Steel wool is a versatile tool around the house. You can use it to clean a wide variety of surfaces, but can you use it on quartz countertops? In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using steel wool on quartz countertops.
So can you use steel wool on quartz countertops? You can use super-fine grade #0000 steel wool to remove rust stains, hard water stains, soap scum, etc from quartz countertops. Make sure to use very minimal pressure and move it in a circular motion.
These types of stains can be hard to remove with sponges. But you need to be gentle because steel wool can damage or scratch quartz countertops, especially if it is not a super-fine grade.
While there are a lot of ways you can use steel wool to clean your quartz countertops there are also some downsides to their use. Keep reading this article to find out more.
The Pros And Cons Of Using Steel Wool On Quartz Countertop
The Pros
1. Steel Wool Can Remove Stains Rust Stains
You can use steel wool to clean out rust stains from the surface of your quartz countertops. Rust stains can be tough to remove, even with chemical-based cleaners.
However, steel wool is effective and gentle enough to remove the rust stains without damaging your quartz countertops.
You can use the steel wool together with some household cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice to clean the stains.
Make sure to read the instructions on your countertop’s care label before using any type of cleaning agent, including steel wool.
2. Steel Wool Is A Great Way To Remove Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains are very common stains you would have on your quartz countertops. They can be caused by many factors including the mineral content in your tap water or just simple exposure to hard water over a long period of time.
If you have hard water stains on your quartz countertops, then you can use steel wool to remove them. You do not need to scrub hard, just gently rub the steel wool on top of your quartz countertops.
You can also use steel wool together with some household cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to remove the hard water stains.
Just remember that you need to be very gentle with your steel wool when removing hard water stains.
3. Steel Wool Can Remove Soap Scum From Quartz Countertops
Steel wool can also remove soap scum from your quartz countertops. When you put bar soap on a particular spot of your countertop or have specific parts of your countertop accumulating soap scum or lather, this can cause the countertop to discolor and stain.
There are a lot of cleaners out there that would work safely in removing them but you will also be able to use steel wool to remove them safely if you know how to do it. It will entail using the steel wool in a very gentle way to rub the soap scum off.
You can use your countertop’s recommended cleaner together with your steel wool to eliminate soap scum without harming your quartz countertops.
4. Removes Scuffs And Minor Scratches From Quartz Countertops
Steel wool can also be used to remove scuffs and scratches from your quartz countertops. These types of stains are caused by using metal silverware or just regular wear and tear.
You can use your steel wool in a circular motion to clean the surface gently without damaging it. If there is no specific instruction against using steel wool, then go ahead and start scrubbing away at those scuffs.
Keep in mind that if these scratches are deep enough they might require some professional help. So be careful when you decide to rub them off with steel wool, okay.
The Cons
1. Steel Wool Can Also Scratch Your Quartz Countertop
Steel wool can be very effective in cleaning your quartz countertops just as long as you use it with care.
You need to make sure that the steel wool is not too rough and abrasive, otherwise, it will scratch or damage your surface – which makes this a downside of using steel wood on quartz countertops.
You should choose super-fine grade #0000 steel wool if you want to avoid scratches when removing stains from your quartz counters.
If there are already some minor scratches present then they would most likely blend into the background after time but more severe ones might still be visible even after regular cleaning.
2. Steel Wool Can Remove The Finish From the Countertops
Another downside of using steel wool on your quartz countertop is that it can remove the protective finish on the surface.
This means that the steel wool can cause your countertop to lose its shine and luster, which is something you do not want.
In some cases, you might not even notice that the steel wool has removed your countertop’s protective coating until after a few weeks or months.
So be very careful when using this cleaning method and make sure to read the instructions on how to properly use it for your specific type of quartz countertops.
3. Steel Wool Can Erode The Seams On Your Quartz Countertop
Steel wool can also erode the seams on your quartz countertop, which is another downside of using this cleaning method.
When you use steel wool to clean or remove stains from your quartz surfaces, it can rip out the adhesives used for those seams or it can force some soap scum through the seam joints causing them to loosen up with time.
This means that you will need to get these re-sealed by a professional once in a while if they are starting to wear out due to regular contact with steel wool during cleaning.
The good news is that since most manufacturers only seal their seams when installing counters anyway, then any damage done by steel wood should not be irreparable and just require resealing procedures every now and again.
How To Use Steel Wool To Clean Quartz Countertops
Steel wool can be an efficient cleaning tool on quartz countertops if you use it carefully and properly. Here is how to do it:
Step 1:
- Firstly, you need to rinse the surfaces with warm water and detergent, then wipe away any excess moisture.
Step 2:
- You should choose fine-grade steel wool that is not too abrasive or rough for your quartz countertops.
- You can use #0000 super-fine grade steel wool if you want to avoid scratching them during cleaning because this type of steel wool has very soft fibers.
- Make sure you wear protective gloves as well as eye protection when using them on your quartz counters so there are no accidents from mishandling them.
Step 3:
- Apply gentle pressure in a circular motion over stains or marks to remove soap scum and other blemishes safely without causing scratches.
- Just be careful around the seams! If you feel like you are applying too much pressure then you should stop immediately.
Step 4:
- Rinse the surfaces with warm water and detergent, wipe them with a clean cloth and then dry them with another clean cloth.
Safety Tips: When you use steel wool to remove stains from your quartz surface, you should always take certain safety precautions.
Always use steel wool on a wet surface because the moisture will not cause it to be too abrasive or rough.
Alternatives To Steel Wool For Quartz Countertops
There are other alternatives to steel wool when it comes to cleaning quartz countertops which can be efficient and effective without causing any damage.
- Non-Abrasive Stainless Steel Cleaner
- Natural Abrasive Cleaners
Non-Abrasive Stainless Steel Cleaner
For instance, you could use a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner that is specifically designed for such surfaces instead of opting for an abrasive method like using metal (steel) scrubbers or pads.
The best way would be to get specific cleaners made just for your type of quartz counters so no harm will come from them – especially if you have more expensive types on display in your kitchen or bathroom areas.
You should also look into getting professional help through the manufacturer’s customer service department who might know even better than your local hardware store how to take care of certain materials properly.
Since there are so many different types of quartz surfaces out there, you should try to find the one that is most appropriate for your needs.
Natural Abrasive Cleaners
You can also use vinegar or lemon juice instead of steel wool if you want an alternative cleaning method that will not damage your countertop surface but still be super-effective at removing stains and grime over time.
You can also mix these natural abrasives with boiling water and baking soda for a more potent cleaning solution that can remove those tough stains without damaging your quartz countertop.
Degreaser
Another way to clean your quartz countertop safely is by using a degreaser cleaner – which will eat through any grease and grime that has built up over time.
Just make sure to test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot before using it all over the countertop just in case of any peeling or discoloration that might occur.
Rubbing Alcohol
Another way to clean your quartz countertop without causing damage is by using rubbing alcohol, which is known for its ability to disinfect surfaces and remove dirt.
You can spray your countertop with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol and then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth to make sure that your surface is thoroughly disinfected.