Quartz countertops are a beautiful addition to any home, and they’re known for being easy to care for and highly resistant to stains. But can toothpaste stain quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops are made up of 93% natural quartz stone and 7% resins, polymers, and pigments. The hard surface of quartz is resistant to staining from oils, liquids, and acids like vinegar or lemon juice; however, it’s not impervious to all stains.
Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can act as a mild scrub which can leave stains on quartz countertops, especially if left on too long. The abrasives will cause stains and leave tiny scratches, making the quartz countertop surface more susceptible to staining.
Fortunately, quartz countertops are highly durable and resilient. If you do find yourself with toothpaste stains on your quartz countertop, there are a few simple steps you can take to remove them.
But before I tell you how to remove the stains, let’s backtrack a bit so I can explain further the reasons why toothpaste can stain quartz countertops.
Reasons Toothpaste Stains Quartz Countertops
Here are the details on the reasons why toothpaste can stain quartz countertops.
1. Abrasives
Many kinds of toothpaste contain abrasive particles such as calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, and sodium bicarbonate that help to remove plaque and other debris from the surface of teeth.
The same abrasive ingredients can be mildly damaging to quartz countertops if left on too long. Some of these ingredients bind with the resin, causing discoloration.
This obviously will not make your countertop look nice and can also make your quartz more likely to stain in the future.
2. Toothpaste Contain Color or Dye
Some toothpaste contains ingredients like titanium dioxide, which is a white pigment used to give the product a bright white color.
Other colors in the form of dyes and pigments are used to make the toothpaste more visually appealing.
These color additives can also stain quartz countertops.
These stains can be in the form of a yellowish or grayish residue on the quartz surface.
Fortunately, these stains can often be removed with a few simple steps. Don’t worry; I will delve deeper into that later.
3. Acidic Ingredients
Some toothpaste contains acidic ingredients like citric acid, which can somewhat erode the surface of quartz countertops.
If left on the countertop for too long, the quartz could be discolored and staining.
Although quartz is considered to be a hard material, it still has its limits when it comes to resisting acids.
When dealing with toothpaste that contains such ingredients, make sure that you clean up any spills or residue as soon as possible to avoid staining the quartz.
4. Oil or Wax Ingredients
Certain kinds of toothpaste may also contain oils, waxes, and other surfactants.
These ingredients can seep into the surface of quartz countertops and dry on the surface, leaving a residue that can be difficult to remove.
These residues will act as an attractant to other substances, making them more likely that the quartz countertop will become stained over time.
How To Remove Toothpaste Stains from Quartz Countertops
While the best and easiest way to remove toothpaste from quartz countertop is by cleaning it with a quartz countertop cleaner, there are other methods that you can use as well.
1. Use a Mild Soap and Water Solution
This is a simple home remedy that will not only remove toothpaste stains from quartz countertops but will also leave them looking shiny and new.
This method will work on both old and new toothpaste stains. For best results, use warm water.
The best part is chances are you already have the ingredients in your kitchen!
All you need is the following:
- A mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or sponge
Step One:
- Mix a few drops of the mild detergent with some water.
- 2-3 drops will suffice.
Step Two:
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the stain gently.
- Do not use abrasive materials on quartz countertops, as this could cause scratches.
Step Three:
- Rinse the area with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth or towel. Voila!
- You should now have a countertop that looks as good as new.
2. Use Rubbing Alcohol
If the stain is still persistent, you can try using rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol is a great way to remove tough stains from quartz countertops, as it is non-abrasive and won’t damage the surface of the stone.
While this can be beneficial when it comes to stain removal, it can also damage the surface of quartz countertops if it’s not used correctly.
All you need is the following:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean water
- Soft cloth or sponge
Step One:
- Clean up as much toothpaste as possible with a damp cloth.
- You can scrape off any excess residue with a putty knife or spoon.
- Do not use sharp objects on your countertop, as this could cause scratches.
Step Two:
- Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and warm water in a bowl.
- Dip your cloth or sponge into the mixture and wring out the excess liquid.
Step Three:
- Gently scrub the stain with the cloth until it disappears.
- Rinse with a damp cloth.
- The stain should now be completely gone.
- Follow up with a dry cloth and allow the quartz countertop surface to air dry completely.
3. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great natural stain remover that can also be used on quartz countertops.
Baking soda is abrasive enough to remove tough stains but gentle enough not to damage the surface of quartz countertops.
All you need is the following:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Putty knife
Step One:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with some water in a bowl until it forms a paste-like consistency.
Step Two:
- Use your finger to apply the baking soda paste directly to the stain.
- Gently rub the paste into the stain with your finger.
Step Three:
- Let the baking soda paste sit on the surface of the stain overnight.
- The baking soda will help to loosen the stain and make it easier to remove.
- In instances where the toothpaste has left behind an oily stain, the baking soda paste will be able to absorb it.
Step Four:
- Use the putty knife to scrape the baking soda residue.
Step Five:
- Use a damp cloth to clean up any remaining baking soda residue.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry with a soft towel.
- Your quartz countertop should now look as good as new!
Important Tips To Remember
- Do not use sharp objects on your quartz countertop, which may cause scratches.
- Always test a small area first when using rubbing alcohol and baking soda to be sure it does not damage the surface of your countertop.
- Be sure to rinse any residue with a damp cloth when finished.
- If the stain is still present, do not scrub too hard, as this could cause damage to the surface of your quartz countertop.
- Use a clean, soft cloth or sponge for best results.
- Make sure to let the surface dry completely before using it again.
- Don’t use bleach or any other harsh chemicals on quartz countertops, as this could damage the stone.
By following these easy steps and using the right cleaning products, you can easily remove toothpaste stains from your quartz countertop.
Final Thoughts
This article discussed the reasons toothpaste can stain quartz countertops and the best methods for removing those stains.
I hope that this article has helped you understand how to remove toothpaste stains from quartz countertops so that you can keep your countertop looking new!
