How To Remove Stain From Quartz Quickly and Safely

If you are familiar with that Elf on the Shelf craze that happens every year around Christmas time, then you may relate to this story. A friend of mine was trying to get creative for her kids and used ketchup to spell something out on her quartz countertops. As you can imagine, this didn’t end well. She quickly had to find out how to remove stain from quartz, and she used a method I recommended that fully restored her quartz countertops. I’ll show you what we did. 

Important Tips Before You Begin

I suppose one important tip I could give you would be to avoid spilling ketchup on your quartz countertops intentionally! However, there are some basics you should be aware of before you start working on these tough stains; we don’t want to damage the integrity of your quartz countertops in the process of cleaning. 

• Wipe a spill immediately to avoid having to deal with stubborn stains later on 
• Cleaning materials and products to avoid include bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaner, degreaser, scouring pads, and anything with a high pH level
• Vinegar is acidic, and some use it to remove water stains; I would not recommended even distilled white vinegar on your quartz surfaces
• Don’t use anything abrasive to clean quartz countertops
• Protect your quartz countertops from heat, and ensure they are not in the direct sunlight to help decrease issues with discoloration

Supplies and Tools 

Before you start this process, gather the following supplies and tools:

• Mild dish soap
• Small bowl
• A soft sponge or microfiber cloth
• Dry towel

How To Remove Stain From Quartz 

To remove the stain from quartz, you will need to make a solution of mild dish soap and water. Place two cups of water in a container with two tablespoons of dish soap. Mix the solution and then dip a sponge or rag into the soapy water. Scrub the quartz in a circular motion allowing the amphiphilic soap molecules to pull out any water or oil based stains in your quartz countertops. Rinse with cold water to remove soap and then dry the area. 

Alternative Methods for Removing Stains From Quartz 

The soap and water method should almost always be used first as it is mild and does a good job on a majority of stains. However, with some stubborn stains, you may need to try some other methods. Here are a few I would recommend.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is your best bet for an oil based stain on your quartz. The great thing about baking soda is its naturally abrasive and absorbent properties help lift the stain and get your counter back to its original condition. 

1. Create a paste by mixing three tablespoons of warm water with three tablespoons of baking soda 
2. Mix the solution so it creates a paste
3. Put the paste directly on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes 
4. Wipe with a soft cloth, do not scrub the area; it should not be necessary 
5. Repeat as needed but always rinse and dry after each application 

Hydrogen Peroxide 

Hydrogen peroxide works best for organic stains. When your morning coffee gets on the counter or a watermelon leaks off the cutting board, the oxidative properties in hydrogen peroxide will break down the organic material and allow you to lift it off with a clean cloth. 

1. Take a soft cloth and soak it in hydrogen peroxide 
2. Place the cloth on the stain and cover the area with a piece of plastic wrap; plastic wrap will help keep the hydrogen peroxide solution from evaporating 
3. Let the rag sit for 20 minutes 
4. Remove and wipe with cold water and dry
5. Repeat if necessary 

Glass Cleaner 

Glass cleaner can be safe to use for removing tough stains from quartz. However, you must be sure that the glass cleaner you choose is rated for use on quartz. The Invisible Glass Cleaner states that it is recommended for all non-porous countertop materials, including quartz. Glass cleaner works to dissolve grease, break down dirt, clean spills, and even leave a streak free shine. 

1. Test a small area of your countertop with the glass cleaner to make sure there are no issues with discoloration 
2. Spray the glass cleaners directly on the surface of the stain
3. Use a soft dry cloth to scrub the stain 
4. Add a bit more glass cleaner if needed on the toughest stains 
5. Wipe clean with cold water and a soft rag 
6. Dry the area
7. Repeat if necessary

Magic Eraser 

Many people ask if Magic Eraser is safe on quartz. Quartz is a solid countertop material, unlike granite or marble, so you have a much lower chance of damage using the Magic Eraser. 

1. Wet the Magic Eraser
2. Spot check an area of your quartz countertop to make sure the Magic Eraser doesn’t leave behind any residue or color changes 
3. Rub the quartz stain with circulation motions while periodically wiping with a damp cloth 
4. Rinse with cold water and dry when complete

Deep Cleaning Method for Removing Stain From Quartz

I think one of the major concerns and questions of most quartz countertop owners is, can quartz be permanently stained? Things like nail polish, coffee, tomato sauce, and more can permanently stain quartz. The key is to remove the stain as quality as possible; although quartz is highly stain resistant, it is certainly not stain proof. 

If you want to try a deep cleaning method before going to a quartz countertop supplier for advice, this would be my recommendation: 

1. Purchase the Weiman’s Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish
2. First, go through the process of attempting to remove the stain with mild soap and water; this will help get rid of any debris or light stains on your quartz counters 
3. If there are residual stains, spray the Weiman’s Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish onto a rag, and wipe the area with the cleaner 
4. You may want to wear a mask as the Weiman products have a very strong citrus scent that will be apparent when cleaning your quartz surface 
5. The natural quartz shine should be restored by using the Weiman product

Best Method for Removing Water Stains From Quartz 

Water stains happen, even on white quartz countertops, after you clean or rinse the surface. Although you can use warm water and dish soap (with a thorough drying afterward), I do prefer the Isopropyl alcohol method for removing water stains. The alcohol helps eliminate and dissolve any of the mineral deposits from your water (especially hard water). 

1. Take a damp sponge and pour isopropyl alcohol on the surface 
2. Rub the area with the water stain, gently applying more alcohol if needed 
3. Rinse with cold water and dry after use 
4. Although the alcohol is effective and safe, you won’t want to use this as a day to day cleaner on your quartz surfaces

Another equally effective though slightly more aggressive method is using steel wool. See our video below on how to remove hard water stains and water spots using steel wool.

Can Quartz Be Polished To Remove Stains?

A polish like the Weiman’s Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish can be used to remove stains, and it works better than other harsh chemicals. If you are struggling with more severe stains, you may want to use a baking soda and water paste first and then treat with the polish and cleaner to see if that can help. 

Preventing Quartz Stains in the Future 

Now that your quartz countertops are shining again, it’s time to lay down the law about how to prevent these stains and other damage to your quartz countertops. Believe it or not, your counters are one of the most expensive elements in your kitchen; you don’t want to make a mistake that leaves you with a permanent stain.

• Never put hot pans on the counter directly; use a hot plate at all times 
• A cutting board can help protect against scratches, cuts, and even discoloration 
• Abrasive and harsh cleaners like bleach will degrade the quality of your quartz counters
• Keep a rag nearby when working in the kitchen, and clean up spills as soon as they happen 
• Use coasters and placemats to help with water stains and water rings; this just makes your weekly cleaning that much easier 
• Try to keep things like food dyes away from your white quartz; although it’s not always a permanent stain, it’s a tough one to remove 
• Acidic substances should not come into contact with your quartz countertops
• Do a basic cleaning of all of your quartz once per week and deep cleaning and polish once per month 

Understand Quartz and the Stain Removal Process  

Quartz is a type of engineered stone that is non porous in nature, making it less likely to absorb stains. The reason so many people love their quartz countertops is that they are resistant to staining and bacteria. 

Although scratches and stains can occur, this should not be an issue if you take proper care of your quartz countertops. Oil based and organic stains are the most common ones you will come across. 

Treat spills immediately to avoid issues with stubborn stains; however, quartz countertops don’t require resealing, even if they do encounter a stain of some kind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do I Maintain the Shine on My Quartz Countertop?

The best way to maintain the shine on quartz countertops is to clean on a regular schedule and use a polish like Weiman’s Quartz Countertop Cleaner and Polish on your quartz counters at least once per month.

Can Quartz Discolor Over Time Even if I Maintain It Well?

Quartz countertops that are exposed to direct sunlight can discolor over time. Try to use blinds or curtains to protect your counters, especially if you have white quartz countertops. In addition, heat can cause issues with discoloration, so protect against hot surfaces touching the counter. 

What Should I Do if a Stain Doesn’t Come Off After Trying Multiple Methods?

If your stains do not come out after trying a variety of methods, contact your local quartz countertop supplier and see what recommendations they have. Sometimes there is a professional cleaning service that can come in and fix the issue for you.