Removing ink stains from white quartz countertops can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to get them looking clean again. Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, making a very durable surface ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. While quartz is stain resistant, ink can be one of the more stubborn stains to remove if left too long. The key is to act fast and use the appropriate methods to lift ink while avoiding damage to the countertop.
What You Need to Remove Ink from Quartz
Having the right supplies on hand will make the ink removal process much easier. Here are some recommended products to gather:
- White cloth or paper towels
- Cotton swabs or soft cloth
- Gentle liquid dish soap
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Acetone nail polish remover
- Magic eraser sponge
- Poultice powder cleaner
- Razor blade/plastic scraper
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic cleaners which can damage and dull the quartz surface. It’s best to start with gentle cleaning solutions and work your way up to stronger products only if needed. Test any new product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Ink from Quartz
Follow these steps using a gentle touch to successfully lift ink stains without damaging the quartz:
1. Blot Up Excess Ink
The first step is to blot and soak up as much excess ink as possible using a dry white cloth or paper towels. Don’t scrub the stain at this point, just gently press down and lift straight up to absorb the ink sitting on top of the quartz. Removing excess ink right away makes the stain easier to treat.
2. Clean With Soap and Water
Make a mild soap solution by mixing a couple drops of liquid dish detergent with warm water. Dampen a soft cleaning cloth in the soap solution and gently blot the ink stain, lifting away any residue. Avoid vigorous circular scrubbing. Rinse the area with clean water and dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
3. Use Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the ink stain. Add a few drops of water to form a thick paste. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. The baking soda will help draw out and lift more of the ink from the porous quartz. Wipe away with a damp cloth and rinse.
4. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
Dip a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and dab it onto the ink stained area of the quartz. Let it bubble and fizz on the stain for 2-5 minutes which helps break up the ink. Wipe clean with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. No need to rinse after.
5. Use Isopropyl Alcohol
Pure isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) can be an effective solvent for dissolving and removing stubborn ink stains on quartz. Dampen a cloth with alcohol and gently rub the stain. Rinse with water and dry the area thoroughly once the ink is gone.
6. Try Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Use a small amount of 100% pure acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball. Carefully blot the ink stain, applying light pressure. The strong solvents in acetone can also help break down stubborn ink. Rinse acetone off immediately with water and pat dry.
7. Magic Eraser
Dampen a Mr. Clean magic eraser sponge and gently rub stained areas using light pressure and minimal scrubbing. The melamine foam helps lift ink off the quartz. Rinse and dry the countertop after. Avoid using magic eraser on polished or glossy quartz finishes.
8. Apply Poultice Powder Paste
For really stubborn ink stains, make a paste with poultice powder cleaner and a bit of water. Apply a thick layer directly on the stain and cover with plastic wrap. Let the poultice paste sit for 24 hours before rinsing and wiping clean with water. This extended dwell time gives the poultice time to draw out the ink.
9. Use a Plastic Scraper
If traces of ink remain after trying the above methods, use a plastic scraper to gently lift off the stain. Hold the scraper at a 30 degree angle and slowly scrape over the ink spot, being careful not to scratch the quartz. Wipe away any ink residue with damp cloth.
Tips for Preventing Ink Stains
The easiest way to deal with ink on quartz countertops is to avoid those messy stains in the first place. Here are some handy tips to keep your white quartz ink-free:
- Always use trivets and mats under hot pans and dishes.
- Keep pens and markers in a drawer or container, not laying out on the quartz.
- Clean up spills immediately before they have a chance to set and stain.
- Use sealants or wax coatings to increase quartz water resistance.
- Avoid using materials that can scratch, pit or etch the surface.
- Cut food on cutting boards, not directly on the countertop.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the recommended techniques but still can’t get the quartz countertop completely clean, it may be time to call in a professional. Companies specializing in countertop fabrication and restoration have industrial strength cleaners and tools to remove the most stubborn ink stains without harming quartz surfaces. They can also re-polish and refinish damaged areas. Calling in the experts may be the best solution for ink stains that have set deep into the stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ink is easiest to remove from quartz?
Some inks like ballpoint pen and marker will stain quartz more stubbornly than others. Gel ink, liquid ink, and fountain pen ink are often easier to eliminate if cleaned up quickly. Permanent marker and India ink are very difficult to remove.
How do you get dried ink stains out of quartz?
Letting ink dry and set on quartz makes it much harder to remove. Re-wet the area with water first, then try using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or acetone to break down the dried ink. Poultice powder cleaners also help draw out dried-on stains over time.
Can you use Clorox wipes on quartz countertops?
It’s best to avoid bleach-based cleaners like Clorox wipes on quartz countertops. The chlorine in bleach can damage, pit, and dull quartz surfaces. For deep cleaning, use a mild soap-and-water solution instead.
What natural product removes stains from quartz?
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are two affordable, effective, and natural products for cleaning quartz counters. Make a baking soda paste and let it sit on the stain before wiping away. Use peroxide to bubble and lift the ink.
Does vinegar remove stains from quartz?
Undiluted vinegar is too acidic for quartz countertops. It can damage sealants and etch the surface over time. Dilute white vinegar with water can have some mild stain-removing properties, but exercise caution and spot test first.
In Summary
Removing ink stains quickly is key for quartz countertops. First blot up excess ink, then use mild dish soap and water. For more stubborn stains, apply baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, acetone, or magic eraser. Poultice paste also works to draw out deep set stains. Be patient and use light pressure. Call in a pro for ink that won’t budge. Follow these steps and you can get your white quartz counters spotless again.