If you’ve spilt wax on your quartz countertop we’ve got you covered – learn how to get wax off quartz countertops with this quick and easy guide today.
The secret to removing wax without damaging the quartz is to use a non-abrasive scrubber to scrape away the majority of the wax. Ice cubes are used beforehand to cool the wax, making it easier to remove the wax with the scrubber. Afterwards, use a degreasing cleaner such as dish soap to remove any remaining wax and then the area can be rinsed with hot water.
In most cases, wax should not cause any damage to your quartz and once removed you won’t have to worry about it. Keep reading to learn the step by step method for removing wax, as well as some tips for preventing wax spills in the first place and an alternative method if you don’t have access to a scrubber.
2 Easy Methods To Remove Wax From Quartz
Let’s get straight into 2 easy methods you can use to get wax off your quartz countertop quickly and easily.
1. Non-Abrasive Scrubber, Degreasing Cleaner And Water
This first method requires a bit more work but is arguably more effective.
Prepare The Ice Cubes
For this method, start by placing a handful of ice cubes into a sealed plastic bag. It is important to use a sealable bag as the ice cubes will start to melt quickly so you need to contain the excess water.
Apply To The Wax
Once the bag is sealed, place it directly onto the wax. After 5 or 10 minutes remove the bag and gently tap the wax with your hand – if it feels hard then it has cooled down enough for the next step.
Remove The Wax
To remove the wax once it has cooled down you need to use a non-abrasive scrubbing tool. It is crucial that it is non-abrasive as you don’t want to scratch the quartz surface below accidentally.
Take the scrubber and chip away at the cooled wax gently, removing as much wax as possible. It is best to work from underneath pushing upwards at this point.
Apply A Degreaser
Once you’ve removed as much wax as possible using the scrubber, you will probably be left with a very small amount of wax alongside an oily residue.
To clean this up, we recommend using a degreasing cleaner such as dish soap. Stay away from harsh cleaners like acetone that can damage the surface of quartz countertops.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water as needed and apply it to the remaining wax residue using a high cloth or rag. Scrub the area and rinse regularly in the solution, and once the wax residue has lifted move on to the final step.
Rinse
Removing any residue left behind from the degreasing stage is crucial, as soap can leave marks and cause quartz countertops to appear cloudy.
Take another clean dish cloth and rinse the quartz with hot water. This will also ensure that any remaining wax is removed.
2. Heat Application Method
If you don’t have a suitable scrubber, then this method is for you.
The principle here is to heat up the wax, rather than cooling it as before, to make it easier to remove without the need for scrubbing,
Apply Heat And Rub
This part requires the use of hot water, so take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from an accidental spill such as wearing gloves.
Lay a couple of dishcloths over the wax, or alternatively use an absorbent rag, and then gently pour a small amount of hot water on the area so the dishcloths or rag are saturated. Leave this for 5 to 10 minutes and then carefully remove them.
Take a dishcloth and scrub the area firmly while the wax is still hot. This process can be repeated several times and you should continue until most of the wax has come off.
Use A Degreaser To Clean The Remaining Wax
Use a degreaser to clean up the rest of the wax and residue that is left behind.
This step is the same as before – apply a solution of dish soap and warm water to the area with a dishcloth and wipe it thoroughly. Afterwards, rinse the area with warm water and another dishcloth and all of the wax should be removed.
Can Wax Cause Permanent Damage To Quartz Countertops?
In the overwhelming majority of cases, the wax will not cause any permanent damage to your countertop. This is because quartz is heat resistant up to around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas candle wax melts at between 75 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit – meaning in most cases the wax will not cause damage.
Even if the wax is above the temperature limit of the quartz, it will cool down almost instantly as it hits the surface so the exposure will be for a very short amount of time.
In cases where there is damage, it will be due to the resin that is used to bind the quartz together. If heat damage is sustained it will be very noticeable and you will need to contact a specialist or consult your warranty to remedy the problem.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get wax off quartz countertops can come in handy, especially if you like to use candles around the house!
If you follow the steps laid out in the methods in this article you should have no problem removing the wax while keeping the quartz below free from damage.
