the quartz. Immediately wipe up food and liquids, especially wine, coffee, oil, etc. The sooner you clean it, the less likely a stain will set in.
Use Coasters and Trivets
Get in the habit of using coasters for beverages and trivets for hot pots and pans. This creates a barrier between the staining substance and the quartz.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Chemicals
Read labels carefully and opt for gentle cleaners. Never leave bleach, oven cleaner, or other harsh chemicals sitting on the quartz. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Re-seal Surface Yearly
Re-application of a penetrating sealer every 12 months helps make the quartz more stain resistant. Consult your installer on the best sealer for your particular brand of quartz.
Handle With Care During Use
Be careful with dyes, pigments, nail polish, paints, markers etc. Avoid abrasive scouring pads. Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on the quartz. All this prevents surface damage that makes stains more likely.
How to Remove Stains from Quartz Countertops
If a stain occurs despite your best prevention efforts, try these removal techniques:
Gently Scrape Off Excess
Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off any excess staining material. Avoid abrasive scrub pads.
Mix Baking Soda and Water Paste
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a soft cloth. The baking soda will help draw out the stain.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can lift many organic stains like coffee, tea, fruit juices, etc. Apply peroxide and let bubble for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Try a Poultice
For stubborn stains, make a poultice by mixing flour, hydrogen peroxide, and talc powder into a paste. Apply to the stain, cover with plastic, and let sit overnight before rinsing clean.
Consult a Professional as Needed
For stains that resist other methods, reach out to a professional stone restoration company. They have access to more powerful cleaning solutions that can often remove even set-in stains without damaging the quartz.
Maintaining Your Quartz Countertops’ Stain Resistance
With a little care and vigilance, it’s possible to keep quartz looking pristine for years. Address spills quickly, avoid harsh chemicals, and reseal the surface yearly. Consult a pro if stains occur to get them removed safely. Consistent maintenance will keep your quartz counters stain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stains on Quartz Countertops
Why does my quartz countertop stain?
Quartz can become stained by oil-based substances, pigmented liquids like coffee and wine, dyes, harsh chemicals that damage the protective finish, and prolonged exposure to heat or UV light. Staining agents interact with the natural pores and micro-scratches that develop on the surface over time.
How can I prevent stains on my quartz?
Prevent stains by wiping spills immediately, using coasters and trivets, avoiding harsh cleaners and chemicals, resealing yearly, handling dyes/stains carefully, and preventing surface damage from cuts and scratches. Good daily maintenance habits make stains less likely.
What household cleaners can damage quartz?
Avoid prolonged exposure to bleach, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, paint strippers, and alkaline or acidic cleaners which can pit and dull the surface. Stick to gentle pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone.
What removes stains from quartz counters?
Gently scrape excess staining material, make a baking soda paste, use hydrogen peroxide, create a poultice, or call a professional stone cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads which could scratch the quartz more.
Can you get stains completely out of quartz?
With the right techniques and products, it is possible to remove many stains, even if they have set in. For really stubborn stains, professional-grade cleaning solutions used by stone restoration services can often get the quartz back to like-new condition.
How often should you seal quartz countertops?
Annual resealing is recommended for quartz countertops. Look for a penetrating sealer designed for natural stone. Resealing fills in micro abrasions that occur over time and makes the surface more stain resistant. Consult your installer for their resealing recommendations.
Can you use bleach on quartz counters?
It’s best to avoid prolonged exposure to bleach or harsh chemicals. While quartz is resistant to diluted bleach for quick cleanups, bleach can damage or discolor the stone if left to sit. For tougher cleaning tasks, use a gentle stone cleaner instead of harsh chemicals like bleach.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops are prone to staining from oils, dyes, pigments, and harsh chemicals. But with attentive daily maintenance habits and prompt attention to spills, stains can be avoided. Resealing yearly also boosts stain resistance. If stains occur, specialized stone cleaners and poultices can often remove them and restore the quartz to like-new condition, especially if treated early before setting in. With proper care, quartz countertops can stay looking pristine and stain-free for many years.