Quartz countertops add a certain level of aesthetic appeal to your home design. Their glossy look will always leave your kitchen looking as fantastic as possible.
However, no countertop is perfect. Quartz countertops do have a knack for picking up small stains and fingerprints that go unnoticed at first.
Luckily, these stains are easy to remove with a little elbow grease and the right products.
Table of Contents
How To Get Stains Out Of Quartz Countertops
Coffee Stains
The most common stain seen on quartz countertops is coffee. In addition to being very difficult to get rid of once the stain has been created, coffee stains can be brought on by as little as a single drop spilling onto your countertop surface.
The trick to removing these types of stains from your quartz countertops is using baking soda mixed with water or hydrogen peroxide combined with dish soap.
Simply work the paste into the stain until it starts to dissolve away, and then rinse thoroughly.
You can use warm water to rinse the baking soda mixture.
Water Stains
Water stains are another common type of stain seen on quartz countertops. This is not surprising because most people do at least some water spilling onto their counters, no matter how careful they are.
The trick with removing water stains from your countertops is using vinegar combined with baking soda.
These two products will work together to lift the stains right up.
To use this method, you will need a sponge or washcloth, vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.
For best results, be sure that the area surrounding the stained area has been thoroughly cleaned ahead of time so that you don’t introduce new dirt into an already dirty spot.
Next, remove all of the grout around the stained area so that there is an easier-to-clean surface. Be careful not to use too much water, as it can make the stain worse.
Next, take your sponge or washcloth, wet it with warm water, then mix one part vinegar and three parts baking soda into the sponge. Place this mixture on the spot where the stains are at.
Let this sit for about ten minutes before scrubbing the area with a soft brush. Rinse well with warm water and dry completely.
If stains remain after these steps have been taken, you should try cleaning them again but this time using less vinegar in your recipe so that it doesn’t have stronger effects on the countertop’s finish.
Food stains
Food stains are also very common on quartz countertops.
In many cases, it is best to wipe up the food as soon as possible or after they have been eaten, for example, but if this is not possible, then you should clean them before they dry out completely.
This will make removal easier. If you don’t want to use a lot of water and soap on your countertop, then the right way to go would be to use a glass cleaner that has active ingredients in it designed to break down greasy stains.
You can find some examples of these types of cleaners by doing a quick search online and reading reviews submitted by previous buyers.
Soap stains
If you use your quartz countertops in the kitchen to wash your hands, you may notice that, eventually, they start looking dirty or discolored. This happens because of the soap residue left behind.
Especially if it comes in contact with water for an extended period of time, the soap stains can get really difficult to remove.
Getting rid of these types of stains is not that easy, which means that you will need to go through a few different methods until you find one that works for your countertops.
You can try applying some lemon juice and letting it sit on the area with the stain overnight and then washing them normally in the morning.
If this doesn’t work, then mix some baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together and apply them to the affected area using a sponge.
Leave this mixture on for about 5-10 minutes to allow the paste to work its magic.
After this time, you can take a clean damp towel and wipe off the mixture. You may need to do this three or four times, but eventually, the stain should fade.
You could also try using some toothpaste on the area where you have soap stains.
Just apply it to the area with the soap stains and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.
Some other home remedies that you could try include saliva and salt paste, lemon juice and baking soda paste, and hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste.
Sometimes, soap stains can be really difficult to remove. Getting rid of these types of stains is essential if you want to keep your countertops looking good.
If the soap stains are deep, you may need to take some action that will remove the stains completely.
Here are some tips on how you can do this:
- You could also try using vinegar or bleach because these are both really good at removing stains.
- Apply the mixture with a sponge and wipe it off after about five minutes.
- Sometimes bleach can cause damage, so make sure you only use it as a last resort if nothing else works for you.
There are many different types of countertop materials available today, including granite, quartz, wood, ceramic tile, Marble, stainless steel, and laminate, among others.
Each material has advantages and disadvantages which people should consider before buying them for their homes.
Consider this before you buy a Quartz Countertop.
Before you buy a quartz countertop, you should consider the following things:
The cost of quartz countertops is much more expensive than other types of countertop materials, such as granite or laminate. In addition, they require a lot more maintenance to keep them looking beautiful.
However, many people do not mind spending the extra money and time when they see what a huge difference it can make when compared to less expensive options.
People who live in an area that has a humid climate should think about the type of material that will best resist moisture, which can damage your countertops.
Quartz is one of the best options for this because it’s extremely resistant to water damage.
This is why it’s often used in places like restaurants where there are lots of spills and splashes from food being prepared.
Though you may also use granite countertops to resist water, quartz is a popular choice for those who want a more modern look than other types of countertops may not have.
The main drawback to using quartz as your countertop material is the fact that it can be difficult to care for at times, especially if you have kids or pets in your home.
This means you should take extra special care when trying to remove stains from your countertops.
In general, this type of countertop will need to be sealed on a regular basis to ensure it’s properly protected from moisture damage.
If it becomes damaged, either by water or other substances, you’ll need to repair it as soon as possible. Quartz often looks best with a glossy finish, and this is what you want to use when sealing your countertop.
Sealing is the only way to keep your countertop from being breached by liquids and stains.
Before you do anything, always be sure to test any solution on a small portion of the countertop in order to see how it reacts with the surface. You can also purchase a sample piece of quartz from most home improvement stores for this purpose.
Protecting your countertops is a simple process with these helpful tips:
- Clean your countertops regularly
- Apply a coat of sealant once or twice each year, depending on how much use they get at their location in your home
- Use coasters under glasses and other items that could potentially leave behind moisture.
- Keep pets’ food dishes out of reach from this high area 5) Avoid placing metallic objects on your countertops to prevent scratches.
The main problem is tough stains are hard to remove, especially when you have no idea what type of material the countertop is made out of.
You can usually find this information in your home improvement store when purchasing quartz countertops.
If they do not know, then it’s either Marble or granite. You can cut a small piece off of your sample if you purchased one and test it with different types of cleaners.
It’s best to buy a smaller bottle so that if the cleaner removes color from the surface, you haven’t wasted money on a large size.
Once you have identified which cleaner will not damage your countertop, use it sparingly so as not to waste product.
What should you consider in a sealant?
Sealants are designed to protect the surface, not clean it. Read the label on your sealant carefully and follow the instructions.
What can go wrong with an unsealed countertop?
An unsealed countertop is vulnerable to oil stains, watermarks, discoloration, or etching.
It will require more maintenance than a sealed countertop.
If you do not want to reseal the quartz, consider using coasters for cups and glasses so as not to damage the surface.
You might also consider using placemats or runners on top of your countertops to help protect them from being scratched by utensils, jar lids, or other potentially damaging items.
What are the different types of sealants there are?
Silicone, polyurethane, acrylic, and polyacrylic are the most common types of sealants for quartz.
Silicone sealants are very popular because they are easy to apply, do not yellow over time, are durable, and are very resistant to stains.
They also have a greater resistance to heat than other types of sealants.
However, silicone is more expensive than polyurethane, acrylic, or polyacrylic. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is less expensive than silicone, as well as having a low odor, and drying quickly.
Polyurethane is also more resistant to heat than acrylic or polyacrylic sealants, but not as much as silicon. Acrylic and polyacrylic sealants are generally used for quartz.
They do not last as long as the other types of sealants and should be applied by professionals because they can leave cloudy spots on the countertops.
Acrylic and polyacrylic sealants are best for quartz countertops, as they dry clear and are resistant to heat.
However, they last a shorter amount of time than polyurethane or silicone.
Acrylic and polyacrylic sealants are usually used on countertops made of acrylic or polyacrylic since these materials do not require the protection from heat that silicon provides.
Acrylic and polyacrylic sealants can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Silicone is a type of sealant used by professionals to coat Marble, granite, quartz, and other types of countertops.
It leaves the surface clean after application, but its main drawback is that it requires more cleaning.
How do we apply the sealant?
Sealants protect your countertops from spills and stains. The process itself varies depending on your type of countertop material.
You must clean surfaces thoroughly before applying any type of sealant.
You should start with wide cracks in the countertops, then deal with small ones. Apply silicone spray with a paintbrush or a sponge.
Cover the countertops with plastic film to avoid spills of sealant. If necessary, apply more layers.
It usually takes 24 hours for the silicone to dry. When applying silicone sealant, it’s important to be careful not to get any on your skin or clothes.
You must wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear when using this product. If you do get it on your hands or face, wash it immediately with soap and water.
How do you remove stains from quartz countertops? Quartz countertops are generally aware of common contaminants such as oil, grease, paint, and lipstick.
In order to prevent these types of stains from developing over time, it is recommendable that you use a cutting board to perform those activities you might be tempted to do on your countertop.
Maintaining quartz countertops
The best way to maintain your quartz countertops is by resealing them every six months when there are no signs of wear on the surface. If you do this, clean spills immediately.
Neutral cleaners can be used on sealed surfaces without damaging them.
Use coasters for glasses that have drinks containing acids because these liquids are likely to leave marks behind that will be difficult to remove later.
Coffee, tea, or alcoholic drinks are some examples. It is advisable to remove acidic stains as soon as possible because they can penetrate the surface and cause damage if not promptly removed.
Be careful when working with chemicals that contain acid or abrasive components.
They could corrode your countertop surfaces over time, leaving small holes behind. It means that they are dangerous to your skin.
Wear protective gear when you want to use these chemicals.
What is the average cost of quartz countertops?
The price of your quartz countertop installation will depend on several factors, including where you live, what type of countertop you choose, and whether or not you’re doing this yourself.
DIY countertops can be created very inexpensively. You can pay anywhere from $30 to $100 for a single sheet of 12″ x 24″ material, which covers about 3 square feet.
A full kitchen would need more than around ten sheets (120 sq ft) at about $300 ($30 per sheet).
The good news about this is it’s very inexpensive to upgrade if /when you decide to upgrade your countertop.
Without proper protection, though, it’s very easy for stains to find their way into your new quartz countertops.
It’s important to follow protective guidelines in the beginning and then to remove any tough stains that do get on it.
How do you clean quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops are very durable but should still be cleaned regularly with gentle soap and water.
They should not be excessively scrubbed or polished using abrasives.
You can use products containing baking soda to remove hard water stains from your counters without scratching them.
If staining persists, try other mild cleaning products available at the supermarket.
For stubborn marks, try mixing 1/4 cup of cream of tartar in 2 cups of water and apply it to the stain for 30 minutes before rinsing it away with warm water and drying it with a soft cloth afterward.
Stain removal from quartz countertops
One final option would be removing the stain yourself instead of taking it as something unavoidable and as something that needs replacing with a new countertop.
A professional’s help may be welcome if you have a deeper stain or a harder time removing stains from your quartz countertops.
You can always contact the manufacturer of your quartz countertop for any kind of questions related to how to find the best color granite, natural stone, and quartz slabs.
When installing new countertops, it’s important to look into manufacturers’ instructions before beginning any installation projects.
Here are seven ways to remove stains from your installation:
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner and scrubby sponge
- Mix three parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part baking soda and apply directly onto the stain
- Apply toothpaste onto the stain and let sit for 30 minutes before washing clean
- Scrub away the stain (do this only if you can thoroughly rinse away afterward)
- Use an oven cleaner
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my countertop has already been scratched?
Clean your counters often with a wet rag or sponge to remove any food particles that were left behind.
If you notice that there is still an etching mark after cleaning, try using distilled white vinegar to help remove the discoloration.
Use a small amount on a clean rag to carefully apply it over the scratch. Let it sit for about five minutes before wiping it off.
You can also use baking soda to buff out scratches; make sure you use enough elbow grease when applying this method to ensure it works well.
Can I fix the watermarks on my quartz countertops?
Yes, you can remove small etching marks on your quartz countertops.
After you have removed all food particles from the surface, mix one-part vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle.
Spritz it onto the mark and let it sit for about thirty minutes before wiping it off with a dry rag.
How are quartz counters installed?
When you want to install quartz countertops, you need to keep these things in mind.
You will likely want to find a contractor that can do all the legwork, especially since you would be replacing your current counters anyway.
Figure out what type of installation method is most appropriate for your home before you install it.
Do quartz countertops scratch easily?
Quartz countertops do not scratch that easily.
However, since they are more fragile than granite, care should be taken when installing items that might scrape across the surface.
You can protect your countertops from scratch by adding a glass or ceramic backsplash.
Conclusion
Stains can make even old or worn-out surfaces look dirty and dingy, so removing them is important. Most quartz countertops are made of crushed stone mixed with resin binders and
quartz countertops are better than other types of countertops in the following ways:
- Quartz countertops are about five times harder than regular granite countertops.
- Quartz countertops are nonporous.
This means that it is very difficult for germs and bacteria to live on quartz countertops, which makes them much easier to clean than other types of countertops.
The only way that you can damage a quartz countertop is with an object that has a sharp edge, so they are fairly scratch-resistant.
It’s fairly easy to cut directly on the surface of quartz because it is non-porous.
Also, quartz is easier to care for than Marble, which can be stained by water.
However, quartz countertops will also stain because of the different pigments that are used in producing them.
If you do not take care of these stains, you might damage your countertop permanently.