Quartz surfaces are often known for their stain resistance due to their non-porous nature. But what about oil stains? Does quartz stain with oil? I carried out research for this article and did some tests to find out.
Here’s a summary of what I found out: Quartz is a non-porous material that is stain resistant but not stain-proof. This means that it does not absorb anything, including oils, and will resist oil or any type of staining long enough for you to clean it. But once you allow the oil to sit long enough on the quartz, it will eventually stain.
Stain-resistant is not the same as stain-proof, and quartz is not stain-proof. However, if you have a quartz countertop, you probably don’t have to worry about it staining from cooking oil splatters.
But if you do spill something oily on it, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible. To clean an oil stain on quartz, you will need to use mild dish soap and a damp microfiber cloth.
All you do is wet the cloth with some water, add a few drops of dish soap, and then rub the affected area. You may need to do this a few times to remove the stain completely. You can also use products specially made for quartz countertops.
Effects Of Oil Stains On Quartz
Here are a few observations of some of the effects oil can have on quartz countertops if allowed to sit on the surface long enough.
1. The Oil Will Darken The Quartz
One of the common effects of an oil stain on quartz is that it will darken the stone. This happens because when you leave the oil long enough on the quartz countertop or floor, the oil concentrates and sets, leaving a dark spot.
This can worsen if the quartz countertop’s oil stain comes into contact with heat, such as from a hot pot or pan. The heat will cause the oil to darken even more and can leave a difficult-to-remove stain.
The good news is that this darkening effect is not permanent and can be reversed. You need to clean the area with soapy water and a microfiber cloth until the stain disappears. You can also use a good oil stain remover to get the job done safely and effectively.
2. Oil Dulls The Shine Of The Quartz Countertop
Another common effect of an oil stain on quartz is that it can dull the shine. A lot of people like the beautiful shiny look that some quartz countertops, vanities, and flooring have.
But when you leave an oil spill on the surface for too long, it will eventually dull the shine, making it look less attractive. Usually, this happens because the oil stain will attract dirt and grime, which will then build up on the surface and make it look dull.
Fortunately, this effect is also not permanent and can be reversed with a bit of elbow grease. All you need to do is clean the area well with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Then, if necessary, you can use a good quartz cleaner to help restore the shine.
3. The Oil Can Make The Quartz Sticky
Another thing I noticed after I had left the oil stain on the quartz countertop for about two weeks was that the area became sticky. When left on a porous surface like quartz for a long time, this is because some oils will start to harden and become sticky.
Some of the oil I spilled on the quartz countertop evaporated, leaving behind a slightly thick but sticky residue on the surface of the quartz countertop. The worse part is that it attracted a lot of lint, dust, and debris. This made it a lot difficult to remove with dish soap.
It took a degreaser and a lot of elbow grease to remove the sticky residue. If you have this problem, I recommend using a good degreaser or an oil stain remover for natural stone countertops to remove the oil stain and sticky residue.
4. The Oil Can Make The Quartz Surface Slippery
Another common effect of oil stains on quartz is making the surface slippery. Not to sound captain obvious here, but it makes the surface slippery when you spill oil on the floor.
The same goes for quartz countertops and other surfaces. For example, if you have an oil stain on your quartz countertop, be careful when walking on it or placing items on it, as it can be slippery.
Also, the oil stain will easily spread to other areas of the quartz countertop, making it even more slippery. But, again, this is not a permanent problem and can be fixed by cleaning the area well with soapy water and a microfiber cloth.
5. Oil Causes Quartz Surfaces To Attract Dust
Last but not least, one of the effects of an oil stain on quartz is that it will cause the surface to attract dust. Like any other surface, an oil spill can make the quartz countertop or floor more prone to attracting dust and dirt.
This is because the oil will act as a magnet for dust and dirt particles. So if you have an oil stain on your quartz, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.
These are just some of the effects of an oil stain on quartz. As you can see, none of them are permanent and can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies. So if you accidentally spill oil on your quartz countertop or flooring, don’t panic.
How To Remove Oil Stains On Quartz
Now that we know the effects of an oil stain on quartz let’s talk about how to remove it. The good news is that there are a few different ways you can remove an oil stain from quartz. Here are some of the most common and effective methods you can use:
- Mild Dish Soap And Warm Water: This is the first method you should try. Simply mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water and use it to clean the area. Be sure to scrub the area well and rinse it off completely afterward.
- White Vinegar: You can also use white vinegar. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water and use it to clean the area. Be sure to scrub the area well and rinse it off completely afterward.
- Oil Stain Remover: After trying the first two methods, you can use an oil stain remover if the stain is still there. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product and always test it in a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the quartz.
I have a step-by-step guide on five ways to remove oil stains from quartz surfaces. You can check it out here for more details.
Preventing Oil Stains On Quartz Countertops
Now that you know what can happen if you don’t clean up an oil spill on quartz, you’re probably wondering how you can prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
- Wipe up spills as soon as they happen: This is the most important thing you can do. The sooner you wipe up a spill, the less chance it has of causing a stain.
- Use coasters and trivets: Another good way to prevent oil stains on quartz is to use coasters and trivets. This will help protect the surface from spills and heat damage.
- Do not place hot pans directly on the surface: This can cause the quartz to crack or chip. Instead, always use a trivet or coaster when placing hot items on the surface.
- Clean the surface regularly: Regular cleaning will help keep your quartz countertop looking new and will also help prevent stains.
- Always use the right cleaning products: Be sure to use mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the quartz.
Final Thoughts
To sum things up, quartz can get stained with oil if it’s not cleaned up right away. However, the stains are not permanent and can be easily removed with the right cleaning supplies.
If you have an oil stain on your quartz, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse. And always use coasters and trivets to help protect the surface from spills.
I hope this article was helpful in answering your question. Quartz is a beautiful material that can last a lifetime with proper care.
