Quartz countertops have increased their popularity amazingly fast during the last few years. While produced in the 1960s, they are still an excellent option for residential and commercial uses.
First of all, their properties are connected to the natural stones they are made of. As many of your know, quartz has amazingly high resistance to grime and stains. Therefore, lots of people choose to work on quartz countertops. However, their beneficial properties do not mean these worktops aren’t susceptible to stains, including water ones. In time, this fact translates into a loss of beauty and shine and irreversible damage.
Considering how easily water stains appear, you need to learn more about removing them from quartz countertops. This being said, let’s discover together all the information you need to know about the general maintenance of these worktops.
Why do Quartz Countertops Get Stained by Water?
As already mentioned, one of the first things we consider when buying quartz countertops is their stain-resistant nature. Therefore, you might be wondering how water stains still appear on these surfaces. Well, the answer is relatively straightforward.
Firstly, while quartz is resistant to stains, these worktops are still not stain-proof, which is quite different. As such, different types of liquids can dye it. The next thing to know is that water stains contain mineral deposits, such as calcium and limescale. So what happens is that the minerals merge with the quartz as quickly as the water evaporates.
The result? In time, water keeps accumulating until these marks become visible and stain the work surfaces. The worst-case scenario? Hard water may connect with some household detergents and hold back the cleaning process.
So, if you are still unsure how all these water stains appear or look, they usually come in the shape of a gray color that seems to impregnate the work surface.
The Main Issues Of Hard Water
The limescale buildup happens when water stays on the countertop and starts evaporating. This limescale is truly stubborn and can spread undiagnosed on the quartz surfaces until it becomes like a blemish. Unfortunately, some soaps and detergents may worsen the limescale. Why? Well, because these cleaning agents contain ingredients that bond with the hard water and make the limescale crusty and sticky.
Hard water stains usually show around at the base of the faucets or drains’ rims. Left uncleaned, these limescale deposits will accumulate more and become impossible to clean again.
The good news is that in most cases, these stains are usually superficial and won’t penetrate the glossy quartz countertop.
Preparing The Quartz Countertop For Cleaning
Before applying one of the methods to remove water stains, it is mandatory to prepare the working surface.
So, first of all, try to remove all the items or kitchen appliances from the countertop. Keep in mind that you need some room for the work you will be doing, and any impediment might mess up your effort.
My advice is to prepare all the necessary tools before you start the actual work. What tools am I referring to? Well, a hard-plastic spatula, nylon brushes, or steel wool can be your secret weapons against stubborn water stains. However, be careful what you choose as a ‘weapon’ for fighting your stains. The last thing you want to do is to damage the quartz or cause scratches on the glossy surface.
Best Ways To Remove Water Stains From Quartz Countertops
So without further ado, let’s learn about all the methods so you can then choose the best one for your needs.
1. Chip away the stained area
An excellent way to eliminate all the water stains on the quartz countertops is by scraping the limescale deposits using a plastic spatula. Stubborn stains may be removed with just a single-edge razor blade. However, make sure that you are working truly gently and don’t end up damaging the quartz surface even more.
The best thing you can do here is clear the area, so you have plenty of space to work on. Therefore, perform slowly and remove all the accumulated limescale.
Important! You may have to clean the area afterward.
2. Use steel wools
If you need to remove tiny spots of mineral stockpile from hard water spills, you can use only a ball of steel wool. Make sure you dab the surface, then use the steel wool in slow circular motions. Do these cleaning steps wherever you notice visible stains or not. After finishing the cleaning process, complete it by loosening the buildup with a dry cloth.
3. The poultice method
One effective way to remove water stains from countertops is using a poultice. All you need to do is mix baking soda with dish soap and apply the mixture to the dirty surface. Start doing careful motions using a kitchen sponge. Wait about 20 minutes for the cleaning solution to work, then remove everything with cold water and a soft pad that won’t scratch the surface.
4. The plastic wrap
If stubborn water stains don’t want to go off, try the plastic wrap method. Firstly pour the poultice. Replace the kitchen sponge with plastic wraps. Wait a couple of hours and allow the dressing to break down the dirt. Ideally, this method will heat the area and remove all the countertop stains. Lastly, use a kitchen sponge to clean up the room evenly.
5. Clean the spills immediately
Another easy way to get rid of water stains from quartz countertops is by cleaning them as soon as they occur. This way, they do not have the time to settle down, leading to permanent stains. Use dry and smooth textiles to wipe off the water stains.
6. Use a specific cleanser
Another excellent method to get rid of water stains from quartz countertops is a powerful cleanser. Apply this cleanser to the area in need. After completing this step, scrub the mess in circular motions using a sponge, so there will be no scratches left behind. When there are no stains left, remove everything with water.
You’d better avoid chemicals and chlorine cleaners as they might cause a lot of damage to the quartz worktops.
Tip: Choose cleaners that have a neutral pH. They will do their job and not affect your surface.
7. Distilled water for the win
As I have already explained, it is not water per se that leads to those annoying stains but the minerals inside it. Distilled water, for instance, is free of the components that cause stains. This being said, if you want to avoid those marks, choose distilled water instead of the quartz countertops. Otherwise, you risk water spills culminating in long-lasting colors.
Don’ts When Cleaning Water Stains
If you want to get rid of water stains from countertops and not damage the surface, here is what you should not do:
- Avoid aggressive cleaners as they may cause a lot of damage to quartz and granite countertops.
- Never use lemon juice or vinegar, as they might erode the surface
- Avoid using a mix of water and dish soap. The result might be more water spots and mineral deposits. Additional soap-scum buildups can be a nightmare.
- Do not use non-neutral household cleaners on quartz surfaces.
Learn How To Prevent Water Stains
Removing stubborn mineral deposits can take a lot of energy, time, and money; therefore, prevention is always a better idea. While many prefer cleaning their worktops with soapy water, I strongly recommend you not do that. This mixture will act the same as on glass and create a blurry haze over time.
For best results, look for quartz cleaner formulated solutions that bond to the surface and create a layer that will resist further messes and stains.
Bottom Line
Hard water stains are the minor marks you wish to have on quartz countertops. These stains make your worktops look less attractive. While it may seem impossible to remove old stains, the methods above should be a success.
Nevertheless, the only thing that is for sure is prevention. Maintaining a cleaning routine will do wonders, so clean up the spills as soon as they appear.