Quartz countertops are durable and beautiful, but accidents can still happen. If a hot pan or spilled liquid leaves a stubborn ring on your quartz, don’t panic. With the right techniques and products, you can remove rings and restore the countertop’s flawless finish.
What Causes Rings on Quartz?
Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat damage. However, extremely hot pans or prolonged direct contact with heat can damage the surface. Darkened rings or marks occur when the intense heat actually burns the resin that binds quartz particles together. Spilled liquids like wine, coffee, and fruit juices can also etch the quartz surface if left to sit. Acidic drinks and oils dissolve the resin, leaving a light mark.
Removing Minor Rings from Quartz
If your quartz only has faint rings or discoloration, try these simple fixes first:
Clean with pH-Neutral Quartz Cleaner
- Use a dedicated quartz cleaner, not just soap and water. Look for a pH-balanced formula made for stone surfaces.
- Spray the cleaner directly on the mark and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft cloth or nylon scrub pad. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Baking Soda Paste
- Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water.
- Apply the paste to the ring mark and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft cloth.
- Rinse and dry the area completely.
Hydrogen Peroxide
- Use 3% hydrogen peroxide from the drugstore.
- Pour it directly on the mark and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Eliminating Stubborn Heat Rings
If mild cleaning doesn’t remove all traces of the mark, stronger methods may be needed for burned-on stains:
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Dampen a Magic Eraser and rub it over the darkened area. Apply moderate pressure.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly after erasing the mark.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing, as it can dull the surrounding quartz over time.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste
- Make a paste using 2 parts baking soda, 1 part vinegar, and 1 part water.
- Apply the fizzing paste to the stain and let it work for 10 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft cloth, rinse, and dry.
Bar Keeper’s Friend
- Sprinkle Bar Keeper’s Friend powder directly on the burnt mark.
- Add a few drops of water to make a paste. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub the paste with a nylon scrub pad, rinse, and dry.
Polishing to Restore Shine
Removing set-in stains can leave quartz looking dull or etched around the cleaned area. Bring back the smooth factory finish with these polishing steps:
- Use a powdered quartz surface polish. Massage it into the cleaned area with a soft cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and let the quartz dry completely.
- Apply a silicone impregnator sealant to protect the renewed finish.
Prevention Tips
To help avoid future stains and marks:
- Use trivets and hot pads under hot pots, pans, and heat-generating appliances.
- Avoid direct contact between quartz and extremely high heat.
- Blot up spills immediately and wash with a pH-neutral cleaner.
- Reseal quartz every 1-2 years with an impregnator to repel stains.
- Don’t let oil, wine, coffee, or other liquids pool on the surface.
FAQs about Removing Rings from Quartz
How do you get heat marks off quartz?
Heat marks and stubborn rings can be removed from quartz using baking soda paste, Magic Erasers, or gentle abrasives like Bar Keeper’s Friend. Always scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
What is the best homemade quartz cleaner?
A 50/50 vinegar and water solution works well for cleaning and removing stains from quartz. For tough marks, make a paste with baking soda and water. pH-neutral stone cleaners are safest for routine cleaning.
Will CLR remove stains from quartz?
No, avoid using CLR or lime removers on quartz counters. The acidic formula can etch and dull the surface. It’s safer to use alkaline cleaners made specifically for quartz.
Can I use Comet on quartz?
Comet and other abrasive cleansers should be avoided on quartz. They can scratch and wear down the surface over time. Use a soft cloth, mild soap and water, or pH-balanced quartz cleaner instead.
Will bleach damage quartz?
Undiluted bleach can damage or discolor quartz. However, you can safely use a diluted bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 20 parts water to kill germs. Rinse well and follow up with a quartz cleaner to remove any residual bleach.
Can you use Windex on quartz counters?
Yes, Windex and other glass cleaners are safe for cleaning quartz counters in moderation. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after using Windex so it doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue.
Conclusion
Ring marks and stubborn stains don’t have to be permanent eyesores on quartz countertops. With a combination of pH-neutral cleaners, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a bit of elbow grease, you can remove heat damage and restore the quartz surface. Be sure to reseal and protect the finish after intensive cleaning. By taking care to prevent direct heat exposure in the future, you can keep your quartz counters beautiful and like new.