Removing black sharpie from a quartz countertop can seem daunting, but with a few simple techniques and household products, it is very achievable. Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals mixed with resins and pigments, making it very durable and stain resistant. However, permanent markers like Sharpie can sometimes leave behind stubborn stains. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing black Sharpie from quartz countertops while avoiding damage.
What You Need
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Magic eraser
- Paper towels
- Soft cloth
- Eye protection
- Gloves
Step-by-Step Process
Try Dish Soap First
The first method to try is a simple dish soap scrub. This is often effective at breaking down the oils and pigments in the Sharpie ink.
- Put on gloves and eye protection. Sharpie ink and cleaning products can irritate skin and eyes.
- Make a paste with a few drops of dish soap and warm water. The abrasiveness of the paste helps lift the stain.
- Use a soft cloth, sponge or magic eraser to gently scrub the paste onto the Sharpie stain. Apply light pressure and rub in small circular motions.
- Let the paste sit for 5 minutes to allow the soap to penetrate and loosen the ink.
- Wipe away the paste with a clean damp cloth.
- Rinse the area with warm water and dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Check if the Sharpie stain has lifted. Repeat as needed until it is gone.
Try Baking Soda and Vinegar
If dish soap does not fully remove the Sharpie, make a baking soda and vinegar paste. The chemical reaction between the ingredients helps break down stubborn stains.
- Make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the paste onto the stained area using small circular motions.
- Let the paste sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Dry the area thoroughly with a clean cloth. Check if the stain has lifted.
- Repeat as needed, allowing the paste to sit for longer periods to increase effectiveness.
Use Undiluted Vinegar
For tough Sharpie stains, try using undiluted white vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar can dissolve stubborn oil-based stains.
- Pour a small amount of undiluted white vinegar directly onto the Sharpie stain.
- Let the vinegar sit for 20-30 minutes. This gives the acetic acid time to break down the ink oils.
- Wipe away the vinegar with a clean damp cloth and rinse the area well with warm water.
- Dry thoroughly with a paper towel and inspect if the stain has lifted.
- Repeat as needed for difficult stains, allowing the vinegar to penetrate longer each time.
Try Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Using a non-acetone nail polish remover is another method to break down Sharpie’s oil-based ink without damaging the quartz.
- Test the nail polish remover on an inconspicuous area first to check for any discoloration of the quartz surface.
- Apply a small amount of non-acetone remover directly onto the Sharpie stain.
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chemicals in the remover to start breaking down the ink.
- Wipe away with a clean cloth dampened with warm water.
- Rinse the area thoroughly and dry with a towel. Check if the stain has lifted.
- Repeat as necessary, allowing the remover to penetrate longer each time.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals like paint thinner, acetone or bleach when trying to remove Sharpie from quartz. These can damage or etch the quartz surface. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions. If needed, consult a professional stone restoration company for tough stains. Patience and perseverance with the above methods often lead to success.
Tips for Prevention
- Use sealants – Applying a penetrating quartz sealer can make the surface more stain resistant. Reapply yearly.
- Act quickly – Wipe up spills and stains as soon as they occur. The longer they set, the harder they are to remove.
- Supervise children using markers.
- Avoid placing vases, potted plants or colored bottles on the countertop. Condensation or leaks can lead to stains. Use coasters under drink glasses.
With some elbow grease and household products, Sharpie stains on quartz don’t stand a chance. Try the step-by-step techniques above to safely restore the flawless, mark-free look of your countertops. Acting quickly when stains occur takes advantage of quartz’s non-porous property, making removal easy. With extra care while using markers or dyes around the countertop, you can also prevent permanent stains in the first place.