Quartz countertops are popular kitchen and bathroom surfaces that offer many advantages like durability, easy maintenance, and style. But like any surface, quartz can get stained by things like ink pens, markers, or dyes. Removing these stains takes some effort and care to avoid damaging the quartz. Here is a thorough guide on how to remove pen from quartz countertop surfaces.
What You Need to Remove Pen Stains from Quartz
Before starting to remove pen stains from quartz, gather these recommended supplies:
- Dish soap or detergent – Helps break down stain. Use a gentle soap, not an abrasive cleaner.
- Baking soda – Acts as a gentle abrasive to lift stain.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Bleaching agent to lighten stain.
- Soft cloths – Use microfiber cloths to avoid scratching. Paper towels work too.
- Plastic scraper – Helps gently lift stain without scratching.
- Eye dropper – For applying hydrogen peroxide to stain.
- Rubbing alcohol – Alternative to hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent.
- Magic eraser – Light abrasive cleaning pad. Can be used instead of baking soda.
- Acetone – Sold as nail polish remover, dissolves inks. Use as last resort if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Pen from Quartz
Follow these steps using gentle but thorough techniques to remove pen stains from quartz countertops:
Step 1: Blot the Stain
After discovering a pen stain on your quartz, start by blotting as much of the ink as possible with a paper towel or clean cloth. Don’t scrub at this point, only blot to absorb excess ink sitting on the surface.
Step 2: Apply Dish Soap
Get the stain damp with water then apply a few drops of liquid dish soap directly on the stain. Use your fingers or a soft cloth to gently rub the dish soap into the stain. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub with Baking Soda
Make a paste by sprinkling baking soda directly on the damp stained area. Using a soft cloth or plastic scraper, gently scrub the baking soda paste over the stain. Apply light pressure as you scrub but avoid aggressive scouring.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry Completely
Once you’ve scrubbed for a few minutes, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue and baking soda paste. Make sure to dry the area fully with a soft, clean cloth.
Step 5: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
If the stain persists, dip an eye-dropper in hydrogen peroxide and apply a small amount directly on the stain. Let it bubble and work for 2-3 minutes. Rinse and dry completely again.
Step 6: Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can also help lift stubborn stains. Dip a cloth in a small amount of rubbing alcohol and blot/rub the stain. Rinse and dry thoroughly after 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Use Magic Eraser
Magic erasers work well to lightly abrade and lift set-in stains on quartz. Gently rub a damp magic eraser over the stain until it fades. Rinse and dry completely when finished.
Step 8: Acetone (If Needed)
For tough ink stains that won’t budge, apply a very small amount of acetone (nail polish remover) to a cloth and blot the stain lightly. Rinse immediately with water and dry thoroughly. Avoid aggressive scrubbing as acetone can dull the shine of quartz.
Tips for Avoiding Pen Stains on Quartz
Here are some tips to prevent pen and marker stains from occurring on your quartz countertops:
- Use sealant – Having your quartz counters professionally sealed helps protect the surface.
- Use trivets under warm dishes – Heat can make stains harder to remove.
- Clean up spills quickly – Don’t let ink or other materials sit on the surface.
- Keep pens capped when not in use.
- Use designated areas or boards for writing, coloring, etc.
- Teach kids to be careful with pens/markers around the quartz.
With the right supplies and techniques, you can remove pesky pen stains from quartz counters without damage. Gentle perseverance pays off. Just be sure to take preventative steps as well. Your beautiful quartz countertops will look like new again after removing those stubborn ink stains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Pen From Quartz Countertops
Can I use Clorox or bleach to remove pen stains from quartz?
No, avoid using bleach or hydrogen peroxide directly on quartz countertops as they can damage and discolor the surface over time. Use hydrogen peroxide carefully only on stubborn stains by applying it with an eye dropper.
What household items can I use to remove pen marks?
Baking soda, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and magic eraser pads are common household products you probably already have that work well. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
How can I prevent pen marks on my quartz countertops?
Using trivets, keeping caps on pens, cleaning up spills right away, and sealing the quartz can help prevent stains. Teach kids to use placemats for coloring/writing. Avoid leaving pencils/pens sitting on the quartz.
Why won’t the pen stain come out of my quartz countertop?
Some deep set or dye-based stains are difficult to remove from quartz. If gentle cleaning methods don’t work, seek help from a professional countertop cleaning service. Do not try to gouge out stains as that will damage the quartz.
Is it OK to use acetone on quartz countertops?
Use acetone very sparingly only on stubborn ink stains as a last resort. Avoid heavy scrubbing and immediately rinse. Repeated acetone use can dull and damage quartz over time. Handle with care and use other methods first.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops are susceptive to staining from inks but these unsightly marks don’t have to be permanent. With the proper supplies and techniques, you can remove pen stains from quartz without damaging the surface. Be sure to take preventative measures as well, like using trivets and cleaning spills promptly. Follow these tips and you can keep your quartz looking like new.