Red wine stains on quartz countertops can be frustrating, but with the right techniques, they can be removed. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get red wine stains out of quartz countertops.
What Causes Red Wine Stains on Quartz?
Quartz countertops are made of engineered stone composed of crushed quartz, polymer resins, and pigments. The polymer resin makes quartz stain-resistant but not completely stain-proof.
Red wine contains pigments and acids like tartaric acid and tannins that can bind to the surface of quartz, causing stubborn stains. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to remove a red wine spill.
Removing a Fresh Red Wine Stain from Quartz
If you catch a red wine spill right away, follow these steps:
Step 1: Blot the Stain
- Immediately blot the wine spill with a dry paper towel or cloth. Don’t scrub or wipe, as this can spread the stain.
- Apply pressure and blot until you have absorbed as much of the wine as possible.
Step 2: Flush with Water
- Run warm water over the stain to flush away any remaining wine.
- Use a soft sponge or cloth in a circular motion to lightly agitate the stain as you flush.
- Thoroughly rinse until the water runs clear.
Step 3: Clean with Vinegar
- Make a cleaning solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar.
- Using a soft cloth, apply the vinegar solution to the stain.
- Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes so the vinegar can break down the stain.
- Wipe away the vinegar and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step 4: Dry the Countertop
- Completely dry the countertop using a lint-free cloth or paper towels.
- Allow the quartz to air dry as well before using again.
The vinegar’s acetic acid should help lift the pigments and prevent setting. For dried stains, continue to the next steps.
Removing a Dried Red Wine Stain from Quartz
If the red wine spill has dried on, use the following progressive cleaning methods:
Step 1: Rehydrate with Water
- Run warm water over the stain to rehydrate any dried wine residue.
- Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently agitate and loosen the stain.
- Thoroughly rinse until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Clean with Baking Soda Paste
- Make a paste by mixing 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
- Apply the paste to the stained area and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Use a soft bristle brush or sponge to gently scrub the stain.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can lift stains without damaging quartz.
Step 3: Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide
- If needed, apply undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stain.
- Allow it to bubble for 2-3 minutes.
- Wipe away with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that can lighten and remove stubborn wine stains.
Step 4: Clean with Bleach-Based Cleaner
- Mix an enzyme-based quartz cleaner or chlorine bleach with water based on label directions.
- Apply to the stain, allow to sit briefly, then scrub and rinse.
Only use bleach products specifically designed for quartz, as harsh bleach can damage surfaces.
Step 5: Clean with Acetone
- As a last resort if the stain persists, apply a small amount of acetone to the stain.
- Rinse immediately with water – do not allow acetone to sit.
- Repeat as needed until the stain fades.
Acetone can remove stubborn stains but can also damage quartz, so use sparingly.
Tips for Preventing Red Wine Stains
Preventing stains in the first place is easier than removing them. Here are some useful tips:
- Wipe up spills immediately before they have a chance to set.
- Use coasters under glasses and bottles to catch drips and splashes.
- Avoid using colored tablecloths – opt for clear or white linens to see spills.
- Pour red wine carefully and away from quartz surfaces.
- Seal and store wine bottles upright and tightly closed.
- Clean quartz regularly with a pH-neutral quartz cleaner.
How to Remove Red Wine Stain from Quartz Countertop – FAQ
How long does it take to remove a red wine stain from quartz?
With prompt treatment, a fresh red wine stain can often be removed from quartz in 10-30 minutes. Dried stains may take repeated cleaning over the course of hours or days. The longer a stain sets, the more difficult it becomes to remove.
What household products remove red wine from quartz?
White vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, enzyme-based quartz cleaners, and diluted bleach can all be effective at removing red wine stains from quartz. Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone except as a last resort.
Is red wine harder to remove from quartz than white wine?
Yes, red wine is generally more challenging to remove from quartz than white wine. Red wine contains darker pigments from grape skins that can bind and soak into the stone. White wines contain less staining agents.
Can you use lemon juice to remove red wine from quartz?
Lemon juice is acidic like vinegar so it can potentially help remove red wine stains, but it may not be as effective. Distilled white vinegar is generally the recommended acidic cleaning agent.
What cleaning agents should be avoided on quartz?
Avoid any strongly alkaline commercial cleaners, abrasives, ammonia, scouring pads, mineral spirits, paint remover, and oven cleaner, as these can all etch and damage quartz surfaces.
Conclusion
Red wine spills on quartz countertops can be daunting, but don’t panic. By acting quickly and using the proper stain removal methods, you can successfully get out even stubborn dried red wine stains from your quartz. Pay attention to using only quartz-safe cleaners. With some elbow grease and prompt treatment, you can keep your quartz counters looking like new. Implement preventative habits like using coasters and wiping spills immediately to minimize stains.