As a homeowner, your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you can spend time with loved ones or cook up a storm for family and friends. You want to be able to enjoy the space as much as possible – but it’s also important that it looks fantastic too.
Quartz countertops are a popular option because they’re so durable and easy-to-clean, however, if you have heard rumors about them turning yellow over time then this article will set the record straight. Read on to find out more!
Do quartz countertops turn yellow? Quartz countertops can turn yellow from exposure to UV rays or too much direct sunlight for long periods. It can also turn yellow from contact with certain materials such as oil, butter, and other oily compounds.
But there is no reason to panic – it’s incredibly rare for quartz countertops to turn yellow in the kitchen. Most quartz countertops are sealed with a special coating that makes them resistant to these kinds of materials, so it’s unlikely they will have any contact with these substances anyway.
Most quartz countertops are made from crushed stone, so the yellow appearance is most likely caused by minerals in the stone.
However, there are certain kinds of quartz that have metallic-grey speckles in them called ‘mica’. These countertops are more likely to turn yellow than traditional quartz.
Not all stones and minerals are the same, so it’s important to check that your quartz countertops use a special coating. These anti-yellowing sealants will prevent any UV rays or contact with oil and butter from causing the quartz countertops to turn yellow.
Details On The Reasons Why Quartz Countertops May Turn Yellow
1. UV Rays
UV rays or direct sunlight on your quartz countertop can cause the resins binding the quartz material to yellow and degrade. This is because most engineered stones tend to be subject to ultraviolet light degradation.
However, this only occurs when exposed to extremely high levels of sunlight and heat (think: sitting directly under a window or in front of the oven). This will usually not happen if your quartz countertops are kept in low sunlight areas.
To avoid this from happening, it’s important to protect your countertops from direct sunlight. You can do this by choosing a dark color for your countertops or installing a window cover.
2. Highly Sensitive Chemicals
Another reason why quartz countertops may turn yellow is that they are highly sensitive to chemicals.
When exposed to certain acidic or alkaline materials, such as bleach and vinegar for long periods, the quartz material will break down and turn yellow.
If you have a lot of acidic or alkaline cleaners you use around your home and kitchen, it’s best to use a different cleaning product that is less harsh on the countertop.
If you’re unsure about how your countertops are reacting to certain cleaning products, you can always do a quick test before using it. Simply apply a small amount of cleaner onto an inconspicuous area and see if it changes color. If your quartz countertop does turn yellow from the cleaner, consider using a different product.
It is important to note that not all color changes from these chemicals happen immediately. Some will take months if not years before the quartz countertop begin to show any signs of yellowing.
3. Dirt Or Stains
If the yellowing is on high traffic parts of the countertop, it is probably due to dirt or other types of stains.
Over time, dirt can oxidize and cause yellowing on your quartz countertops.
If your countertops are turning yellow because of dirt or stains, try cleaning them with a soft cloth and gentle cleanser. If the color doesn’t go away, you can always consider a more aggressive approach but not before consulting a professional.
If you are unsure about what kind of cleaner is best to use on your quartz countertops, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Pro Tip: When it comes to cleaning quartz countertops, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or if that is not available then using only warm water might surface or mild dishwashing liquid, and water should be sufficient.
4. Wrong Cleaning Products
If you are using the wrong cleaning product, it’s possible that this can also cause your quartz countertops to turn yellow.
Over time, common minerals and chemicals in cleaning products and abrasives can build up on your quartz countertops. This may cause a yellowish color to appear – especially if the mineral deposit is hard or rough-textured.
The best way to avoid this from happening is to use a cleaner specifically designed for natural stone countertops.
When in doubt, always check the label to see which chemicals are safe to use on your quartz countertops.
5. Oil, Butter, And Other Oily Compounds
If you are using oil, butter, or other oily compounds to cook on your quartz countertops then it’s possible that they could leave stains over time.
When this happens, it’s time to consult a professional about how you can remove the stain. If done incorrectly, removing the stains could cause more harm than good.
If you are looking for a quick fix, using baking soda or toothpaste (or both) will sometimes do the trick. However, you should always consider consulting a professional before trying anything at home that involves harsh chemicals or abrasives to remove the stains from your quartz countertops.
You should also wipe any oil or butter stains immediately to reduce the chances of staining on your quartz countertops.
6. Acidic Foods
It’s also possible that foods you regularly eat can cause your quartz countertops to yellow. Some acidic foods like tomato sauce, oranges, lemons, grapefruit can cause some color changes on your countertops.
However, the amount of time it takes for this to happen varies depending on the type of food. Some foods will cause your countertops to change color within a few months while others can take years before you notice any signs of yellowing.
If you are concerned about the effects certain acidic foods have on your quartz countertops, consider using cutting boards to prepare the food. This will help to protect your countertops from acid-based foods that can cause color changes over time.
7. Spillages
If you have a lot of spills on your countertops or if they are not sealed, the quartz material can absorb some of the spillages.
This can cause a yellowish discoloration to appear over time as the material absorbs more and more spills.
If you notice that your quartz countertops are starting to turn yellow, it’s important to clean up all spills immediately and make sure they are sealed.
If you are unsure about sealing your countertops, speak with a fabricator or installer to see if they recommend applying an impregnating sealer. This will help protect the countertops and keep them looking as good as new for years to come.
How To Remove Yellow Stains From Quartz Countertops
If you already have yellow stains on your quartz countertop, it may be possible to remove them using a few simple household ingredients and items.
The key to removing the stains from quartz countertops is to find a way that is non-abrasive and gentle on the countertops.
Hydrogen Peroxide And baking Soda
Step 1:
- Create a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Step 2:
- Apply the mixture to the yellow stains on your quartz countertop using a cloth or sponge.
Step 3:
- Leave the paste on your countertop for about five minutes and then use a clean, damp cloth to wipe it away.
Step 4:
- Repeat the process until the yellow stains are gone. If needed, you can also leave this paste on the countertop overnight and then wipe it away with a clean cloth in the morning.
Note: Avoid using this paste on surfaces that are sensitive to heat as the paste could damage them.
White Vinegar
You can also try using white vinegar to remove yellow stains from your quartz countertops.
Step 1:
- Pour a small amount of warm water into a bowl and mix in a few drops of white vinegar.
Step 2:
- Use a cloth or sponge to apply this mixture onto the yellow stains on your countertop.
Steps 3:
- Let the solution sit on the countertops for a few minutes and then use a clean, damp cloth to wipe it away.
Steps 4:
- Repeat the process until all of the yellow stains have been removed from your countertops and then allow them to dry completely.
Note: This method is non-abrasive and gentle enough to use on most surfaces, including natural stone countertops like quartz.
While some of these methods using household ingredients will work, you should always consider consulting a professional before trying anything out.
There are also some items you can buy from your local hardware store that will help remove stains too.
My go-to product for removing yellowing stains is Weiman Quartz Countertop Cleaner which you can find on amazon. I will admit that this is often the safest route to go as most of these products are made specifically for natural stone countertops.
How to Prevent Quartz Countertops From Turning Yellow
If you’re concerned about your quartz countertops turning yellow over time, there are a few things you can do to reduce or prevent this problem.
You can prevent or reduce the chances of having yellow stains or discoloration on your quartz countertops by taking note of how often you use certain chemicals and cleaning products.
If there are some things that you don’t use regularly, avoid using them on your countertops.
In addition to this, you can also use a few simple tricks when it comes to general maintenance. This includes using cutting boards to avoid acidic foods, taking care not to spill food on your countertops, and making sure they are sealed if needed.
Remember that it’s normal for quartz countertops to change color slightly over time, but yellow stains are not something you want to have on your countertops.
It’s important to take the necessary steps to avoid this problem whenever possible by using common household items and doing a little bit of regular maintenance.
Another way you can prevent yellow stains from appearing on your quartz countertops is by sealing them.
This will help protect the material against spills and other chemicals that can cause discoloration over time.
Sealing your countertops is a simple process and can be done by most fabricators or installers. It’s also a very affordable process that can be done at any time.
Because quartz is an engineered stone, you will often be told it does not need sealing but doing it once in a while will go a long way to help prevent yellowing of the material.
Also, if you have a high traffic area that is yellowing, be sure to clean it frequently with cleaners specially made for engineered stone.
A cleaner with bleach can also help remove the yellow stains but be sure to test it on a small area before using its full strength, as there have been cases of bleach causing some quartz countertops to yellow with time.
If you notice that your quartz countertops are starting to turn yellow, it’s important to speak with a fabricator or installer as soon as possible.
This is because they will be able to find out why the countertops are turning yellow and determine if it’s a problem you can fix at home or something that requires professional help.
Important Tips To Remember With Dealing With Yellowing Quartz Countertops
- The mixture should be spread evenly on your quartz countertops where the yellow stains are.
- If you notice that your countertops are turning yellow, it’s important to clean up the stains as soon as possible before they cause permanent damage.
- If you have a yellowish or brown stain on your countertop, it’s important to assess the type of material underneath before trying any cleaning products or household items.
- If the countertop has a coating, you can try using an abrasive cleaning product to remove yellow stains from quartz countertops.
- However, if the countertop is natural quartz material, it’s important to avoid using abrasive or highly acidic products as they could damage the surface.
- Instead, try using a household item like lemons or vinegar to remove stains on your quartz countertops.
- Sometimes it can be hard to remove certain stains from your quartz countertops especially if the color change is caused by a chemical reaction. In this case, it is best to leave it until you’re ready to replace the countertop.