Oil stains can be a real pain to remove from quartz countertops. If not treated properly, they can leave a permanent mark on your beautiful surface. In this article, I will walk you through the steps you need to remove that stain.
Effects Of Oil Stains On Quartz Countertops
Before we get into the meat of today’s topic, let’s first look at some of the effects of oil on quartz and why you need to treat oil stains as soon as it happens. When oil comes into contact with quartz, it will:
- Oil Stains Could Darken Quartz Countertops
Although quartz is a non-porous material, if you allow oil spills and stains to fester for so long on its surface before cleaning it up, it could leave dark spots or discoloration. So, if you have an oil spill on your quartz countertop, make sure to clean it up as soon as possible.
- Oil Stains Can Make Quartz Countertops Sticky
Another common thing that happens when oil comes into contact with quartz is that it can make the surface sticky. This is because of the chemical reaction between the oil and the quartz. If you don’t clean up the spill right away, you might find yourself dealing with a sticky countertop.
- Oil Stains Can Dull The Shine Of The Quartz Countertop
Over time, if oil is left on the surface of the quartz, it will start to dull the shine. This is because the oil creates a barrier that prevents light from reflecting off the surface of the quartz. So if you want to maintain that beautiful shine, make sure to clean up any spills as soon as they happen.
- Oil Stains Make Quartz Countertops More Susceptible To Staining
Last but not least, oil stains make quartz countertops more susceptible to staining. This is because the oil creates a film on the surface of the quartz that can trap other materials, like lint, dirt, and dust.
Now that we know what oil can do to quartz let’s talk about how to remove an oil stain from your countertop.
How To Remove Oil Stains From Quartz Countertops
Removing oil stains from quartz countertops shouldn’t be too difficult if you follow the proper steps. Here are a few methods you can use to get rid of oil stains from your quartz countertops.
1. Using Dish Soap And Warm Water
The first method you can use to remove oil stains is dish soap and warm water. Dish soap will be able to cut through the oil stains and remove them without causing any damage.
Although cool water could work, warm water will help loosen the oil and make it easier to remove. To use mild dish soap to remove oil stains from your quartz countertops, here are the steps to follow;
Things Needed:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Sponge or soft cloth
Step One:
- Create a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.
- You want to put 5-10 drops of dish soap into a bowl of water.
- Swish to mix the water and soap together until it’s sudsy.
Step Two:
- Dip your sponge or soft cloth into the mixture and start scrubbing the stained area.
- Use circular motions to work the dish soap into the oil stain.
Step Three:
- Once you’ve removed as much of the oil stain as possible, rinse the cleaning cloth or sponge again and then continue to scrub until all of the oil stains are removed from the quartz countertop surface.
Step Four:
- Wipe down the quartz countertop with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
- You can also use a microfiber cloth to dry the area and buff it to shine. That does it.
2. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Another awesome remedy for oil stains is rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a strong solvent that can break down the oils and remove them without any damage.
If appropriately diluted with water, you should be able to knock out even the toughest oil stains from your quartz countertop without any problem. To use rubbing alcohol to remove oil stains from your quartz countertop, follow these steps;
Things Needed:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Sponge or soft cloth
Step One:
- Create a mixture of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol.
- Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
Step Two:
- Spray the stained area with the rubbing alcohol solution and let it sit for a few minutes.
- You would want to leave the rubbing alcohol solution for about 3-5 minutes.
Step Three:
- After a few minutes have passed, take your sponge or soft cloth and start scrubbing the oil stain.
- You should see the oil stain start to come off.
Step Four:
- Once the oil stain is gone, rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth.
- And that’s it! You have now successfully removed an oil stain from your quartz countertop using rubbing alcohol.
- Just remember to always test the solution in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire stain.
3. Using White Vinegar
If you do not have rubbing alcohol at hand, white vinegar is another great option that you can use to remove oil stains from your quartz countertop.
White vinegar is a strong acidic solution that can break down the oils and remove them quickly. To use white vinegar to remove oil stains from your quartz countertop, follow these steps;
Things Needed:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Sponge or soft cloth
Step One:
- Create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
Step Two:
- Spray the stained area with the white vinegar solution and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes.
- You will see the oil start to break down and lift from the surface.
Step Three:
- After a few minutes, take a sponge or soft cloth and gently scrub the area in a circular motion.
- You may need to do this a few times to remove all of the oil, especially if the oil stain has been there for a while.
Step Four:
- Once the oil stain has been removed, rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a clean towel.
- And that’s it! You have now successfully removed an oil stain from your quartz countertop using white vinegar.
4. Baking Soda And Water
When it comes to dealing with oil stains on countertops, baking soda is another great option that you can use. Baking soda is a natural abrasive material that can help to break down and remove oil stains quickly.
To remove an oil stain from your quartz countertop using baking soda, here is a list of things you need and steps to follow.
Things Needed:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Putty Knife
- Microfiber Cloth Or Lint-Free Towel
Step One:
- Start by mixing baking soda with water to create a paste-like consistency.
Step Two:
- Apply the baking soda paste to the oil stain on your quartz countertop and let it sit overnight.
- The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be.
Step Three:
- Take a putty knife or another sharp object in the morning and scrape off the baking soda paste.
Step Four:
- Wipe down the area with a microfiber cloth or lint-free towel to remove any residue.
5. Using Natural Stone Cleaner
This is actually the best and safest way to remove oil stains from your quartz countertop. Natural stone cleaners are specifically designed to clean and protect natural stone surfaces like quartz.
You will not only remove oil stains but also dirt, grime, and other tough stains. But of course, it will come with a price as you would have to purchase a natural stone cleaner.
To remove oil stains from your quartz countertop using a natural stone cleaner, simply follow these steps;
Step One:
- Start by spraying the stained area with a natural stone cleaner.
Step Two:
- Let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute.
Step Three:
- Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off.
Preventing Oil Stains On Quartz Countertops
Now that you know how to remove an oil stain from a quartz countertop let’s talk about how you can prevent them from happening in the first place.
- One of the best ways to prevent oil stains is to create a barrier between your quartz countertop and the oils.
- You can do this by using a cutting board or placemats when cooking. This will create a physical barrier between your countertop and the oils.
- Another way to prevent oil stains is to clean up any spills immediately. As soon as you see an oil spill, wipe it up with a paper towel or clean cloth.
- The longer the oil sits on your countertop, the harder it will be to remove.
- You should also avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaners on your quartz countertop, which can damage the surface. Instead, stick to using mild soap and water or natural stone cleaners.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent oil stains from happening and keep your quartz countertop looking new.
Final Thought
And there you have it! These are five different ways to remove oil stains from your quartz countertop. Try out each method and see which one works best for you. If you’re in doubt, you can eliminate all guesswork by going with a good natural stone cleaner.
Do you have any tips on removing oil stains from quartz countertops? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
