Wondering how to remove Sharpie or permanent marker and other everyday stains from your quartz countertops? Luckily, quartz countertops are one of the easier types of surfaces to clean and look after. However, although they’re simple to maintain, they are not stain-proof. It is important to take the right steps to keep your quartz countertops looking new and free from marks and stains.
Your first line of defense is to put down some protective placemats or craft paper to help prevent the Sharpie or permanent marker ink from seeping through to your counter. However, if you find ink markings, you should address them right away with these simple steps for removal:
- Wet a cloth with a product designed to remove tough marks such as Goo Gone® and rub it into the stain. Afterwards, rinse the spot with warm water to remove any cleanser residue that is left over.
- Spray hairspray onto the marking, let it soak in, and gently pat it with a white cloth. Then use a damp cloth with water to rinse it off. You can also try nail polish remover using the same blot and rinse method described here.
- Apply toothpaste to the permanent marker stain and let it sit for ten minutes. Use a damp cloth to wipe clean.
- If your countertops are white or a lighter colour, try using lemon juice and a decent amount of salt to create a paste that you can rub into the stain. Let this sit for at least an hour and rinse clean with a damp cloth.
HOW TO EASILY CLEAN YOUR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS:
Quartz will resist permanent staining when exposed to certain liquids such as:
- Wine
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
However, you should always mop up spills immediately using a soft cloth and mild dishwashing detergent.
For other common stains, you’ll need to do a little bit extra:
How to Remove Super Glue from Quartz Countertops
- Gently scrape glue from the countertop using a razor.
- Use a pH neutral quartz cleaner to finish cleaning the surface.
- This technique will work on other dried-on tough stains such as paint.
How to Remove Tea Stains from Quartz Countertops
If not wiped up quickly, tea can stain your quartz countertops. To clean tea stains:
- Use a mixture of baking soda and warm water and rub in with a soft cloth.
- Rinse the cloth and get rid of any residue left behind.
- This technique works well on fruit and vegetable juice stains too.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS LOOKING THEIR BEST
Like any area of your home, you need to keep your quartz countertops clean to ensure they look their best. Clean your countertops daily and pay attention to any spills, ensuring they are wiped up immediately.
Also, deep clean your surfaces at regular intervals using a non-abrasive cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for ten minutes and then remove it with a non-scratch sponge or cloth. Never use abrasives or acid/alkaline cleaners. If you’re unsure about a cleaner, ask the experts at Rock with Us first.
CLEANERS TO AVOID
Never use the following cleaning products on your quartz countertops. These are damaging and can disintegrate the bonds between the resin and quartz:
- Nail polish remover
- Turpentine
- Drain cleaner
- Oven cleaner
- Dishwasher rinse agents
- Concentrated bleach
Also, avoid extreme heat on your countertops. After time your quartz countertops could crack due to the exposure to extreme temperatures. Use a heatproof mat, or cooling rack for hot pots and pans.
It’s also important to always use a cutting board to avoid scratching the surface of your countertops.
Have questions about how to care for your quartz countertops? Contact Rock with Us for countertops in and around Hamilton and Southern Ontario.
