If you’ve ever tried to dye Easter eggs with food coloring and then had the colors seep into your quartz countertops, you know what a pain it can be to get them out. Food coloring is notoriously difficult to remove from surfaces, but there are a few methods that you can try. In this article, I will discuss four home remedies you can use to remove food coloring from your quartz countertops.
Food Coloring vs. Quartz Countertops
There are a few things you need to know when it comes to food coloring and quartz countertops. First of all, food coloring is made up of water-soluble dyes.
This means that the dye will dissolve and spread when it comes into contact with water. The good news is quartz countertops are made from a natural stone, but due to the resins used to bond them, it is non-porous.
This means that the dye can not seep into the surface of the quartz – making it relatively easier to remove stains from quartz with the right methods. However, the bad news is that most food coloring is acidic.
This means that it can etch the surface of your quartz countertops if it’s left on for too long. So, what can you do to remove food coloring from your quartz countertops?
Best Way To Get Food Coloring Of Quartz Countertops
The best way to get food coloring off quartz countertops or floors is by using a stain remover. These products contain chemicals that will break down the dye molecules and lift the dye stain from the surface of your quartz without causing any damage to them.
When you use a stain remover, there is no guesswork as to whether or not it will work – you know that it will. However, you do need to be careful when using these products as they can be harmful if used incorrectly. Make sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully.
Our personal go-to stain remover for all types of countertop and floor materials, including quartz, is the Stone Care International Stone Stain Remover. It contains specially formulated chemicals that are designed to break down and remove all types of stains, including food coloring, from all-natural stone surfaces.
Simply apply the Stone Stain Remover to the stained area and scrub with a nylon brush or sponge. For tougher stains, you may need to let the product sit on the stain for up to five minutes before scrubbing.
Once you’ve removed the stain, rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. You may not even have to repeat this process for stubborn stains.
If you don’t have a stone-specific stain remover on hand, you can also try some of the home remedies I’m about to share with you.
Home Remedies To Remove Food Coloring From Quartz
There are several home remedies that you can use to remove food coloring from your quartz countertops. Here are four of the most effective:
1. Using Mild Dish Soap & Cool Water
Chances are you may have thought of this method first but were hesitant to try it because you didn’t want to worsen the stain.
The good news is that if you use mild dish soap and cool water, this method is quite effective and gentle on quartz. The best part about this method is that most homes have dish soap on hand, so you don’t have to go out and buy anything special.
Also, you are to use cool water because warm water can actually set the stain. To remove food coloring from your quartz countertops using this method, follow a step-by-step process.
Things You’ll Need:
- Mild Dish Soap
- Cool Water
- Bucket or Bowl
- Sponge or Soft Microfiber Cloth
Instructions:
Step 1: Blot The Stain
- Start by blotting as much of the food coloring as possible using a dry paper towel or clean rag.
Step 2: Mix The Soap Solution
- Start by mixing together a solution of mild dish soap and cool water in a bucket.
- Make sure to bring the solution to lather.
Step 3: Dampen Your Cleaning Cloth
- Dip your sponge or soft cloth into the mixture and wring it out.
- Make sure the sponge is slightly wet.
- Not too damp and not too wet.
Step 4: Scrub Over The Food Coloring Stain
- Gently scrub the stained area using circular motions until you start to see the food coloring lift.
Step 5: Rinse The Area
- Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any soap residue and blot the area dry with a soft towel.
Step 6: Check To See If The Stain Is Still There
- If the stain is still there, you can repeat steps four and five until it’s gone.
- And that’s all there is to it! As you can see, this method is pretty simple and straightforward.
2. Removing the Food Coloring with Rubbing Alcohol
Another simple yet effective home remedy for removing food coloring from your quartz countertops is to use rubbing alcohol. This will work on both new and old food coloring stains.
This method works because rubbing alcohol is a solvent that will break down the dye molecules and lift the stain from the surface of your quartz. Rubbing alcohol is also effective at removing stains from other surfaces like glass and ceramic.
The best part is that rubbing alcohol is not toxic, so you do not have to worry about leaving behind chemical footprints all around your house.
To remove food coloring from your quartz countertops using rubbing alcohol, follow these steps:
Things You’ll Need:
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Soft Cloth or Sponge
- Bowl or Spray Bottle
- Your Favorite Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Blot The Stain
- As always, you want to start by blotting as much of the food coloring as you can using a dry paper towel or clean rag.
Step 2: Mix The Alcohol Solution
- Next, you want to mix equally rubbing alcohol and water in a bowl or spray bottle.
- The ratio should be 50/50. So, for every cup of rubbing alcohol, you add one cup of water.
- You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture to help cut through the alcohol smell.
Step 3: Apply The Solution
- Spray the solution directly over the food coloring stain or dampen your sponge or soft cloth in the mixture and apply it to the stain.
Step 4: Gently Scrub The Area
- Gently scrub the area using circular motions until you start to see the food coloring lift.
Step 5: Rinse And Dry The Area
- Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any soap residue and blot the area dry with a soft towel. The stain should be gone!
3. Using Baking Soda To Remove Food Coloring
Baking soda is another common household item that can be used to remove food coloring and even hair dye from your quartz countertops.
This method works because baking soda is a mild abrasive and will lift the stain without damaging the surface of your quartz. You will be making poultice using baking soda and water.
Emphasis on using water for this type of poultice. This is because many people have used lemon juice or vinegar for their poultice instead of water, and the result has always been devastating: a dull, damaged countertop.
This method works on both fresh food coloring stains and old, set-in stains. So blot as much of the dye stain if the food coloring stain is fresh and follow the steps below.
Things You’ll Need:
- Baking Soda
- Water
- Spoon or Mixing Bowl
- Soft Cloth or Sponge
- Palette Knife
Instructions:
Step 1: Make A Baking Soda Poultice
- Start by mixing equal baking soda and water parts in a bowl or cup to form a paste.
- Make sure the poultice is a paste-like consistency so it will stay in place and not run off the surface of your quartz.
Step 2: Apply The Poultice To The Stain
- Next, use a spoon to apply the paste directly over the food coloring stain.
- Make sure the poultice covers the entire surface of the food coloring stain.
Step 3: Allow The Poultice To Sit
- Allow the poultice to sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes.
- You can let it sit overnight.
- The longer you can let it sit, the better.
Step 4: Remove The Poultice
- Use a palette knife or putty knife to remove the poultice from your quartz surface.
Step 5: Rinse The Surface
- Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any baking soda residue and blot the area dry with a soft towel.
- The food coloring stain should be gone!
4. Using Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is another common household item that can be used to remove food coloring from your quartz countertops.
The active ingredient in nail polish remover is acetone, which is a strong solvent. This makes it effective at breaking down and removing food coloring stains.
You just make sure to dilute it before using it on your quartz countertops properly. While this method will work on very old food coloring stains, it’s best for small stains. Blot any excess food coloring stains and follow these steps to use this method.
Things You’ll Need:
- Nail Polish Remover
- Water
- Bowl
- Soft Cloth or Sponge
- Mild Dish Soap
Instructions:
Step 1: Dilute The Nail Polish Remover
- Start by mixing together equal parts of nail polish remover and water in a bowl.
Step 2: Apply The Solution To The Stain
- Dampen your sponge or soft cloth in the mixture and gently dab it over the food coloring stain.
Step 3: Gently Scrub The Area
- With a clean microfiber cloth, scrub the area in a circular motion until you see the food coloring start to lift.
Step 4: Make A Soap Solution
- Put 3-5 drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water and swish to make it sudsy.
Step 5: Cleaning The Acetone Residue
- Dampen your sponge or soft cloth in the soap solution and gently scrub the area to remove any acetone residue.
- Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a soft towel.
- The food coloring stain should be gone!
Important Tips To Remember When Cleaning Food Coloring From Quartz:
- Test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous spot first before using it on the entire surface.
- Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on your quartz countertops, as they can damage the surface.
- If you’re not sure which method to use, always err on the side of caution and use a stain remover or contact a professional for help.
- Make sure to always start by blotting up any excess food coloring before you begin trying to remove the stain.
- If a food coloring stain is fresh, it will be easier to remove than an old, set-in stain.
- The sooner you can treat the stain, the better.
- When using nail polish remover or acetone, always properly dilute it with water and use it in a well-ventilated area.
- These chemicals can be very strong, and fumes can be harmful if inhaled.
- Use gloves when handling these chemicals to protect your skin.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning food coloring from your quartz countertops doesn’t have to be difficult. You can easily remove these stains with a bit of elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies.
Remember to take your time, be gentle, and always test a small area before moving on to the entire surface. With these tips, you’ll have your quartz countertops looking good as new in no time!
