Grouting is important after quartz countertops have been installed to ensure a tight seal between the countertop, the backsplash, wall, or countertop it’s attached to. But during installation, so of the grout stains the quartz which can be difficult to remove. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get those grout stains out of your quartz countertops.
Grout Stains On Quartz Countertops
This is a pretty common problem that a lot of people face. You’ve just installed your new quartz countertops and they look beautiful. But then you notice some grout stains on the surface of the quartz and areas where the tile meets the countertop.
Grout contains adhesive properties that make it difficult to remove once it’s cured. And because quartz is a non-porous material, the grout can’t just be wiped away. No only that, but the wrong cleaning products can actually damage your quartz countertops. So how do you get rid of those pesky grout stains on your new quartz countertop?
The cleaning solution you go for should be able to loosen the grout without damaging the quartz. On top of that, it should also be able to remove any dirt or residue that might be on the surface of the quartz.
I’ve put together a list of three tried and tested cleaning solutions that you can use to get rid of grout stains on quartz countertops.
1. Use Phosphoric Acid
This is a strong cleaning solution that you can use to remove grout stains from quartz countertops. Phosphoric acid is a chemical compound that can dissolve grout and is often used in heavy-duty cleaners. However, because it’s such a strong chemical, you need to be very careful when using it.
Not only will this remove the grout stains on the surface of your quartz countertop but it will also clean any dirt on grout seams around your quartz countertop.
You can either purchase a ready-made Phosphoric Acid Cleaner or use a DIY solution. If you’re going the DIY route, mix one part of phosphoric acid with four parts of water in a spray bottle. Once you’ve made the solution, go ahead and follow the instructions below.
- Step 1: Wipe off as much of the grout residue as possible.
- Step 2: Put on gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from the Phosphoric Acid solution.
- Step 3: Spritz the phosphoric acid solution on the grout stains and let it sit for about 2 minutes.
- The grout stains will start to form foam similar to soap sudsy.
- Step 4: Scrub the area with a brush to loosen the grout.
- Step 5: Use a damp cloth to wipe away the Phosphoric Acid solution and grout residue.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
- You should see a significant difference after using this method. The grout stains will be gone or less visible.
- Step 6: Use clean water and mild dish soap to thoroughly wash and rinse your quartz countertop.
- This is an important step because you want to remove any traces of the Phosphoric Acid solution from your countertop.
Cautions:
It is best to use a dedicated Phosphoric Acid meant for the natural stone surface.
Phosphoric acid is a strong chemical that can cause skin irritation. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin.
In addition, the fumes from phosphoric acid can be harmful, so make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area.
Pour the Phosphoric Acid solution down the drain when you’re done and rinse the area with water to remove any residue.
2. Use A Homemade Grout Remover
If you don’t want to use a chemical-based solution, you can try making your own grout remover. This method uses ingredients that are safe for quartz countertops and won’t damage the surface.
To make your own grout remover and follow the steps below to remove grout stains from your quartz countertops.
Things Needed:
- 1/2 Cup Baking Soda
- 1/4 Cup Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Ammonia
- 1/4 Cup Dish Soap
- Microfiber cloth or rag
- Bucket of clean water
- Gloves
- Goggles or eye protection
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix the baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, and dish soap in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Pour the solution into a spray bottle and mix it well.
Step 3: Spray the grout stains with the solution and let it sit for about a minute. The mixture will start to fizz and bubble as it works to break down the grout.
Step 4: Use a damp microfiber cloth or damp scrub brush to scrub the area and loosen the grout.
Step 5: Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a clean towel.
Repeat this process if necessary until the grout stains are gone.
3. Using Vinegar
If you do not have the ingredients for the homemade grout remover or if you want to use a more natural solution, vinegar is a good option. Vinegar is an acidic substance that can eat away at grout stains.
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a strong cleaning agent. It’s also important to note that vinegar can damage some surfaces, so it’s best to test it on a small area first. To use vinegar to remove grout stains, follow the steps below.
Things Needed:
- White Vinegar
- Water
- Microfiber or sponge
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spritz the grout stains with the vinegar solution and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The acid in the vinegar will start to break down the grout.
Step 3: Scrub the area with a sponge or microfiber cloth to loosen the grout.
Step 4: Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a clean towel. Repeat this process if necessary until the grout stains are gone.
4. Use Mild Dish Soap And Magic Eraser
You can also use mild dish soap to remove grout stains from your quartz countertops. Dish soap is a gentle cleanser that won’t damage the surface of your countertop.
The soap solution when combined with magic eraser will thoroughly clean the grout. So if you want a cleaning solution far from chemicals, dish soap is a good option. To use dish soap to remove grout stains, follow the steps below.
Things Needed:
- Mild Dish Soap
- Water
- Magic eraser, Sponge, or microfiber cloth
Instructions:
Step 1: Create a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Make it sudsy.
Step 2: Dampen the grout stains with the solution and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The soap will start to break down the grout.
Step 3: Begin to scrub the stain with magic eraser, a toothbrush, cleaning brush, or sponge.
Step 4: Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a clean towel. Repeat this process if necessary until the grout stains are gone.
Tips To Prevent Grout Stains On Quartz Countertops
- Wipe up grout stains immediately before it has time to cure on your quartz countertops.
- Seal your quartz countertops regularly to create a barrier from stains.
- Clean your countertops regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
With these tips, you can keep your quartz countertops looking new. If you do get grout stains, use one of the solutions above to remove them quickly and easily.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, 4 easy but effective ways to remove grout stains from quartz countertops. Just go over my tried and tested methods and select one that works best for your needs.
Do you have any other tips or methods to share? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading and good luck with getting those grout stains out!
