Do you have a quartz countertop that has a deep stain? Are you struggling to remove it? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, I will walk you through the complete guide on how to remove deep stains from quartz countertops. I’ll provide tips and tricks on what products to use, as well as how to properly clean and maintain your quartz countertops in the future. Let’s get started.
Deep Stains On Quartz Countertops
Before we begin, let’s first understand will is considered deep stains and how they differ from surface stains. Deep stains are those that have penetrated the sealant and/or topcoat of your quartz countertop. They are typically caused by spills of coffee, tea, red wine, or other dark-colored liquids.
Surface stains, on the other hand, sit on top of the quartz surface and can be easily removed with a damp cloth. If you’re not sure whether your stain is a surface or deep stain, the best way to tell is by doing the water test.
Simply wipe the surface of your stained quartz countertop with a damp cloth or mild dish soap solution. If the stain does not come out easily, then it is most likely a deep stain. Now that we know what deep stains are, let’s move on to the next step.
How Do Quartz Countertops Get Deep Stains?
Quartz countertops are known for their durability and stain resistance, but they are not immune to staining.
Deep stains can occur when liquids are left on the surface for too long or if they penetrate through the sealant. The best way to avoid deep stains is to wipe up spills immediately and to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the surface.
In addition to that, as mentioned earlier, deep stains are caused by spills of coffee, tea, red wine, or other dark-colored liquids. When these liquids come into contact with your quartz countertop, they penetrate the sealant and/or topcoat and the resins causing deep stains.
In some cases, deep stains can also be caused by cooking oils or food grease. If these liquids are not cleaned up immediately, they will harden and become difficult to remove.
Deep stains could also appear on quartz countertops when your place hot pans or pots directly on the surface. The heat from this cookware can cause the resins in quartz to break down and leave a permanent stain. Therefore, it’s important to always use a hot pad or trivet when placing hot cookware on your quartz countertop.
What To Consider When Choosing Cleaners For Deep Stains On Quartz
When trying to remove a deep stain from your quartz countertop, there are a few factors you need to consider.
- The Type Of Finish On The Quartz Countertop
Firstly, you need to consider the type of finish on your quartz countertop. There are three types of finishes – polished, honed, and brushed. Polished finishes are shiny and have a glass-like appearance. Honed finishes have a matte or satin-like appearance. Brushed finishes have a textured appearance.
The type of finish will determine what kind of cleaning solution you can use on your quartz countertop. For example, you cannot use an abrasive cleaner on a polished finish as it will damage the surface. Conversely, you can use an abrasive cleaner on a honed or brushed finish as it will not damage the surface.
- The Type Of Stain
Secondly, you need to consider the type of stain. As I mentioned before, deep stains are typically caused by coffee, tea, red wine, or other dark-colored liquids. Knowing what type of stain it is will help you determine the best cleaning solution to use.
For example, if the stain is from coffee, you can use a vinegar and water solution to remove it. If the stain is from red wine, you can use a club soda and salt solution to remove it.
- The Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Thirdly, you need to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations. Every quartz countertop is different and hence, each one will have different care and cleaning instructions. For example, some quartz countertops can be cleaned with bleach while others cannot.
Hence, it is important that you read the care and cleaning instructions that came with your quartz countertop before using any cleaning solutions. By doing so, you will avoid damaging your quartz countertop.
- The Color Of The Quartz Countertop
You also need to consider the color of your quartz countertop. This is important as some colors are more likely to show wear and tear than others. For example, white quartz countertops are more likely to show scratches and stains than black quartz countertops.
Hence, you need to be more careful when cleaning white quartz countertops. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners as they may damage the surface.
- The Size Of The Stain
In addition, you need to consider the size of the stain. This is important as it will determine how much time and effort you need to put into removing the stain. Small stains can be removed easily with a damp cloth or mild dish soap solution. Large stains will require more time and effort to remove.
How To Remove Deep Stains From Quartz Countertops
Now that we’ve gone over the factors you need to consider when looking for cleaning solutions for removing deep stains from quartz countertops, let’s move on to the best cleaning solutions.
1. Using Bar Keepers Friend To Remove Deep Stains On Quartz Countertops
Bar Keepers Friend is a powdered cleanser that can be used to remove deep stains from quartz countertops. It is non-abrasive and will not damage the surface of your quartz countertop. To use Bar Keepers Friend;
- Simply make a paste with water and apply it to the stain. If you have the spray on bar keepers friend, you can directly spray it on the stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a damp cloth.
- Rinse the area with water and dry it off with a clean towel.
- If the stain is still visible, repeat this process until the stain is removed.
It is important to note that quartz is scratch-resistant, although abrasives in rare circumstances can dull it. So make sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that Bar Keepers Friend does not damage your quartz countertop.
2. Using Vinegar Solution To Remove Deep Stains On Quartz Countertops
You can also knock out deep stains from your quartz countertops using a vinegar solution. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and will not damage your quartz countertop and especially if you apply it with care. To use a vinegar solution;
- Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub the area with a brush or sponge.
- Rinse the area with water and dry it off with a clean towel.
- If the stain is still visible, repeat this process until the stain is removed.
Vinegar can also be used to clean other areas of your kitchen such as your backsplash or stovetop. Just make sure to dilute the vinegar with water before using it as undiluted vinegar can damage certain surfaces.
3. Using Bleach Solution To Remove Deep Stains On Quartz Countertops
Another powerful solution that can be used to remove deep stains from quartz countertops is a bleach solution. Generally, bleach is not something you would want using on your quartz countertops.
But if you have some deep stains on your countertops that you can’t seem to remove any other way, using a bleach solution is definitely worth a try. To make a bleach solution,
- Simply mix 1 part bleach with 8 parts water.
- Once you’ve mixed the solution together, apply it to the stained areas of your quartz countertops and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes.
- After the time have passed, use a clean rag to wipe away the bleach solution and the stain should be gone!
- If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you may need to repeat this process one more time fore the stain to completely come out.
- One the stains are gone, thoroughly rinse the area with water and dry it off with a clean towel.
- Just be sure to use gloves when working with bleach and be very careful as bleach can damage your skin and clothing.
4. Using A Glass Cleaner To Remove Deep Stains On Quartz Countertops
If the stain is still visible, you can use a glass cleaner. Glass cleaners contain ingredients that can break down the stain and make it easier to wipe away. One popular glass cleaner you can use is Windex.
Windex is the perfect solution for removing tough and deep stains from glass, but it can also be used to remove deep stains from quartz countertops. You can also use any glass cleaner that you have on hand. To use a glass cleaner;
- Spray the Windex or glass cleaner directly onto the stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean rag.
- Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
- Once you’ve removed the stain, be sure to clean the area with soap and water to remove any residue from the glass cleaner.
5. Using Acetone To Remove Deep Stains On Quartz Countertops
If you have some deep ink or gummy stains on your quartz countertop, you can use acetone to remove them. You can use acetone or nail polish remover that contains acetone.
First, make sure to test a small area of the countertop to see if it will damage the finish or change the color. If it does, you’ll need to find another method. If the acetone doesn’t damage the quartz, you can proceed.
- Dip a cotton ball or soft cloth in the acetone and apply it to the stain.
- Let it sit for a few seconds, then wipe away with a clean, damp cloth.
- Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
- You may need to use a little elbow grease to remove tough stains. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with water and dry it off.
6. Magic Eraser To Remove Deep Stains On Quartz Countertops
If you’re out of acetone or glass cleaner, or you simply do not want to use any chemicals, you can try using a Magic Eraser. Magic Erasers are great for removing all kinds of stains and they’re gentle enough to use on most surfaces without damaging them. To use a Magic Eraser;
- Dampen the eraser with water and rub it over the stain in a circular motion.
- Continue rubbing until the stain is gone.
- Rinse the area with water and dry it off.
- You may need to use a little elbow grease to remove tough stains but overall, the process is pretty simple.
7. Get Professional Help
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and the stain is still not coming out, it’s time to get professional help. When you give them a call, they should be able to give you a better idea of what the best course of action is.
They may need to sand down the surface or use a strong chemical cleaner to remove the stain. If you have a warranty, this may be covered. If not, you’ll need to pay for the service but it’s worth it to get rid of that stubborn stain.