You may have seen white quartz that has turned into a yellow-ish color and wondered if this is normal. In this article, I will share with you the research I did on whether or not white quartz turns yellow.
So does white quartz turn yellow? White quartz countertops will not turn yellow without a cause such as;
- Sunlight And Heat Exposure Over Time
- Chemical Spills
- Dirt Build Up
- Harsh Cleaning
- Exposure To Acidic Foods
- Exposure To Urine (Especially Cat Urine)
- Exposure to Melted Wax from a Candle or Fireplace
1. Sunlight And Heat Exposure Over Time
This is the most common cause of a white quartz countertop turning yellow. Quartz, in general, has low heat and abrasion resistance so when exposed to high heat and sunlight over time will turn yellow.
Hence, white quartz countertops that have been exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time will turn yellow. These types of yellow stains do not go away and are permanent.
If you have white quartz countertops that have turned yellow, it is time to consider refinishing the counters with a new coat of white quartz.
Cleaning quartz that has been yellowed this way is usually not an easy task unless you know how to remove the yellowing.
If this is something that interests you, I would recommend some methods you can try before considering a professional refinish job.
Let’s discuss the different methods you may try at home to remove yellowing from white quartz countertops.
There are several different tricks you can try at home to remove yellowing from your white quartz countertops. More on this later.
2. Chemical Spills
Chemical spills can also cause a white quartz countertop to turn yellow over time. Chemicals like bleach and other acidic substances can turn white quartz yellow if left on the surface for a long period of time.
These chemicals are able to react to the resins of the quartz and turn the surface yellow. If you have spilled something onto your white quartz countertop that has caused it to turn this way, then this is the reason why.
If you have a chemical spill on your quartz countertops, it is best not to use any harsh chemicals to clean up the spill. This will only make the yellowing worse and may turn your white countertops into an orange color if not handled correctly.
If you have a chemical spill on your white quartz countertops, I recommend that you contact professional help. This way you can avoid causing further damage to your countertops.
There are some home remedy tricks you can try for this type of spill, more on that later in the article.
3. Dirt Build Up
If dirt and grime have built up on your white quartz countertop over time, this can cause the surface to turn yellow.
This usually happens when white quartz countertops are not cleaned regularly. The dirt and grime that has built up over time cause the surface to turn yellow over time.
If you have a lot of dirt and grime built up on the surface, it is best to schedule in a good deep clean.
This will help remove the dirt and grime so it does not cause any further damage to your white quartz countertops.
If you have tried the deep clean and it did not work, then it is time to consider a professional refinish job.
There are some tricks you can try at home before you consider hiring a professional; we will go over those now.
If the dirt and grime have not been cleaned from the surface of your white quartz countertop, try some home remedies before you consider a professional refinish job.
4. Harsh Cleaning Products
Harsh cleaning products can also cause a white quartz countertop to turn yellow over time. If you have been using harsh chemicals and cleaners on your white quartz countertops, this can turn the surface yellow.
If you have been using harsh cleaning products on your white quartz countertops for a long period of time, they may turn yellow over time.
The harsh chemicals and cleaners can cause a chemical reaction on the surface which turns it an orange color.
If you have been using harsh cleaning products on your quartz countertops, it is best to stop immediately and try one of the home remedies listed in the article.
5. Exposure To Acidic Foods
Exposure to acidic foods can also cause a white quartz countertop to turn yellow over time.
If you have been eating or cooking with certain acidic foods for a long period of time, they can cause the surface to turn yellow.
If you have been eating or cooking with certain acidic foods for a long time, this can cause the surface to turn yellow.
If you have been eating or cooking with certain acidic foods for many years on your white quartz countertops, it is best to try a home remedy to remove the yellowing.
If you have been eating or cooking with certain acidic foods on your white quartz countertops for a long time, this can cause the surface to turn yellow.
If you have tried one of the home remedies and it has not worked, then you should consider a professional refinish job.
6. Exposure To Urine (Especially Cat Urine)
Exposure to urine can also cause a white quartz countertop to turn yellow over time. If you have pets that like to use the bathroom on your white quartz countertops, this can cause it to turn yellow.
The pet’s urine like that of cats and other animals contains a high level of ammonia. The urine can cause a chemical reaction on the surface which turns it a yellow-orange color if not cleaned immediately.
If you somehow did not notice the pet’s urine on your white quartz countertops, you can try a home remedy using vinegar.
You can also call a professional who will come along with their own cleaning solutions to remove the pet’s urine before it causes any damage.
7. Exposure to Melted Wax from a Candle or Fireplace
Exposure to melted wax from a candle or fire fireplace can also cause the surface of your white quartz countertop to turn yellow over time.
If you have recently burned a candle or have an open fireplace, it is best to be mindful of where the wax drips. The wax can drip onto the surface of your white quartz countertops.
While being able to remove this type of yellowing is possible, it is usually best to call a professional.
If you have recently burned candles or an open fireplace, it is best to be mindful of where the wax drips. The wax can drip onto the surface of your white quartz countertops.
If you have recently burned candles or an open fireplace, it is best to be mindful of where the wax drips. The wax can drip onto the surface of your white quartz countertops and cause it to turn yellow over.
How To Remove Yellow Stains From White Quartz Countertops
While there are so many ways you can turn your white quartz countertops yellow, there are also many ways to remove the stains.
Do not try any of these solutions if you are not comfortable using the products.
Using Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
One of the easiest ways to remove yellowing from your countertops is by using a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
These substances are the perfect combination if you want to remove yellow stains because they work together to remove the stains.
Below is how to use this method to remove yellow stains from your white quartz countertops;
Things Needed:
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A large bowl
- Spoon for stirring
- Damp cloth/paper towels or a sponge.
Procedure:
Step 1:
- Remove any large debris before beginning.
Step 2:
- Mix together equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl until you have created a paste.
Step 3:
- Apply the mixture to the stained surface and let sit for up to an hour.
Step 4:
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away the paste from the countertop.
- Repeat if necessary until you have removed all of the stains from your white quartz countertops.
- If it becomes difficult to remove the stain using a cloth or paper towel, then it is best to use an old toothbrush to gently scrub.
How To Prevent White Quartz Countertops Yellowing
There are many ways you can prevent your white quartz countertops from yellowing.
- One way to keep them safe is by always using coasters for any drinks or hot dishes that could cause stains on the surface.
- If you spill something, be sure to clean it quickly with water and soap before allowing it to sit too long or dry.
- Another way to keep your white quartz countertops from yellowing is by using plastic mats or coasters under any hot dishes that could cause stains on the surface.
- Do not use harsh chemicals on the surface of your white quartz countertops.
- Harsh chemicals can break down or fade away any protective coating that may have been applied to the stone. This could cause it to turn yellow over time.
- If you notice a change in color, be sure to contact your local stone restoration company to help you out.
- Do not expose your white countertops to direct sunlight as it can cause them to fade or yellow as well.
- Do not use harsh chemicals on the surface of your white quartz countertops because they could break down any protective coating that may have been applied and causes discoloration over time.
- If you notice a change in color, be sure to contact your local stone restoration company to help you out.
- Do not expose your white quartz countertops to direct sunlight as it can cause them to fade or yellow over time.
How To Care And Maintain White Quartz Countertops
If you are looking to purchase white quartz countertops, then it is important that you learn how to properly take care of them.
White quartz countertops can be very expensive and taking proper care of the surface will help reduce any future yellowing.
Below are some ways on how to maintain your new white quartz countertops;
- Use a cutting board
Using a cutting board when preparing food will help reduce the chances of damaging your white quartz countertops.
- Use a trivet
Using a trivet when placing hot pots and pans on the surface will help prevent any damage to your countertops.
- Keep away from sharp objects
Keeping all sharp objects off of your white quartz countertops is another way you can protect them from being damaged.
- Use only mild cleaners
Using mild cleaning products on your countertops will help reduce the chances of causing any damage.
- Cleaning with a microfiber cloth
Using a microfiber cloth is one of the easiest ways to clean and maintain the surface on your white quartz countertops.
- Use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide
Following either method above, using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide is the easiest way to clean and maintain your white quartz countertops.
- Using wax
Applying a thin layer of polish or wax will help protect the surface from stains and yellowing.
- Using a sealant
Sealing your quartz countertops is an easy way to prevent stains from being able to settle into the surface of the material.
Treat them like you would any other natural stone:
This means not placing hot pots and pans directly on top of the white quartz counters because it can cause damage to the surface.
FAQ’s
Q: How do I know if my white quartz has been treated with a sealant?
A: There are several ways you can tell if your countertops were sealed.
The easiest way is to look at the underside of the stone and see if it looks smooth or rough in texture. If they have been sealed then the surface will have a smooth texture.
Another way to tell is by placing a drop of water on top and seeing if it beads up or spreads out flat. If there has been no sealant applied, then the water should spread across the countertop evenly.
Q: How do I know if my white quartz has been treated with wax?
A: Another way to tell is by looking at the stone and seeing if there are any stains on the surface of your countertops. If you see that they appear lighter in color, then it means that they have most likely had wax applied to the surface.
Q: How do I know if my white quartz has been treated with a clear coat?
A: You can tell by placing your finger on the surface of the countertop. If it leaves an impression, then this was most likely applied at some point after they were cut and polished to give them their shiny finish.
If you are unsure about whether or not the surface has been treated with a clear coat, then it is best to contact your local stone restoration company.