Kitchen worktops aren’t just practical; they’re the finishing touch to any home. Their sleek, elegant finish instantly levels up your space.
The good news? Unlike natural stone, quartz and porcelain are non-porous, making them more resistant to stains. But that doesn’t mean they’re invincible! Knowing the right way to tackle marks and spills will help you keep your kitchen looking as good as new.
Know your enemy: Common stain types
Before you roll up your sleeves and dive in, it’s important to understand what kind of stain you’re dealing with. After all, different stains call for different solutions. Here are some of the usual suspects we face:
- Grease and oil stains: Caused by cooking oils, butter or greasy food spills.
- Organic stains: Think wine, coffee, tea or fruit juice spills.
- Rust stains: Often the result of metal items left on the surface.
- Water spots and etching: Usually caused by hard water or acidic substances like lemon juice.
By recognising the type of stain, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right method to remove it – because when it comes to stone surfaces, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Proven techniques to banish stubborn stains on quartz and porcelain
The key to cleaning quartz and porcelain is using the right method without damaging the finish. Here are tried-and-tested techniques for tackling the most common stains:
Grease and oil stains
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Wipe with a soft cloth or sponge, using circular motions.
- For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive degreaser.
Coffee, tea and wine spills
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, apply with a soft cloth, then rinse with water.
- For stubborn marks, a small amount of baking soda mixed with water can help – just be gentle!
Hard water spots
- Use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water.
- Wipe gently, then dry immediately with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Avoid letting water sit for too long, as it can leave mineral deposits.
Ink and dye stains
- A small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth can lift ink stains.
- For food colouring spills, gently scrub with a mix of baking soda and water, then rinse well.
- Avoid harsh solvents like acetone or paint thinners, as they can damage the surface.
A word of caution from the experts: We recommend testing any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage or discolour your stone. You’ll thank us later!
Get ahead of the game – stop stains before they start
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your beautiful stone surfaces. Here are a few expert tips from the team to help keep those tough stains at bay:
- Use coasters under glasses and bottles to prevent water rings.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen to stop them from seeping into the stone.
- Place mats or trivets under hot dishes to shield the surface from heat.
- Regularly seal your stone to create a protective barrier against stains. For the best results, consider professional sealing services like those offered by us at Granite and Marble Shop.
When DIY isn’t enough – Give the experts a call
Despite your best efforts, some stains can be too stubborn to remove on your own – but don’t stress. That’s when it’s time to call in the professionals. At Granite and Marble Shop, we offer expert cleaning and stain removal products and services to restore your worktops to their original beauty.
If you’re unsure about tackling a particular stain or need advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you protect the beauty and longevity of your stone surfaces.
