If you have children, you are probably familiar with the sight of pencil marks on your countertops. It can be frustrating to try to clean them up, especially if they are on a quartz countertop.
Quartz is a very hard surface, so it can be difficult to remove the marks without causing damage. In this article, I will discuss five ways to remove pencil marks from quartz countertops without damaging the surface.
So, how do you remove pencil marks from quartz countertops? My brief answer will be to use any of the following:
- Warm Mild Dish Soap Solution
- Using Eraser
- Washing Soda And Water
- Using White Vinegar Solution
- Quartz Countertop Cleaner
I will go into more detail about each method below. To find out the details of the above-mentioned methods, continue reading.
How To Remove Pencil Marks From Quartz Countertops
Cleaning pencil marks are supposed to be easy, but often, it’s not. If you have kids at home, chances are your countertops have been victim to some serious scribbling.
And if you don’t have kids, well, maybe you’re just a bit of a klutz (we’ve all been there).
No matter how the pencil marks got there, you want them gone. But before you start scrubbing away, it’s important to know that quartz is a pretty tough material.
So tough, in fact, that it’s actually one of the most popular materials for countertops.
But because quartz is so strong, it can also be difficult to remove marks without causing damage.
So, before you start trying to clean up the mess, it’s important to know which method will work best for your quartz countertops.
Here are six ways to remove pencil marks from quartz countertops:
1. Using Warm Mild Dish Soap Solution
If you have a lot of pencil marks or scribbles on your quartz countertop, one of the best ways to remove them is by using a warm mild dish soap solution.
You can basically use the mild dish soap you use at home as long as it does not contain any harsh chemicals or abrasives.
And more importantly, make sure the solution is warm so that it is a lot more effective in breaking down the pencil marks.
To use a warm mild dish soap solution to remove pencil marks from your quartz countertops, here’s a step-by-step guide to follow.
Step One:
- Put 3-5 drops of mild dish soap in a cup or bowl of warm water.
Step Two:
- Dip a clean sponge or soft cloth in the solution and squeeze out any excess water.
Step Three:
- Gently rub the sponge or cloth over the pencil marks on your quartz countertops in a circular motion.
- You will begin to see the pencil marks start to fade away.
Step Four:
- Once the pencil marks are gone, rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth.
- Repeat this process if necessary.
2. Using Eraser
On the contrary, if the pencil marks are just light and few in number, you can use an eraser to remove them.
You probably have an eraser at home that you can use. If you don’t have one immediately, you can get one from any art or bookstore near you.
When using an eraser to remove pencil marks from your quartz countertops, here’s what you need to do:
Step One:
- First of all, make sure your eraser is clean.
- Erasers that are dirty or sticky can actually make the problem worse.
Step Two:
- Start by gently rubbing the eraser over the pencil marks.
Step Three:
- If the marks are proving to be stubborn, you can try using a little more pressure.
- Or make a mild dish soap solution and dampen your quartz countertops with the solution.
- Allow the soap solution to sit on the pencil marks for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Then begin to use the eraser on the marks again.
Step Four:
- Once the pencil marks are gone, brush off the eraser residue or rinse the area with clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth.
- Repeat this process if necessary.
3. Using Washing Soda And Water
Washing soda is another awesome alternative that you can use to remove pencil marks from your quartz countertops.
Washing soda is sourced from sodium carbonate and is a lot stronger than baking soda. It’s often used as a natural cleaning agent because it’s safe and effective.
It can also be sourced from the ashes of burned plants, and because of that, it is also referred to as soda ash.
The good thing about washing soda is that it’s a natural abrasive substance. So, it can effectively remove the pencil marks without damaging your quartz countertops.
Washing soda can also be used to remove various stains on countertops, such as tea stains, grease, food spills, and more.
To use washing soda and water to remove pencil marks from your quartz countertops, follow these steps:
Step One:
- Start by mixing ½ cup of washing soda in a gallon of warm water.
Step Two:
- Then, take a soft cloth and soak it in the washing soda and water solution.
Step Three:
- After that, use the soaked cloth to scrub away the pencil marks on your quartz countertops.
Step Four:
- Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse off the area with clean water.
Step Five:
- Finally, use a microfiber cloth to dry off the area.
4. Using White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is one of the most useful household items that you can use for cleaning.
It’s also a natural substance that is safe to use around children and pets. White vinegar is known to be effective in removing various types of stains.
When used correctly, it can also be used to remove pencil marks from quartz countertops without damaging them.
To use white vinegar to remove pencil marks from your quartz countertops, follow these steps:
Step One:
- Start by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl.
Step Two:
- Then, take a soft cloth and soak it in the solution.
Step Three:
- After that, use the soaked cloth to scrub away the pencil marks on your quartz countertops.
- Continue scrubbing until the marks are gone.
Step Four:
- Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse off the area with clean water.
Step Five:
- Finally, use a dry clean cloth to dry off the area.
5. Using Quartz Countertop Cleaner
If you want a more convenient way to remove pencil marks from your quartz countertops, then you can use a commercial quartz cleaner.
There are various cleaners that are specifically made for cleaning quartz countertops. These cleaners are usually safe to use and will not damage your countertops.
These products are formulated to remove tough stains and dirt. They can also be used to remove pencil marks from quartz countertops.
To use a commercial quartz cleaner, follow these steps:
Step One:
- Start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the cleaner.
- Usually, you will be required to spritz or spray the cleaner directly on the pencil marks.
Step Two:
- Then, use a soft cloth to scrub away the pencil marks. Continue scrubbing until the marks are gone.
Step Three:
- Once you’re done scrubbing, and all the pencil marks have been removed, rinse away the residue using a clean damp cloth.
- Follow up using a dry cloth or towel to dry the quartz countertop surface.
Important Tips When Removing Pencil Marks From Quartz Countertops
• Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the surface of your quartz countertops.
• Always test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to check for any adverse effects.
• Make sure to rinse away all the residue after cleaning to avoid any damage to your countertops.
• Dry off the area completely after cleaning to avoid any water spots.
• If the pencil marks still don’t come off after trying all of these methods, you can contact a professional for help.
Final Thoughts
Removing pencil marks from quartz countertops is easy if you know what to use.
In most cases, you can remove the marks using items that you already have in your home.
If the pencil marks are stubborn, you can always purchase a natural stone cleaner or a commercial quartz cleaner.
Just remember to test the cleaner in a small area first and to rinse away all the residue after cleaning.
