Quartz countertops have a reputation for being durable and stain resistant, but in reality, they get dirty too often, and cleaning could be challenging at times.
As quartz countertops age and as the seals wear off, superficial stains like ink get harder to clean. Though it seems nothing to worry about, it could lead to a permanent mark if left unattended.
In this article, we will tackle in detail 8 tried and tested ways on how to remove ink from quartz countertops and some bonus tips to keep those beautiful quartz countertops in good condition.
Table of Contents
Ways to Get Ink Out of Quartz Countertop
A sure way to remove ink stain on quartz countertop is to use a professional stain remover intended for stone care. They are designed for deep cleaning without scratching your countertop.
Stone cleaners are easy to use. Some may come in a set with a microfiber cloth. Usually, you just have to spray them over the stain and wipe them off.
Each product could have a different procedure for application. Read the label and check the instructions before trying anything.
Though this is the safest way, this could be quite an expensive option. The good news is there are plenty of other options you can do to remove stains from quartz countertops.
Option No.1: Use Rubbing Alcohol
Inks are typically alcohol-based, using rubbing alcohol on quartz can easily do the trick. This option is gentle for your quartz countertop since alcohol is pretty volatile, so it won’t stay long to do any harm.
Just prepare some rubbing alcohol and cotton balls. You can wet the cotton ball with alcohol, then rub it on the spot with ink. Reapply alcohol as needed as you thoroughly clean.
Option No.2: Use Hair Spray
Using hairspray might come as a surprise but hairspray does contain 25 to 30% solvents like alcohol that can help get permanent marker out of quartz counter.
What to prepare
- Alcohol-based hair spray
- Waste cloth or rag
- Dish soap
- Water
What to do
- Step 1: Before spraying, shake the hairspray first.
- Step 2: Spray it directly targeting the ink stain.
- Step 3: Let it sit for a few seconds.
- Step 4: Wipe it off with a rag.
- Step 5: Repeat the process if needed.
- Step 6: After all the ink is removed, apply a small amount of dish soap.
- Step 7: Rinse it with water.
Option No.3: Use Acetone
This method is best if your quartz countertops are black or dark in color. Acetone is a strong solvent, there is no doubt it can get ink off of countertops.
It is important to note that this option is only applicable on sealed countertops. Acetone on quartz countertops without seals could potentially damage or dull the quartz appearance.
What to prepare
- Acetone or any nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Waste cloth or rag
What to do
- Step 1: Pour a generous amount of acetone into a cotton ball. You can use more cotton balls if you want more coverage.
- Step 2: Lay them on top of the stain and leave for a few seconds.
- Step 3: Gently rub the cotton balls to completely remove the stain.
- Step 4: Add more acetone to the cotton balls if needed.
After this step, if there are still traces of ink left, you can also use Goo Gone on quartz or finish it using a multi-purpose cleaner like Soft Scrub.
Option No.4: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Another way to remove ink stains from quartz countertops is to use hydrogen peroxide. Aside from being an antiseptic, it can act as an oxidizer and bleaching agent.
This option is perfect if you have a light-colored or white quartz countertop.
What to prepare
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Waste cloth or rag
- Water
What to do
- Step 1: Apply hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain.
- Step 2: Once it starts dissolving the ink, wipe it using a rag.
- Step 3: Apply more hydrogen peroxide as needed.
- Step 4: Rinse with water to remove the excess.
Option No.5: Use Baking Soda Paste
Beyond baking and cooking, baking soda has been our favorite partner in cleaning. With its highly basic property, it can get pen ink out of quartz countertop and even permanent marker stains.
What to prepare
- Baking Soda
- Water
- Small Bowl
- Popsicle Stick
- Waste cloth or rag
- Dish Soap
What to do
- Step 1: Make a paste by adding baking soda to the water. A fair warning, this should only be prepared in small portions and always add baking soda to water, not the other way around.
Do this step in a well-ventilated area. Although it will not release hazardous gas, adding water to baking soda can generate heat that could boil and spit the solution all over.
- Step 2: Use a popsicle stick to apply the paste to the ink stain.
- Step 3: Use a rag to scrub the ink stain away.
- Step 4: Rinse it with some dish soap and water.
This option can also be used to remove stains from granite countertops, stone, and plastic bag stain quartz countertop.
Option No.6: Use Toothpaste
Using abrasives to remove ink on quartz countertops like sandpaper or scrapping is a bad idea. Use white toothpaste instead. It is slightly abrasive yet gentle enough not to harm your quartz countertop.
What to prepare
- Toothpaste
- Small Brush or used toothbrush
- Paper Towel
What to do
- Step 1: Find an old toothbrush and put a pea amount on it.
- Step 2: Brush it on the stain in a circular motion.
- Step 3: Wipe excess toothpaste with paper towel
Option No.7: Use WD-40
Its degreasing characteristic along with its powerful solvent can help ink stains on quartz countertops go away in an instant.
What to prepare
- WD-40
- Waste cloth or rag
- Paper Towel
What to do
- Step 1: Apply WD-40 on the rag and rub it on the ink stain.
- Step 2: Wipe excess WD-40 with a paper towel.
Option No.8: Use a Dry Erase Marker
Yes, read it right. Nothing fancy, this is the simplest tried and tested way to remove sharpie from countertop, may it be quartz or granite countertops.
What to prepare
- Dry erase marker
- Paper Towel
What to do
- Step 1: Using a dry erase marker, simply write over or cover the area with marker stain.
- Step 2: Wipe it off with a paper towel.
Tips on How to Maintain Quartz Countertops
Here are the bonus tips you can do to maintain your quartz countertop in its optimum condition according to most stone manufacturers.
- Do not let stains like ink stay for too long.
- Do not place hot pots directly, use hot pot mats and trivets.
- Do not chop or cut anything directly, keep the chopping board at hand.
- Do not use harmful cleaners.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops are gorgeously pleasing. They are dependable and can certainly endure anything you cast on it. However, like any quartz, they do need extra care.
Aside from the bonus tips we provided, there are tons of ways to maintain them. When it comes to ink stains, you will never go wrong with these 8 tried and tested ways on how to remove ink from quartz countertops.
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