How to Remove Stains From Quartz Countertops

Quartz is made of crushed stone held together with resin, so it does not soak up spills the way granite or marble can. Cambria, one of the quartz makers, says its countertops “are nonporous and nonabsorbent.” That is why most quartz stains come off with very gentle methods, and why strong cleaners do more harm than good.

The steps below come from the quartz makers MSI and Caesarstone, with notes from Cambria. Their advice differs on a few products, so this page shows where.

First Response: Soap and Water

MSI says “For most messes, warm water and a drop of dish soap is all that’s needed to prevent residue from setting.” Blot the spill first. Do not wipe it around.

If the spill has dried, Caesarstone says “Dried spills and stains should be reanimated with water for several minutes before attempting recommended cleaning methods.” Lay a wet cloth on it, wait, then clean.

Mark, Stain or Water Spot?

MSI sorts quartz blemishes into three kinds, and each one needs a different fix.

Surface marks sit on top. MSI lists “metal transfer, rubber scuffs, adhesive residue, or dried spills,” and says “These marks are often perceived as streaks that feel a little raised.”

Stains are color. MSI says “Quartz is non-porous, so stains generally do not penetrate the stone itself.” The color reacts with the resin instead.

Water spots are minerals. MSI says “Water spots are mineral deposits (mostly calcium and magnesium) left behind when water dries up.” Our hard water guide covers those.

Gray Lines From Pots and Pans

MSI says “White erasers will often take away gray lines made by metal objects.” Rub in small circles. MSI says to “Always try this method on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t affect the finish.”

A melamine sponge can work too, but MSI warns: “Only use water with these sponges, and use light pressure. The finish will be permanently dulled by over pressure or dry use.”

Coffee, Tea, Wine and Food

For these, MSI says to “Combine three parts baking soda with one part water to make a paste. Let the mixture sit on the organic stain for 10 minutes.” Then brush it gently and rinse.

Ink and Marker

MSI says “Ink and dye stains can be removed with 70% isopropyl alcohol very effectively.” Dab it on with a soft cloth, and “Let the solvent work for about 30 seconds, then wipe it off with clean, damp cloth.”

Caesarstone’s version for stubborn stains is to “Clean a larger area rather than the stain itself, in a circular motion,” then rinse and dry, and repeat if needed.

Where the Makers Disagree

The makers do not all agree on which products are safe. Two examples matter most.

Bleach. MSI says “Always check labels and avoid cleaners with bleach, especially on darker quartz colors.” It says bleach can cause white spots on dark quartz, and “This effect is permanent.” Cambria also lists bleach among the products to keep off its quartz. Caesarstone’s hard water guide says to avoid bleach as well.

Soft Scrub and Bar Keepers Friend. Caesarstone suggests “non-abrasive cleaning products, such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel,” and for rust and metal marks says to “Place a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser (powder) or oxalic acid on a damp cloth.” But Cambria lists Soft Scrub among the products to avoid, and MSI says the powder version of Bar Keepers Friend “is abrasive and can cause permanent damage to quartz surfaces.”

So before you use any branded cleaner, find out who made your quartz and follow that maker’s care guide. Caesarstone also says to “Check each cleaning product first on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.”

What to Keep Off Quartz

MSI says “Do not use paint thinner, oven cleaner, or degreasers. They will damage the resin and cause discoloration or etching.” Caesarstone says to “Avoid strong chemicals and solvents, and strong acids or alkalis, oxidizers or similar materials, regardless of pH.”

No steel wool, no scouring powder, and no abrasive pads.

Keeping Quartz Clean

Wipe spills right away. MSI says “Immediate cleanup stops these reactions.”
Use trivets. MSI says heat “can discolor the resin in a way that looks like a stain, but which is actually thermal damage.”
Do not seal it. Cambria says to “not apply any sealers, penetrants, or topical treatments.”