Candles are a beautiful addition to any home, and they can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, if you’re not careful, they can also leave behind a mess on your countertops. Getting candle ash off can be tricky if you have quartz countertops. In this article, we will discuss two effective methods that you can use to get the job done.
Candle Ash Stains vs Quartz Countertops
Candle wax, also called candle soot, is one of the most challenging stains to remove from any surface. Candle ash is made up of tiny particles of carbon that are released when a candle burns. When these particles land on a surface, they can adhere to it and cause a stain.
Quartz is an engineered stone that is a mixture of natural quartz, binders, and resins. Quartz is challenging and durable material, but it is also non-porous. This means that when the candle ash comes into contact with it, the ash can definitely stain it but can be easily removed.
Candle ash stains usually occur on quartz countertops when you’re trying to blog it out or cleaning up after a candle has burned down. If you’re not careful, the ash can flake off and land on your countertops, leaving behind a difficult-to-remove stain.
When dealing with candle ash on quartz countertops, you need to be careful not to scrub too hard. Scrubbing too hard can damage the surface of the quartz countertop even if you use safe cleaning products.
What Are The Effects Of Candle Ash On Quartz?
The main problem with candle ash stains on quartz countertops is the awful discoloration. Just a tiny speck of candle ash can spread and turn a large area of your countertop brown or gray.
In some cases, the discoloration can be removed with a bit of elbow grease and the right cleaning products. However, in other cases, the damage may be permanent. This is why it is essential to treat candle ash stains seriously and take care of them as soon as possible.
So stick around as I share with you some of the most effective ways to get candle ash off your quartz countertops without damaging them.
Method #1: Using Rubbing Alcohol
I want to share the first method, the rubbing alcohol method, with you. Rubbing alcohol is a common household item you can use to do a lot of cleaning work around your house.
Rubbing alcohol is a versatile cleaning product because it can be used to clean many different surfaces, including quartz countertops, without ruining or causing any damage to them.
It is usually damage-free when you dilute it properly with water. But in this case, you do not want to dilute or mix your rubbing alcohol with water, as this can worsen the candle ash stains. Likewise, you do not want to use water and even soap when trying to clean ash or soot.
To use rubbing alcohol to clean candle ash from your quartz countertops, you will need the following items and steps:
Things You’ll Need:
- A clean cloth or cotton ball
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vacuum Cleaner
Instructions:
Step 1: Vacuum Excess Candle Ash
- Vacuum up the candle ash from your quartz countertops using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
- This will help to remove all of the loose candle ash so that it doesn’t get smudged during the cleaning process.
- Doing this first is very important because it helps to make the cleaning process much easier and prevents worsening your quartz countertops.
Step 2: Dab The Mixture Over The Candle Ash Stain
- Spritz or dip your clean cloth or cotton ball into the mixture of rubbing alcohol.
- Make sure that the cloth or cotton ball is saturated.
Step 3: Dab Or Blot Over The Stain
- Gently dab or blot over the stained area with the cloth or cotton ball
- Continue dabbing at the candle ash stain until it is lifted from the surface of your quartz countertop.
Step 4: Wipe The Quartz Surface
- Once the candle ash stain is gone, use a clean dry microfiber cloth to wipe the area where you just used the rubbing alcohol.
- This will also dry the quartz surface and your countertop will be as good as new!
Method #2: Dry Cleaning Sponge Or Soot Eraser Sponge
Another effective way to remove candle ash from your quartz countertops is by using a dry cleaning sponge or soot eraser sponge.
These sponges are specifically designed to absorb and lift away soot, ashes, dirt, dust, and grime without damaging the surface underneath. They work great on all types of surfaces, including quartz countertops.
Dry cleaning sponges or soot erasers are perfect because, unlike magic erasers which require water, these sponges do not – but can still penetrate and remove soot and ash stains.
And as mentioned before, when dealing with ash and soot stains, you do not want to get any water involved as it can worsen the stain.
Dry cleaning sponges and soot erasers are also available in many brands and come in different shapes and sizes. You can find them at most hardware stores or online.
To use a dry cleaning sponge or soot eraser sponge to remove candle wax from your quartz countertops, you will need the following items and steps:
Things You’ll Need:
- Dry cleaning sponge or soot eraser sponge
- Microfiber Cloth
Instructions:
Step 1: Vacuum Candle Ash
- Start by vacuuming the candle ash from your quartz countertops using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
- This will help to remove all of the loose candle ash so that it doesn’t get smudged during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Ready Your Dry Cleaning Sponge
- Take you dry cleaning sponge out of its package.
- You can even cut it to size so you can target specific areas or stains.
Step 3: Gently Rub The Sponge Over The Candle Ash Stain
- Gently rub the sponge over the candle ash stain in one direction until the stain is lifted.
- You may need to apply some pressure, but be careful not to scrub too hard as you do not want to damage your quartz countertops.
- Continue until the stain is gone.
Step 4: Wipe The Area Clean Of Residue
- Once the candle ash stain is lifted, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the area where you just used the sponge.
Tips On How To Prevent Candle Ash Stains On Quartz Countertops
Now that you know how to remove candle ash from your quartz countertops, you may be wondering how you can prevent this from happening in the future. Here are some tips that will help:
- Use a coaster or plate under your candles to catch any poping ashes, drips, or melting wax – removing candle wax from quartz can also be a hustle too.
- When trimming your candles, make sure to do it over a trash can so that you can catch any falling wax or ashes.
- Be careful when burning candles near your quartz countertops and your quartz backsplashes as they can easily get stained.
- Don’t place candle next to your quartz backsplash or countertops when you have a fan on as the air can cause the candle flame to flicker and pop, which can lead to ashes getting onto your surfaces.
- Keep a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel handy when burning candles near your quartz countertops in case any accidents happen.
- Do not use a metal object to remove candle wax or ash from your quartz countertops as this can damage the surface.
- Clean up any candle ash spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Do not use soap or water to clean up candle ash from your quartz countertops as this can worsen the stain.
- Use a dry cleaning sponge or soot eraser sponge to remove any candle wax or ash stains from your quartz countertops.
- Finally, always make sure to use a vacuum or hand-held vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose candle ash before using a dry cleaning sponge or soot eraser sponge. This will help to prevent any further damage to your quartz countertops.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, getting candle ash off quartz countertops can be a bit of a hustle, but it is possible.
The best way to remove candle ash or soot from your countertops is using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose candle ash before using a dry cleaning sponge or soot eraser sponge to clean it. If you still have some candle ash stains after cleaning with the dry cleaning sponge, you can also dab rubbing alcohol over the stain and then wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth.
Use caution when using any cleaning product on your quartz countertops, as some chemicals can damage the surface. If you’re ever unsure about a particular cleaning method, it’s always best to test it on a small inconspicuous part of your quartz countertop first.