How to Remove Rust from Your Quartz Countertop (Full Guide)

Quartz countertops are popular for a number of reasons; quartz is far more durable than granite, for instance, and because it isn’t porous it is far easier to keep bacteria-free. However, getting rust stains on your quartz countertop can pose a bit of a problem because it’s not all that easy to clean and get rid of.

But fear not! If you are wondering how to remove rust stains from your quartz countertop, our handy guide explains all you need to know!

What Can Cause Rust Stains on Your Quartz Countertops?

For the most part, rust stains on quartz countertops are caused by getting the surface wet and letting it dry, such as placing damp sponges or cloths directly onto it or still wet dishes. Another big contributor to rust stains on quartz countertops are old kitchenware and metal appliances and tools.

Is it Possible to Remove Rust Stains from Quartz Countertops?

It is definitely possible to remove rust stains from quartz countertops, it just takes a bit of time and elbow grease. But with that time and elbow grease, your quartz countertops will be looking like new again!

How to Remove Rust from Quartz Countertops? (Step-by-Step)

One quick and easy way to remove rust from quartz countertops is to use a magic eraser. Magic erasers are great if you don’t want to use any chemicals in your cleaning, they don’t leave behind any scratches, and they’re simple to use!

1. Start by wetting the magic eraser, and then squeeze any excess water from it.

2. Use the magic eraser to clean the surface, with circular motions.

3. If this doesn’t work, add a little bit of liquid dishwashing soap to the magic eraser and try again!

Remember to be careful when using a magic eraser; if you use it constantly you risk damaging the top coating of the quartz, as magic erasers are considered abrasive! However, they work well with occasional cleanings.

Are there Alternative Ways to Remove Rust from Quartz Countertops?

Besides using magic erasers there are plenty of other, alternative ways to remove rust from quartz countertops! Some of these ways include using Bar Keepers Friend, bleach, lemon juice, and dish soap! Read on for more information on each.

Bar Keepers Friend

We’ll start with Bar Keepers Friend. Bar Keepers Friend is an American brand of cleansers and can be sold in different formulas, including powder and liquid. Each of these products have the same basic ingredients, and one of these ingredients–oxalic acid–specifically tackles rust, which makes Bar Keepers Friend good to use on the rust stains on your quartz countertop!

For quartz countertops, you’ll want to specifically use Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish, as it’s made to clean stains from quartz while being gentle enough for daily use!

1. Start by wiping the stained area to remove any loose debris

2. Spray the cleaner across the surface

3. With a soft, non-abrasive cloth, wipe the cleaner in circular motions

4. Once the stain is gone, rinse the countertop with water. You can also use soap if you wish!

Bleach

Next, we’ll look at using bleach on quartz countertops. Since quartz countertops are non-porous you don’t need to use bleach all that often. In fact, to protect the integrity of your quartz countertop, you should only use diluted bleach sparingly.

To clean rust stains from quartz countertops using bleach…

1. In a spray bottle, start by mixing one part bleach with two parts water

2. Spray the mixture directly onto the rust stain

3. Wipe it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth until the stain is gone

4. Afterwards, thoroughly rinse the bleached areas with water to remove any excess bleach

Lemon Juice

Next, we’ll look at using lemon juice on quartz countertops. Since lemon juice is acidic you’ll want to be careful when you use it on quartz; make sure not to leave it on for too long.

1. Start by making a paste with lemon juice and table salt

2. Scrub the paste directly onto the stain with your fingertips

3. Leave the paste to sit for no more than an hour and then wipe it away

4. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the area with water when you are done!

Dish Soap

Finally, we’ll look at using dish soap on quartz countertops. You can use mild dish soap to keep quartz countertops clean to begin with but it might not be enough to get rid of a rust stain.

1. Start by making a mixture of dish soap and water in a spray bottle

2. Spray it directly onto the stain and let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes

3. Next you’ll scrub the area with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, sponge, or brush and then rinse it with water

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as needed, until the stain is gone

5. Finally, with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, wipe the area dry.

Which Methods Should You Avoid?

To keep your quartz countertops unstained and undamaged, there are a few methods you’ll want to avoid!

Make sure not to use anything with a high pH like degreasers, caustic soda, or oven cleaners; on the opposite end of the spectrum, you also don’t want to use anything with a low pH such as CLR Calcium and Lime-Away. Each of these products can damage or ruin your quartz countertops, even if used diluted or sparingly!

Final Thoughts

Finding rust stains on your quartz countertops is never great but, with help from this handy guide, it is a problem that is both easily solved and easily preventable!