A stain on quartz can be due to a chemical reaction with the resin, food, drink, or sitting water. These show as either a light spot, appearing bleached, or a dark spot. White or light colored quartz countertops are particularly vulnerable to dark stains from tea.
Causes of Water Stains on Quartz Countertops
Quartz is stain-resistant, not stain-proof, which means that while it's very tough to stain, staining is still possible if the wrong substances are left for enough time. Water stains are caused by mineral deposits within hard water.
Spray hairspray onto the marking, let it soak in, and gently pat it with a white cloth. Then use a damp cloth with water to rinse it off. You can also try nail polish remover using the same blot and rinse method described here. Apply toothpaste to the permanent marker stain and let it sit for ten minutes.
Making a paste with baking soda and water is a great way to remove stubborn stains from quartz countertops. Simply mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with equal parts water until you form a paste. Then, apply it to the stain and let it sit for several minutes. After a few minutes, wipe it away with a soft cloth.
These spots are known as hard water spots or hard water stains, and are resistant to quartz cleaners. These marks still occur even with a water softener; softeners just create a softer form of hard water.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion.
IMPERFECTIONS: Quartz can have imperfections inside the stone that can turn into a problem during the fabrication process or even after installation. In example: an air pocket inside the material can cause a crack during cutting and/or allow the material to crack after installation.
Conclusion. Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
Disinfecting wipes are not suitable for quartz countertops as their primary ingredient, citric acid, is not diluted. If you use these wipes on your countertop surface it will weaken the seal and cause discoloration to occur. Therefore, avoid using them when cleaning quartz counters.
Dealing with stubborn stains
Bar Keepers Friend is perfect for any Caesarstone quartz countertop. Using an abrasive quartz countertop cleaner and polish will only dull the surface shine. To avoid stubborn stains, it is recommended for you to clean the quartz countertop immediately after liquids spill on the countertop.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
Use baking soda for stubborn stains
Even natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon can be too harsh to use on Quartz or Granite, as they are highly acidic, so they could damage the surface. If you do encounter a stubborn stain, consider using baking soda as a gentler alternative.
Quartz countertop care is remarkably simple. Just wipe the surface with water and mild soap or vinegar regularly. If you need to do more stringent cleaning (say, to remove stains), you can use Soft Scrub's gel cleaner, which contains bleach. Outside of that, you don't need to do much else.
Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate. If you need to use vinegar for cleaning quartz, always make sure you dilute it with water. Lysol wipes may be acceptable for quick cleaning as long as they are bleach free but use them sparingly.
Another cause of staining, particularly with a white quartz countertop, is improper cleaning. It's true — sometimes, the chemicals intended to get the kitchen bacteria-free and sparkling clean can actually make it look dirty. Avoid using any chemical-containing solvents such as paint thinners, detergent, or oil soaps.
While quartz is one of the most durable stones, you must avoid using acidic or harsh cleaners. Don't clean your counters with vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or acid-based products.
Avoid using both alkaline and acidic cleaner because they will break down the bonds between quartz and resin and cause long-term damage to the surface. Harsh and acidic cleaning agents such as vinegar, lime, lemon are going to erode the sealant of the countertops' surface over time.
Vinegar-based spray cleaner is another option to keep quartz countertops glistening. In a clean spray bottle, mix one-quarter vinegar with three-quarters water and shake it up. Just as with regular countertop cleaning, keep spraying and wiping across the counter, cleaning a few feet at a time.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
For most effective cleaning, fill a small spray bottle with gentle soap and water. You may also use a vinegar-based spray or make your own mild concoction. Then spray it over the countertop and wipe from side to side in full motions.
The main goal is to stay away from any cloth with a rough surface, which can damage the quartz countertop. My routine cleaning products on my countertop is Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner or Mrs Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner. These products are tough cleaners yet safe for the family.
As quartz is a natural stone, it tends to absorb dampness, which further leads to mold breeding. Some stains may also soak up inside and form denser stains. Once you have deep cleaned your surface, you can regularly maintain it with a maintenance cleaner.
Take a wet rag with some isopropyl rubbing alcohol and rub the stain using the wet towel or cloth. Next, you are going to want to wipe the counter again using just warm water. This will help with any tough stains that would not come off with a simple water and soap mix.