What Causes Marks on Quartz?
Quartz countertops are non-porous, so spills and stains don’t penetrate the surface. However, residues from spills, as well as etching and dulling from cleaning products or abrasives, can leave marks. Common causes of marks include:
- Spills like coffee, tea, wine, oil, grease, and food spills
- Hard water spots and soap scum buildup
- Rings or streaks from cleaning products, especially acidic ones
- Scratches from knives, pots/pans, or abrasive sponges/pads
- Heat damage from hot pots and pans
Cleaning vs. Removing Marks from Quartz
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is the best way to care for quartz and prevent buildup of marks over time. But to remove existing marks and restore the surface, you’ll need to use specific removal techniques and products.
Cleaning uses mild daily or weekly cleaning to maintain the countertop. This removes surface-level dirt and debris to prevent buildup.
Mark removal uses more aggressive cleaning methods to erase stains, dullness, and etching that regular cleaning won’t fix.
How to Remove Common Marks from Quartz
Here are proven methods to remove a variety of stubborn marks from quartz countertops:
Removing Dried Spills and Residue
Food, grease, and soap scum may leave a film on quartz after drying. To remove:
- Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar and wipe down surface.
- For stubborn residue, let baking soda or a diluted bleach paste sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth when scrubbing.
Eliminating Stains from Liquids
Coffee, tea, wine, juice, and other pigmented liquids can stain if left to dry on quartz. To remove:
- Wipe up spills immediately before they have a chance to set in.
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray on stains and let sit 5 minutes before wiping clean.
- For tough stains, apply alkaline cleaner (like baking soda paste) and let sit before scrubbing.
Removing Hard Water Stains and Etch Marks
Minerals in hard water and acidic cleaners can etch quartz leaving cloudy streaks and dull spots. To fix:
- Make a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub onto marks. Rinse after 5 minutes.
- Use a straight application of hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.
- For stubborn etching, apply an alkaline cleaner formulated for quartz and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Fixing Heat Damage from Hot Pans
Excessive heat can damage quartz and cause discoloration or cracks. To reduce or remove light marks:
- Gently scrub with a baking soda paste, leaving on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
- Use a white nylon scrub pad and alkaline quartz cleaner and scrub affected area.
- For cracks or pitting, call a pro. Heat damage may require quartz repair or resurfacing.
Removing Fine Scratches
Using rough sponges or scouring pads can scratch quartz over time. To reduce appearance of scratches:
- Use a buffing sponge designated for quartz to gently buff surface.
- Apply a quartz polish product and buff according to directions.
- For deeper scratches, you may need professional quartz polishing.
6 Tips to Prevent Marks on Quartz
To keep your quartz pristine, make it a habit to:
- Wipe up spills immediately before they have a chance to dry and etch surface.
- Always use soft cloths, sponges, and scrub pads formulated for quartz. Never use abrasive materials.
- Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach, alkaline, or acidic products not made for quartz.
- Use heat trivets and hot pads under hot pots, pans, and other appliances.
- Don’t allow any liquids besides water to sit on quartz for extended periods.
- Clean quartz regularly with mild soap and water to prevent buildup.
When to Call a Professional for Quartz Countertops
For most marks, utilizing the removal methods above will restore quartz to its original beauty. But if stains are very deep, etching severe, or damage extensive, it’s best to call in a professional for:
- Intensive staining that alkaline cleaners cannot lift
- Permanent scorch marks from very high heat
- Deep scratches that require machine polishing
- Major impact cracks or chips that need repair
- Resurfacing of extensively etched or damaged areas
With proper care and regular cleaning, most marks on quartz can be removed at home. But for more serious damage, don’t hesitate to call a quartz pro for the best results.