Quartz countertops can stain if they are exposed to alkaline cleaners, high pH detergents, certain acids, nail polish, wax, makeup, and even some foods.
Some might notice stains on their white quartz countertop as a result of using the wrong cleaning products. Anything with harsh chemicals, including oil soaps, detergents, paint thinners, and any cleanser containing bleach, could stain or discolor your countertop instead of getting it sparkling clean.
Try a Non-Abrasive Glass Cleaner
You should never use harsh chemicals on your quartz countertops. So, an alternative way you can tackle a pesky stain is with a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Hoerber said to saturate the stain with glass cleaner, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Scheduled Maintenance
Unlike natural stone, quartz does not need sealing or waxing to protect it from stains and mildew, even on a white quartz countertop.
This is primarily because it is more resistant to stains, but this does not mean that it's impossible to stain. Just like every other countertop, quartz is vulnerable to stains, including water stains.
The polymer resins (about 5% to 10% in volume) bind the quartz particles. But under certain conditions, polymers may undergo slight chemical transformations. This may occur, for instance, if you leave a harsh chemical on the quartz countertop for an extended time. Slow reactions may result in staining.
So, do quartz countertops stain? 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.
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.
Yes, quartz countertops can get stained. If you're not careful, any number of substances can leave a mark on your countertops. Some common culprits include red wine, coffee, and tomato sauce. To help avoid staining, it's important to take a few precautions.
Quartz is low maintenance, as it does not need countertop sealing. Quartz counters do not need sealing due to their lack of porosity. Liquids and stains cannot penetrate non-porous materials because they have a built-in seal.
Magic eraser may also be used to fight tough quartz stains, simply wet the magic eraser and apply in gentle, circular motion.
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.
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.
While you can purchase many spray cleaners, the best cleaner for Quartz countertops is dish soap. To wash your quartz counters, dampen a sponge or soft cloth and a couple of drops of dish soap. Work the dish soap in until the sponge becomes sudsy.
To make white quartz countertops white again, the best option is to clean it regularly with dish soap dissolved in warm water. If this doesn't work, use a quartz restorer, such as Weiman's Quartz Countertop Cleaner, then rinse thoroughly with warm clean water.
Avoid cleaning with highly acidic or alkaline cleaners, such as nail polish remover, turpentine, oven cleaner, bleach, drain cleaners, dishwasher rinsing agents, etc. Clean immediately with a mild detergent and rinse, if they are spilled.
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.
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.
A solution of mild dish soap and water is the perfect quartz countertop cleaner for daily care and maintenance. Either cold or warm water works well. However, be sure to use a soft cloth as opposed to brushes with tough brittles. This solution can be used to wipe the countertops as often as needed.
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.
Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is specially formulated for use on smooth, polished stone – including granite, marble, and quartz. Its pH-balanced formula won't scratch or mar stone finishes, and it's gentle enough to use every day.
Coffee and Tea The natural pigments that give tea and coffee their dark coloration can create surface stains on quartz surfaces. Similar to wine, you shouldn't leave coffee and tea spills to dry on quartz, but you also don't have to panic each time there's a spill.
A traditional stain is caused by absorption. 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.
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.