Soap scum is a common annoyance for homeowners. It can be difficult to remove! If you have a quartz countertop, you may be wondering how to get rid of the soap scum without damaging your countertop. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks for removing soap scum from quartz countertops.
How Does Quartz Countertops Get Soap Scum?
Soap scum is caused by a combination of soap and hard water. The soap leaves behind a film that is difficult to remove.
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. When these minerals mix with soap, they create soap scum.
Not only that but soap scum can also be caused by body oils and lotions. If you don’t rinse your countertop after using these products, the soap scum will build up over time.
Soap scum removal tends to be difficult to remove because of the way it adheres to the surface. This is especially true for soap scum that has had time to build up on the surface of the quartz countertop.
So it’s important to be careful when cleaning or removing soap scum from your quartz countertop so that you don’t damage the surface.
How To Remove Soap Scum From Quartz Countertops
There are a few different ways that you can remove soap scum from your quartz countertops without causing any damage to them. Here are a few of the most effective methods:
1. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is one of the most effective ways to remove soap scum from quartz countertops. This is also referred to as isopropyl alcohol. It’s also one of the easiest methods to use.
Rubbing alcohol contains ethanol, which is a powerful solvent. This makes it effective at breaking down the soap scum so that it can be easily wiped away.
Not only that, but the rubbing alcohol can also help to disinfect the surface of your countertop. While doing all the above, the rubbing alcohol application will not etch, mar, or damage the quartz countertop surface in any way.
This makes it one of the perfect solutions for those who are looking for the best way to clean their quartz countertops without damaging them. To use this method here are the things you need and the steps to follow.
Things Needed:
- Rubbing alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
- Lint-free cloths
- Clean Distilled Water
Steps To Follow:
Step 1: Mix two parts rubbing alcohol with one part water in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spritz the solution onto the soiled areas of your quartz countertop.
Step 3: Allow the solution to sit for 10-15minutes so that it can break down the soap scum.
Step 4: Wipe away the soap scum with a lint-free cloth. You can use a little bit of elbow grease.
Step 5: Repeat this process if necessary.
You can also use a higher concentration of rubbing alcohol if you find that the soap scum is difficult to remove. Just be sure to use a lint-free cloth so that you don’t damage the surface of your quartz countertop.
2. Using Vinegar And Dish Detergent
Vinegar is another effective way to remove soap scum from quartz countertops. It’s also a natural and safe method to use.
Vinegar contains natural cleansing properties that make it effective at breaking down soap scum.
The acidity in vinegar helps to break down the soap scum so that it can be easily wiped away. Not only that, but vinegar is also a great disinfectant.
When vinegar is combined with dish soap, it makes for a powerful cleaning solution that can help to remove even the toughest soap scum from your quartz countertop. To use this method, you will need the following supplies:
Things Needed:
- White vinegar
- Dish soap (Dawn Blue Dish Soap)
- Lint-free cloths
- Clean distilled water
Steps To Follow:
Step 1: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and mild dish soap into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spray the white vinegar and mild dish soap solution onto the soiled areas of your quartz countertop.
Step 3: Allow the solution to sit for 20-30 minutes so that it can break down the soap scum.
Step 4: Because this solution is so powerful, you can simply rinse or wipe away the soap scum with a lint-free cloth and the soap scum will come right off without any elbow grease.
Step 5: Repeat this process if necessary.
3. Using Heated White Vinegar
The benefits of using heated vinegar are two-fold. Not only is hot vinegar an effective way to remove soap scum from quartz countertops, but it’s also a great way to disinfect them.
One thing I need to make crystal clear is that the vinegar you use for this method has to be white distilled vinegar. Also, you have to make sure the white distilled vinegar you’re heating does not boil.
The boiling point for white distilled vinegar is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. You want to heat the vinegar to between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to make the cleaning solution more effective.
You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the heated vinegar to make it even more effective. To use this method, you will need the following supplies:
Things Needed:
- White distilled vinegar
- Microfiber cloth or Lint-free cloths
- Dish soap
- Water
Steps To Follow:
Step 1: Fill a pot with white distilled vinegar and place it over your stove.
Step 2: Heat the vinegar until you begin to see small bubbles forming. This means the vinegar is now between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Remove the pot of heated vinegar from your stove and pour it into a bowl.
Step 4: Add a few drops of dish soap to the bowl of heated vinegar and stir until it’s mixed in.
Step 5: Pour the solution over the soap scum and let it sit on the quartz surface until the solution cools down.
Step 6: While the solution cools so will the soap scum loosen. Once it’s cooled, simply wipe away the soap scum with a microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth.
Step 7: Once the soap scum is removed, rinse the area with clean distilled water and dry it off with a clean microfiber cloth. Repeat this process if necessary.
4. Using Baking Soda And Vinegar Paste
Another home remedy worth trying is a baking soda and vinegar paste. This is a safe and natural way to clean your quartz countertop without the use of harsh chemicals.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a powerful cleaning solution that can help to break down and absorb the soap scum so that it can be easily scraped off. Not only is this method effective, but it’s also very inexpensive.
To use this method, you will need the following supplies:
Things Needed:
- Baking soda
- Water
- White vinegar
- Sponge or soft cloth
Steps To Follow:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix together ½ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of vinegar to form a paste. You can also use water if you do not have vinegar.
Step 2: Apply the baking soda paste to the soap scum on your quartz countertop and let it sit overnight.
Step 3: In the morning, use a blunt knife or spatula to scrape off the baking soda paste.
Repeat this process until all the soap scum is removed. You may need to apply the paste a few times to completely remove all the soap scum.
Once you’ve removed all the soap scum, rinse the area with clean distilled water and dry it off with a clean microfiber cloth.
5. Using Commercial Soap Scum Remover
There are a lot of different commercial soap scum removers on the market. These products are designed specifically to remove soap scum and they usually work quite well.
Before using any type of commercial cleaner, it’s always a good idea to test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage your quartz countertop.
To use this method, you will need the following supplies:
Things Needed:
- Commercial soap scum remover
- Sponge or soft cloth
Steps To Follow:
Step 1: Read the instructions on the commercial soap scum remover to see how much you need to use.
Step 2: Apply the cleaner to the soap scum on your quartz countertop and let it sit for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 3: Use a sponge or soft cloth to wipe away the soap scum.
Step 4: Repeat this process until all the soap scum is removed.
Step 5: Once you’ve removed all the soap scum, rinse the area with clean distilled water and dry it off with a clean microfiber cloth.
Tips To Prevent Soap Scum From Quartz Countertop
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, it’s always a good idea to take some preventive measures to avoid soap scum build-up on your quartz countertop. Here are some tips that can help:
- Wipe down your quartz countertop after each use with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive scrubbers on your quartz countertop.
- Make sure your quartz countertop is properly sealed to prevent soap scum from penetrating the surface.
- Clean up spills and messes as soon as possible.
- Use mild dish soap or Quartz Countertop Cleaner for regular cleaning.
- If you can, do not use hard water to clean your quartz countertop as it can leave mineral deposits behind.
- Regularly clean and descale your faucets and showerheads to prevent soap scum build-up.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your quartz countertop looking new for many years to come.
Final Words
These are just a few of the methods you can use to remove soap scum from your quartz countertop. Try one or more of these methods until you find the one that works best for you. With a little elbow grease, you’ll have your quartz countertop looking new in no time.
Do you have any tips for removing soap scum? Share them in the comments below! If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family! Thanks for reading!