There’s nothing quite like a nice glass of red wine. It’s the perfect drink to relax with after a long day. But what do you do if you spill some on your quartz countertop? Will it stain? In this article, we will explore the answer to that question and provide some tips for cleaning up any spills.
Red wine can certainly stain the surface of your quartz countertops or surfaces if the red wine spill is not cleaned immediately with a good countertop cleaner, mild dish soap, or damp cloth. The main reason why red wine stains quartz, even though it’s porous, is because of the natural tannins.
There’s definitely a lot more to the story, though. Let’s take a look at the answer in more detail.
Reasons Why Red Wine Stain Quartz
A lot of people are often surprised and feel deceived when their quartz countertop or other surfaces become stained from red wine. The fact is quartz can stain just like any other porous material if it’s not cleaned up right away.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. Quartz Is Stain Resistant, Not Stain-Proof
One of the main characteristics of quartz is that it’s resistant to staining. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s immune to staining altogether.
In order for something to be considered stain-proof, it would have to be non-porous. This means that no matter what liquid is spilled on the surface, it wouldn’t be able to penetrate or seep into the material.
Quartz is not completely non-porous, which means that it can be stained if a liquid is left on the surface for an extended period of time.
This is especially true for something like red wine and other acidic liquids. Over time, the acidity in the wine will break down the sealant on the quartz and cause it to absorb the liquid.
Once the liquid is absorbed, it will be difficult to remove and may leave a permanent stain.
2. Red Wine Contains Strong Natural Tannins
Another reason why red wine is able to stain quartz is because of the natural tannins.
Tannins are a type of natural pigment that is found in various plants and fruits. They are responsible for giving red wine its characteristic color and taste.
Tannins can also be found in tea, coffee, and some types of fruit juices.
Tannins are also very strong stains. In fact, they are often used to dye clothing and other materials like leather.
So when red wine is spilled on quartz, the tannins can quickly discolor the surface if not removed immediately.
3. Red Wine Has a High Acid Content
The high acidic content of red wine can also cause it to stain quartz.
Acidity is a measure of how corrosive a liquid is. The higher the acid content, the more likely it is to break down and damage surfaces.
Red wine has an acidic pH level of around three. This means that it’s fairly corrosive and can break down the sealant, resins, and polymers on quartz countertops if left for too long.
Once the sealant is broken down, the red wine will be able to penetrate the surface of the quartz into the million pieces of quartz, glass, and other materials that make up the quart countertop material.
This can cause a permanent stain that will be difficult to remove.
4. Red Wine Stains Damaged Quartz
From my experience, older, beated-up, or damaged quartz countertops are more likely to stain from red wine than newer ones.
This is because the sealant and other protective materials on the surface of the quartz have probably worn down over time.
When this happens, it’s much easier for liquids like red wine to penetrate the surface and cause a stain.
So if your quartz surfaces are old and are staining too quickly, it might be time for a replacement or a call to a professional to reseal the countertops.
How To Remove Red Wine Stains From Quartz
Now that we know why red wine stains quartz, let’s take a look at how to remove the stains. I have already covered this topic in detail in an earlier article I wrote on 6 Easy ways to remove red wine stains from quartz.
But here’s a gist on two ways to remove red wine stains from quartz:
Method One: Using Damp Cloth
The first method is to simply blot the area with a damp cloth as soon as the red wine is spilled. This is the first thing you should do if you have red wine stains or any other type of stain on Quartz.
This will help to remove some of the liquid before it has a chance to penetrate into the surface.
Once you have blotted the area, you can then use a mild soap and water solution to remove any remaining residue.
Method Two: Using Distilled White Vinegar
This is a simple household ingredient you can use to remove red wine stains from quartz. It works both on red wine stains that have already set in, as well as on fresh spills.
The white vinegar works because it contains a high level of acidity that can be safely diluted and used to remove acidic stains from non-porous materials like quartz.
This Acid will help to break down the red wine stain and make it easier to remove. To use this method;
Step One:
- Start by diluting the distilled white vinegar with an equal amount of water.
Step Two:
- Apply the diluted vinegar solution to the red wine stain using a clean cloth.
Step Three:
- Allow the solution to sit on the stain for about a minute or 2 minutes to give it time to work.
Step Four:
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the stain.
Step Five:
- If any residue is left behind, you can rinse it off with warm water, and your quartz surface will be as good as new.
Method Three: Countertop Cleaner For Quartz
If all else fails, you can always resort to using a countertop cleaner that is specifically designed for quartz.
These cleaners are usually very effective at removing all kinds of stains, including red wine stains. To use this method;
Step One:
- Start by spraying the affected area with the cleaner.
Step Two:
- Use a clean cloth to scrub away the stain.
Step Three:
- Rinse off the area with water (warm if recommended) to remove any residue. And that’s it! Your quartz surface should now be stain-free.
Tips To Prevent Red Wine Stains on Quartz
- Use a coaster or placemat when drinking red wine.
- Wipe up any spills immediately with a damp cloth.
- If a stain does occur, clean it with mild dish soap or countertop cleaner as soon as possible.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers on quartz, as this can damage the surface.
- If your quartz countertops are old or damaged, consider replacing them.
- Avoid activities that would damage the surface of your quartz countertops, such as cutting food directly on the countertop.
- Seal your quartz countertops regularly to protect them from stains and other damage.
Final Thoughts
Quartz is a beautiful material that can add a touch of luxury to any home. But, like all materials, it’s not immune to staining, especially when it comes to red wine.
If you have quartz countertops, it’s important to be aware of how to remove red wine stains and take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place.
With a little care, your quartz countertops will stay looking beautiful for years to come. Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful.