Kids will be kids, and that means there will be times when they get crayon on your quartz countertops. It’s happened to all of us. And while it may seem daunting to try to remove the marks, with the right techniques it can be done fairly easily.
So don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll walk you through the complete process of removing crayon stains or marks from quartz so that your counters can look good as new again.
Crayon On Quartz Countertops (What Makes It Hard To Clean)
Crayon can pose a bit of a challenge when it comes to removal, but it is possible to get the job done without too much trouble. There are a few things that make this such an awful task.
- Crayons Are Made Of Wax
First of all, crayon is made of wax, and as we all know, quartz is a very hard surface. This means that the crayon can actually start to bond with the quartz if it’s left for too long.
Also, if the right methods are not used, you would spread the crayon more instead of removing it and making the task even harder.
- Crayons Are Pigmented
Secondly, crayons are pigmented. This means that the color can actually penetrate the quartz surface, making it even more difficult to remove.
If you’ve ever tried to remove a stain from clothing, you know that pigment is one of the hardest things to get out. The same goes for your countertops – if the crayon is not removed correctly, you may be left with a light shadow of the color.
- Some Crayons Are Not Washable
Another thing that makes the task of cleaning or removing crayon stains daunting is the fact that some crayons are not washable. This is especially true for oil-based crayons (also known as pastels), which can be very difficult to remove without the right products and methods.
- Light Colored Quartz Is More susceptible To Staining
Finally, it’s worth noting that light-colored quartz is more susceptible to staining than dark-colored quartz (unless of course, the crayon color is light). This is because the pigments in the crayon are more likely to show up on a light surface.
So if you have light countertops, you’ll want to be extra careful when removing crayon stains as any mishap will make the task that much more difficult.
How To Get Crayon Off Quartz Countertops
The good news is that there are ways to remove crayons from quartz without too much trouble. With the right materials and a little bit of elbow grease, you’ll have your countertops looking good as new in no time! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and the steps to follow:
1. Using Rubbing Alcohol
One of the effective yet gentle methods you can use to remove crayon stains from your quartz countertop is rubbing alcohol. This will help to break down the wax, the binders, and the colorants in the crayon and make it easier to remove.
Rubbing alcohol can also remove crayon stains that have trapped dirt or have become gummy. No worries even if the crayon stains have been on the quartz for a really long time. To use this method, here are the things you need and the steps to follow;
Things You’ll Need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A clean, soft cloth
- Water
Steps to Follow:
Step 1: Dust Off The Surface Of The Quartz
- Use a clean, soft cloth to dust off the surface of the quartz.
- This will help to remove any loose crayon wax that can be easily removed.
- Make sure to do this gently so as not to damage the surface of the quartz.
Step 2: Dilute The Rubbing Alcohol
- Mix 3 parts water to 1 part rubbing alcohol.
- You can increase the ratio of rubbing alcohol if you’re dealing with tough crayon stains.
- For tough or oil-based crayon stains, mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol.
Step 3: Saturate The Cloth With Rubbing Alcohol
- Saturate the cloth with rubbing alcohol.
- You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to wet the cloth.
Step 4: Rub The Quartz
- Begin scrubbing while the cloth is still wet.
- Start from one end of the crayon stain and work your way to the other.
- You may need to use a little bit of elbow grease to get the job done, but be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage the surface of the quartz.
- Also, you want to add more rubbing alcohol to the cloth as needed.
- You don’t want it to dry out while you’re scrubbing or the process will be less effective.
Step 5: Rinse The Surface With Water
- Once the crayon stain has been removed, rinse the surface with a damp cloth.
- You want to make sure that all the rubbing alcohol has been removed as well.
Step 6: Repeat The Process If Necessary
- Repeat steps two through five as necessary until the crayon stain has been completely removed.
- You may need to go over the area a few times, especially if the crayon stain is difficult to remove.
- But be patient and eventually, you’ll get rid of that pesky crayon stain for good.
2. Mild Dish Soap And Warm Water
Another method you can use to remove crayon markings from quartz is mild dish soap and warm water. This is a good option if the crayon stain is not too bad.
The dish soap will help to break down the wax and the colorants in the crayon while the warm water will loosen the crayon from the surface of the quartz.
This method is also good for removing any dirt or grime that may be trapped in the crayon stain. To use this method, here are the things you need and the steps to follow:
Things You’ll Need:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A clean, soft cloth
Steps to Follow:
Step 1: Remove All Excess Crayon Residue
- Start by removing all the excess crayon residue with a clean, soft cloth.
- You want to remove as much of the crayon as you can before you start cleaning the quartz.
Step 2: Mix The Dish Soap And Warm Water
- Mix a tablespoon of mild dish soap with a cup of warm water.
- You can adjust the amount of dish soap as necessary.
- If you’re dealing with a large crayon stain, you may need to use more dish soap.
Step 3: Dampen The Quartz With The Solution
- Pour the dish soap and water solution onto the crayon stain.
- You want to dampen the quartz, but you don’t want it to pour too much.
- Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Begin Scrubbing The Quartz
- After the quartz has been dampened with the solution, start scrubbing it with a clean, soft cloth.
- You want to use gentle circular motions.
- Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage the surface of the quartz.
- You will begin to notice the crayon stains coming out as you scrub.
- Continue scrubbing until the crayon stain has been removed.
Step 5: Rinse The Quartz Surface
- Once the crayon stain has been removed, rinse the surface of the quartz with a clean, damp cloth.
- This will remove any soap and crayon residue.
Step 6: Dry
- You can follow up by drying the quartz surface using a clean dry cloth.
- Let the countertop air-dry before use. Done!
3. Using Hairdryer Or Iron
To most people, this method may sound a bit strange but it actually works. The heat from the hairdryer or iron will help to melt the crayon wax and make it easier to remove.
This is a good method to use both on fresh crayon stains and dried on crayon stains. While this method is very effective, you need to take a few precautions so you do not cause any heat damage to your quartz.
This is important because quartz is made up of quartz particles bonded with resins which can be damaged by heat. To use this method, here are the things you need and the steps to follow:
Things You’ll Need:
- A hairdryer or an iron
- A white clean, soft cloth
Steps to Follow:
Step 1: Pre-Heat Your Iron
- If you’re using an iron, set it to a low or medium setting and allow it to heat up.
- You want the iron to be hot but not too hot.
- If you’re using a hairdryer, turn it on to the low or medium setting as well.
Step 2: Place The White Cloth On The Crayon Stain
- Place the white cloth over the crayon stain and hold it in place with your hand.
- You want to make sure that the entire crayon stain is covered.
Step 3: Heat Up The Cloth:
- Bring the iron very close to the cloth without touching it and allow the heat to transfer to the cloth.
- You should see the crayon wax start to melt and transfer onto the cloth.
- Do not leave the iron in one spot for too long as this can cause damage to your quartz.
- If you’re using a hairdryer, hold it about half an inch away from the cloth and move it back and forth over the cloth.
- You should see the crayon wax start to melt and transfer onto the cloth.
Step 4: Wipe The Crayon Marks
- Once the crayon wax has transferred onto the cloth, use it to wipe away the crayon marks.
- You may need to do this a few times until all the crayon wax is removed.
Step 5: Rinse The Surface And Dry
- Once you’ve removed all the crayon wax, rinse the surface with a clean damp cloth and dry it with a clean dry cloth.
- Let the countertop air-dry before use. Voila!
4. Use A Stain Cleaner (Goo Gone)
If the above methods do not work, you can try using a stain cleaner such as Goo Gone. Goo Gone is a powerful cleaning product that can be used on a variety of surfaces including quartz.
Goo Gone can be used to clean sticky messes, crayon marks, and much more. It contains citrus oils which help to break down and remove crayon wax without causing damage to your quartz surfaces.
The best part is Goo Gone is very cheap and can be found at most stores. There are also a host of other similar products out there apart from Goo Gone. So explore and see which one is the best for you to use. Here are what you need and the steps to follow:
Things You’ll Need:
- Goo Gone or similar product
- A clean white cloth
Steps to Follow:
Step 1: Spritz or Pour Some Goo Gone On Your Cloth
- To start, Load a generous amount of Goo Gone onto your cloth.
- You can either spray it on or pour it on but make sure there’s enough to cover the crayon stain.
Step 2: Rub The Cloth Over The Stain
- Next, take your cloth and rub it over the crayon stain in a circular motion.
- You should see the crayon wax start to break down and transfer onto the cloth.
- Continue applying more Goo Gone as needed and rub the cloth over the stain until it’s removed.
Step 3: Rinse The Surface And Dry
- Once you’ve removed all the crayon wax, rinse the surface with a clean damp cloth and dry it with a clean dry cloth.
- Let the countertop air-dry and that’s it!
5. Using Magic Eraser
This is a more gentle but abrasive method that can be used on delicate surfaces such as quartz. Magic erasers are made from a material called melamine foam which is a type of synthetic resin.
This foam is effective at removing any type of tough stain that needs a bit of abrasion – like in the case of crayon marks without damaging your quartz surface. Here are what you need and the steps to follow:
Things You’ll Need:
- A magic eraser
- A clean white cloth or paper towel
- Warm Water
- Mild Dish Soap
Steps to Follow:
Step 1: Make A Mild Dish Soap Solution
- Put 2-3 drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
Step 2: Soak The Magic Eraser
- Soak the magic eraser in the warm soapy solution for about a minute.
- The magic eraser should be nice and soft when you take it out.
Step 3: Rub The Magic Eraser Over The Stain
- Gently rub the magic eraser over the crayon stain in a circular motion.
- You should see the crayon wax start to transfer onto the magic eraser.
- Continue rubbing until the entire crayon stain is removed.
Step 4: Rinse The Surface And Dry
- Once you’ve removed all the crayon wax, rinse the surface with a clean damp cloth and dry it with a clean dry cloth.
- Let the countertop air-dry before use.
- There you have it – all-new crayon-free quartz for you to enjoy!
Important Tips To Remember When Removing Crayon From Quartz:
- Test the method in an inconspicuous area first to make sure there’s no damage.
- Work in small sections.
- Be careful not to scrub too hard.
- Rinse the surface with clean water after each application and dry it off with a clean cloth.
- If you’re using a product like Goo Gone, make sure to ventilate the area well.
- Let the surface air-dry completely before using it.
Final Thoughts
Phew! That was a lot of information on how to remove crayon stains from quartz. We hope you found this helpful and that your quartz surfaces are now crayon-free! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. As always, thanks for reading!
