If you’ve got a quartz countertop in your kitchen, you know that it’s practically bulletproof. But even the toughest surfaces can get stained if you’re not careful. In this article, I’ll teach you how to remove food stains from quartz countertops using simple household ingredients. I’ll also show you how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Food Stains On Quartz Countertops
As mentioned earlier, quartz countertops are prone to staining if they’re not properly cared for. The most common type of food stain is caused by oils and fats. If you spill oil on your quartz countertop, it’s important to clean it up immediately.
Otherwise, the oil will seep into the pores of the stone and cause a permanent stain. But if you’ve got a quartz countertop that has got food stains built up on it, don’t worry. There are a few simple methods you can use to clean it up.
What Do You Need In A Good Cleaner For Food Stains On Quartz Countertop?
When you’re looking for a good cleaner to remove food stains from your quartz countertop, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- Non-Abrasive
First of all, the cleaner should be non-abrasive. This means that the cleaner you intend to use shouldn’t contain any harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the surface of your quartz countertop.
Such ingredients can cause the quartz countertop to become more susceptible to staining in the future.
- Degreaser
You also need a cleaner that can breakdown the grease and oil that’s causing the food stain in the first place. This is where degreasers come in handy.
Degreasers are designed to break down oils and fats, making them ideal for removing food stains from quartz countertops.
- pH-Neutral
The cleaner should also be pH-neutral. This is important because cleaners that are too acidic or too alkaline can etch or dull the surface of your quartz countertop.
This means that it won’t etch the surface of your quartz countertop if it’s used as directed. There are a lot of cleaners on the market that are advertised as being “pH-neutral” but they’re not. So, make sure to check the label before you buy.
- Contains No Harsh Chemicals
The cleaner should also be free of any harsh chemicals. This includes ingredients like bleach, ammonia, and other corrosive chemicals.
These ingredients can damage the surface of your quartz countertop, making it more susceptible to staining in the future.
- Easy to Use
Lastly, the cleaner you choose to use for your quartz countertops should be easy to use. This means that it shouldn’t require any special equipment or skills to use.
There’s no point in getting a cleaner that will be difficult for you to use. With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best cleaners for food stains on quartz countertops.
Method #1: Use A Household Cleaner
There are a number of household cleaners that you can use to remove food stains from your quartz countertop.
One of the most popular household cleaners for this purpose is Supreme Surface Cleaner. This cleaner is designed to remove tough stains, including food stains.
It’s also non-abrasive and pH-neutral, making it safe to use on quartz countertops. Plus, it’s easy to use. Simply spray the cleaner on the stain and wipe it away with a clean cloth.
- Step 1: Simply mix the cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle. Then, use a soft cloth to apply it to the stained area of your quartz countertop.
- Step 2: Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove stubborn stains.
- Step 3: Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with water and dry it with a soft cloth.
There are a lot of quartz countertop cleaners to choose from. But, not all of them are created equal.
When you’re looking for a good cleaner to remove food stains from your quartz countertop, make sure it meets the following criteria: non-abrasive, degreaser, pH-neutral, contains no harsh chemicals and is easy to use.
Method #2: Use Baking Soda and Water
One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove food stains from quartz countertops is to make a paste out of baking soda and water. Baking soda contains natural abrasives that can safely break down the bonds between the food and the quartz countertop.
Plus, it’s a natural degreaser. This means that it can break down the oils and fats that are causing the food stain in the first place. To use this method,
- Step 1: Simply put one tablespoon of baking soda into a bowl of warm water.
- Step 2: Use a soft cloth to apply the baking soda solution to the entire surface of the quartz countertop.
- Step 3: Allow the baking soda to sit for at least five minutes.
- Step 4: Rinse the area with water and dry it with a soft cloth. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove stubborn stains.
The baking soda should breakdown the food stain and make it easy to wipe away. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a soft-bristled brush to scrub at it gently.
It should also get rid of any smells or odors that are associated with the food stain.
Method #3: Use Vinegar and Water
Another effective way to remove food stains from quartz countertops is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural acid that can break down many types of stains.
Vinegar also contains antibacterial properties that can help to clean and sanitize your countertops. On top of that, vinegar is very inexpensive and easy to find at most stores. To use this method,
- Step 1: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl of warm water.
- Step 2: Then, dip a clean cloth, brush, or sponge into the mixture and use it to scrub the stained area of your quartz countertop.
- Step 3: Continue scrubbing until the stain is gone.
- Step 4: Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth.
You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains, but vinegar and water are usually enough to remove most food stains from quartz countertops. The best part is that this method will get rid of odors, mold, as well as bacteria
If you’re dealing with a very tough stain, you can try using full-strength vinegar. However, be sure to rinse the area well afterward and dry it off to avoid damaging your countertop.
Method #4: Use Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water
If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective way to remove food stains from your quartz countertop, try using mild dish soap and warm water.
Dish soap is designed to break down grease and oils, which makes it perfect for removing food stains. Plus, it’s gentle enough that it won’t damage your quartz countertop. To use this method,
- Step 1: Simply mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Step 2: Use a clean cloth, brush, or sponge to apply the mixture to the stained area of your countertop.
- Step 3: Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
- Step 4: If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to scrub at it gently with a soft-bristled brush. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth.
This method should remove most food stains from your quartz countertop. If you’re dealing with a tough stain, you can try using a little more dish soap or scrubbing at it gently with a brush.
Method #5: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective way to remove food stains from quartz countertops. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can break down tough stains.
While using this method, it’s important to be careful not to use too much hydrogen peroxide. Otherwise, you may damage your countertop. To use this method,
- Step 1: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a bowl.
- Step 2: Use a clean cloth or sponge to apply the mixture to the stained area of your quartz countertop.
- Step 3: Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. You may need to repeat this process a few times for tough stains.
- Step 4: Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth.
This method should remove most food stains from your quartz countertop. So if you’re dealing with a tough stain, you may need to use a little more hydrogen peroxide or scrub at it gently with a brush.
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, here are a few final thoughts on removing food stains from quartz countertops:
- Always blot up spills as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
- If you’re dealing with a tough stain, you may need to try more than one method.
- Be sure to test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire countertop. This will help you avoid damaging your countertop.
- Quartz countertops are durable and easy to care for, but they’re not indestructible. With proper care and cleaning, they should last for many years.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you know of any other tips for removing food stains from quartz countertops, be sure to share them with us! Happy cleaning!