Quartz countertops are nonporous; a fact that makes them popular among homeowners. Besides being liked, most homeowners have the feeling that quartz countertops do not stain and are maintenance-free. The truth is, the formation of red wine on a quartz countertop is common. White countertops are the most affected as the red stains are likely to show.
How Does Red Wine Stain Quartz Countertops?
Red wine stains on quartz countertops are rare than on granite and marble countertops. However, this does not mean that homeowners should take quartz to be stain-proof and settle to not take care of their counters.
Quartz countertops are engineered stones in the sense that they are manmade. Many people buy this calacatta laza quartz countertops because of its low cost and high durability. These countertops are created by blending ground quartz stone with resins, polymers, and pigments. From the blend, a sturdy countertop material is formed. While the ground quartz material is nonporous, the resins and polymers are not. Therefore, after long exposure to red wine, the resins might get discolored. Discoloration occurs when the resins react with the red wine to form a chemical that stains the surface. In most cases, however, red wine will discolor the resins without any reactions. The good thing with quartz countertops is that the stain does not absorb and is only formed on the surface of the countertop. This way, it is easier to remove, unlike natural stone countertops.
When a stain forms, you will need to know how to remove a red wine stain from a quartz countertop. So, how do you remove a red wine stain from a quartz countertop?
How to Remove Red Wine Stain from Quartz Countertop
It is easy to remove a red wine stain from a granite countertop – all you have to do is apply a poultice. However, quartz countertops do not absorb any liquid and this makes it a challenge to use poultice on them because there is nothing to draw out. The wine stain stays at the surface of the counter making it easier to remove. Below are simple tips on how to get a red wine stain out of a quartz countertop. You can get more information about cleaning quartz countertops on Caesarstone.
Scrub It Off
Scrubbing the stain works perfectly to remove a red wine stain from quartz countertops since the stain only forms on the surface of the countertop. All you need is a nylon pad or a brush that will not introduce scratch marks on the surface of the countertop. When scrubbing, ensure that you do not use a harsh abrasive as it will lead to further damage on the countertop surface.
Clean with a Glass Cleaner or Magic Eraser
This is another simple method on how to get red wine out of quartz countertop. A glass cleaner and a non-abrasive nylon scrub pad are used to scrub off the stain. Glass cleaners work perfectly in instances where the stain is mild and only on the surface of the counter.
You can also use a magic eraser to remove a red wine stain from a quartz countertop. However, before you use a magic eraser, test it on a small section of the countertop to ensure that it does not cause further damage such as making the surface dull.
Bleach the Surface
Mild bleach works perfectly on white countertops to remove red wine stain on a quartz countertop. Start by mixing eight parts of water with one part bleach. Spray the bleach on the stain and then wipe it off. Be sure not to leave the bleach on the surface of the countertop as it may cause further damage.
Unlike stains from chemicals, red wine on a quartz countertop does not cause permanent staining. The stain will be dark or the same color as the wine and will only be on the surface. Using the methods outlined above, therefore, you should be able to remove the stain completely.
How to Avoid Wine Stain on Quartz Countertop
Because quartz countertops are nonporous, the wine stain will not absorb and will therefore not cause permanent staining. However, it is also not advisable to let wine stains sit on the surface of your countertop as frequent cleaning might dull the surface of the countertop. Again, if the stain is spread over a large area, scrubbing it might cause the countertop to develop scratches. You need to care for your countertop now that you know the answer to the question, does red wine stain quartz countertops?
Wipe Off Spills Immediately
Because quartz countertops do not absorb liquids, a stain will only be formed if wine spills sit on the surface of the countertop for long. As such, if you were popping a bottle of wine and it spilled on the surface, wipe it off with a wet cloth and dry with a soft dry fabric.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
The cleaning products you use determine whether stains develop on your countertop. You need to use products formulated especially for quartz, granite, or marble. Other cleaners may remove fresh stains but end up bleaching the resins in your quartz countertop. If you do not know the products to use, you can call the manufacturer and confirm the most appropriate cleaning products. At all times, avoid acidic cleaners and instead use alkaline cleaners. For bleach, only use a mild one and avoid leaving it on the surface for long.
Does Sealing Help Prevent Formation of Red Wine Stain on Quartz Countertop?
Unlike natural stone countertops granite and marble, quartz countertops are nonporous. As such, they do not need sealing as liquids do not absorb. Whether sealed or unsealed wine stains will still form on the surface if spills are left to sit on the surface for a long time. Again, some sealing compounds might discolor the surface of your countertop or create a haze.
Conclusion
You can avoid wine stains forming on your countertop completely by ensuring you pop bottles carefully or pop them elsewhere. However, if the stains form, remove them when they are still mild – this way, you do not have to scrub the surface of your countertop to a point of forming scratches. Even when you are careful, you still need to learn how to get a red wine stain out of a quartz countertop.
