Removing ink stains can be a real headache, especially from quartz countertops. If you’re not careful, you can end up with a permanent stain on your countertop.
In this article, I will discuss the best ways to remove ink stains from quartz countertops and provide some tips on how to prevent these stains from happening in the first place.
Ink Stains On Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are generally resistant to staining but can still be susceptible to ink stains. Before you go ahead and start cleaning your ink-stained quartz countertops, here are two important things to keep in mind;
- The Type Of Ink Stain
- The Color Of The Quartz Countertop
The Type Of Ink Stain
The first thing you need to do is identify the type of ink stain you’re dealing with. There are different forms of ink stains, and to effectively deal with them, you will need to know what you’re dealing with.
The three main types of ink stains are water-based, oil-based, and solvent-based. Each type of ink behaves differently and will require a different method of removal.
- Water-Based Ink Stains
Water-based ink stains are the easiest to remove from quartz countertops. You can simply wipe them away with a damp cloth.
If the stain is stubborn, you can use a mild detergent or soap to help remove it. Be sure to rinse the area well after cleaning it with detergent or soap.
- Oil-Based Ink Stains
Oil-based ink stains are more difficult to remove than water-based stains. You will need to use a solvent to remove these stains. The most common solvents that are used are mineral spirits or acetone.
Apply the solvent to a clean cloth and rub it onto the stain. Be sure to follow the directions on the solvent you’re using.
Some solvents may require you to leave them on the stain for a certain amount of time before wiping them away.
- Solvent-Based Ink Stains
Solvent-based ink stains are the most difficult to remove. To remove them, you will need to use a strong solvent, such as acetone. Apply the solvent to a clean cloth and rub it onto the stain.
The Color Of The Quartz Countertop
Another important thing you need to take into account is the color of your quartz countertop. Some colors are more susceptible to staining than others. If you have a light-colored quartz countertop, you will need to be extra careful not to damage it while trying to remove the stain.
For most dark-colored quartz countertops, you can use the same methods as you would for light-colored quartz.
However, if you have a white or pale-colored quartz countertop, you will need to take extra care not to damage it, except the cleaning solution is absolutely safe.
The Best Cleaner For Ink Stains On Quartz Countertops
The best way to clean stains from your quartz countertops is to use a product specifically designed for cleaning quartz. There are a number of products on the market that will do an excellent job of removing ink stains from quartz.
However, some of my top recommendations are the Stone Care International Stone Stain Remover and The Pink Stuff. Both products are designed specifically for removing tough stains from quartz and other natural stone countertops. They are also safe to use in all colors of quartz.
Be sure to follow the directions on the cleaner you’re using. Some cleaners may require you to leave them on the stain for a certain amount of time before wiping them away.
While the products listed above are some of the best on the market, there are some household items that you can also use to clean ink stains from your quartz countertops without having to purchase any products. Continue reading to find out what those are.
How To Remove Ink Stains From Quartz Countertops
While it may seem impossible, there are many effective ways to remove ink stains from quartz countertops without damaging them.
1. Using Hairspray
It’s amazing how many household items can be used to remove tough stains, and hairspray is one of them. The alcohol in hairspray breaks down the ink molecules, making them easier to wipe away.
Apart from that, hairspray also contains other ingredients that can help to lift the stain from the surface.
The main benefit of using this method is that it’s gentle and won’t damage your quartz countertop. It is also one of the easiest ways to remove ink and other tough stains from your countertops.
However, the downside is that it might take a few tries and some elbow grease to remove the stain completely. To use hairspray to remove an ink stain from your quartz countertops;
Things You’ll Need:
- Hairspray
- Clean cloth
- Water
Instructions:
- Step 1: Spray the hairspray directly onto the stain.
- Step 2: Allow it to sit for a few minutes so that the alcohol can break down the ink molecules.
- Step 3: Using a clean cloth, wipe away the stain. If it’s still there, repeat the process until the stain is gone.
- Step 4: Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off.
2. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Another effective way to remove ink stains from your quartz countertops is by using rubbing alcohol. Alcohol will also break down the ink molecules, making them easier to wipe away.
The main benefit of using this method is that it’s gentle on the surface of your countertops. Also, all of the ingredients needed to remove the stain are probably already in your home. To use this method;
Things You’ll Need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A Soft, clean cloth
- Water
Instructions:
- Step 1: Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the ink stain.
- Step 2: Give it a few seconds for the alcohol to break down the ink stains.
- Step 3: Use a soft, clean cloth to rub the ink stain in a circular motion.
- Step 4: Add more rubbing alcohol as you continue to clean the stain.
- Step 5: When finished, rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel.
Repeat this process as necessary until the ink stain is completely removed from your quartz countertop. Remember always to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it won’t damage your countertop.
3. Using Lemon Juice And Salt
If you’re looking for a natural way to remove ink stains from your quartz countertops, then this method is for you. The acidity in lemon juice will help to loosen the ink stains on your quartz countertops, while the salt will work to scrub it away.
This combination is perfect because you will not need to purchase any extra materials, and the process is relatively quick and easy. The best part is that this method is perfect for light-colored quartz countertops and white quartz countertops.
To use lemon juice and salt to clean ink stains from your quartz countertop, here’s what you will need and the steps you will need to follow;
Things You’ll Need:
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Clean, soft cloth
Instructions:
- Step 1: Mix equal parts of salt and lemon juice to make a pasty consistency.
- Step 2: Once you have the paste, apply it to the ink stain on your quartz countertop and let it sit for 40-60 minutes.
- Step 3: After that time has elapsed, use a damp clean cloth to scrub away the stain to remove the salt and lemon residue.
- Step 4: If necessary, you can repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.
4. Using Toothpaste
Toothpaste can also be used to remove ink stains as reported by The Sun’s publication. Toothpaste is abrasive and can help to scrub away the ink stain. This usually works best with the non-gel type of toothpaste.
This means you would want to use the white toothpaste that has been around since you were a kid, not the gel-type toothpaste. The best thing about this method is that you will not damage your quartz countertop by using toothpaste.
Things You’ll Need:
- Toothpaste
- Old Toothbrush
- Soft Cloth
Instructions:
- Step 1: Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the ink stain.
- Step 2: Scrub the toothpaste into the ink stain using an old toothbrush.
- Step 3: Wipe away the toothpaste with a damp rag and see if the stain has been removed.
- Step 4: Repeat the steps until the ink stain is gone.
- Step 5: Rinse off the area with water and dry with a soft cloth.
5. Baking Soda And Household Cleaner
If you’re looking for a stronger cleaning solution, you can try baking soda and a household cleaner. This combination will help to remove the ink stain quickly and easily.
You create a highly abrasive solution that will help scrub the ink stain away. Be sure to use a cleaner that is safe for quartz countertops, like Thieves Household Cleaner.
This method is awesome because it removes permanent and tough marker stains.
Things You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Household cleaner (Dish Soap)
- Soft Cloth
- Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions:
- Step 1: Make a paste by mixing baking soda, a household cleaner, and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
- Step 2: Load a liberal amount of the paste onto your cloth and use it to scrub the stain.
- Step 3: Continue scrubbing the stain until it is removed.
- Step 4: When finished, rinse the area with a damp cloth and dry it off with a clean towel.
Repeat this process as necessary until the ink stain is completely removed from your quartz countertop. Remember always to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it won’t damage your quartz countertop.
6. Using Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)
If you have a dark-colored quartz countertop that has got an ink stain, then you’re going to want to use acetone. Acetone is a strong cleaning agent that will quickly remove the ink stain from your quartz countertop.
However, because it is such a powerful cleaner, you need to be sure to use it sparingly and follow the instructions below carefully. You also need to make sure that your quartz countertop is sealed before using acetone. Otherwise, it can damage the surface.
Things You’ll Need:
- Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)
- Cotton Balls
- Paper Towel
Instructions:
- Step 1: Soak a cotton ball in acetone and then place it over the ink stain.
- Step 2: Allow the acetone to sit on the ink for about 1-2 minutes to start breaking down the stain.
- Step 3: Use a paper towel to remove the acetone and ink from your quartz countertop. You can also use Q-tips for this step.
- Step 4: Repeat this process until the ink stain is removed.
7. Using Hydrogen Peroxide (For Light-Colored Quartz)
Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid that can remove ink from light-colored quartz countertops without damaging the surface. Hydrogen peroxide contains oxygen, which will bleach the ink stain and make it less visible.
To remove an ink stain from your quartz countertop using hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:
Things You’ll Need:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A clean cloth
- Warm Water
Instructions:
- Step 1: Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto the ink stain.
- Step 2: Rub the damp cloth over the ink stain.
- Step 3: Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit on the ink for a few minutes.
- Step 4: Rinse the area with warm water and dry it off with a clean cloth.
You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove the ink stain completely. If the stain is stubborn, you can try using a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Just be sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
Final Words
As you can see, there are several different ways to remove ink stains from your quartz countertop.
Cleaning ink stains from quartz countertops doesn’t have to be difficult. One of the methods above should remove the stain quickly and easily. Do you have a method that you like to use? Let us know in the comments below. Happy cleaning!