If your quartz countertop looks cloudy it can be quite stressful, and also difficult to tell what has caused it in the first place and whether it can be reversed.
Cloudy quartz countertops are usually the result of manufacturing defects, leftover adhesive marks or using the wrong cleaning agents. In a lot of cases, you can start by cleaning the countertop properly to see whether the cloudiness is removed, and then you can decide whether to contact the manufacturer afterwards.
In the rest of this article, we will explore the reasons why your quartz countertop may look cloudy, how to tell whether the problem is permanent and also some methods you can use to try and reverse it.
Let’s jump straight into it.
Why Your Quartz Countertop Looks Cloudy
Cloudy quartz countertops can be the result of multiple things, and it is important to understand these so you can tell whether there is a manufacturer error or if the blame is on your side.
Manufacturer Defects
One of the less common reasons for cloudy quartz is manufacturer defects.
Quartz contains resin which binds the quartz together, and it also commonly has a sealer applied to protect the surface. Both of these areas can contain defects which can lead to cloudiness, and the best way to check for this is to thoroughly examine your quartz when it is installed to check for any discoloration or patches.
If you notice any cloudy patches then definitely speak to the installers/manufacturers to get the issue resolved.
Film Adhesive Residue
Moving on to a more common reason for cloudy quartz countertops is an adhesive residue left behind from installation.
Most quartz countertops are protected with a film before installation to keep the surface clean. During installation, this film is removed, but sometimes the adhesive residue can be left behind.
This is quite easy to notice, and you should be able to feel the areas where the residue is left behind as it will be sticky to the touch. You can remove sticky residue with pH-neutral dish soap and warm water applied with a dishcloth – but you should get the installers to remedy this if you can spot it early enough.
Incorrect Cleaning
Probably the most common cause of cloudy quartz countertops – especially in those that aren’t brand new – is cleaning the surface with an incorrect cleaner or using the wrong method.
Cleaning agents like acetone and high-strength bleach shouldn’t be used regularly, and even then they need to be diluted down in strength.
Abrasive cleaning tools like certain brushes should also be avoided as they can scratch the seal and damage the quartz below, leaving it vulnerable to staining or becoming cloudy.
How To Tell If The Damage Is Reversible
The easiest way to know if the damage is reversible is to try to clean it.
If the cloudiness is removed from cleaning, then it is likely some kind of stain that just needed to be cleaned. If the cloudiness remains, it is likely that the quartz has been etched and the seal/quartz is damaged.
This can be reversed, but you will need to contact the manufacturer or installer for professional guidance.
Otherwise, follow the cleaning methods below to see whether this is necessary.
How To Clean A Cloudy Quartz Countertop
Giving your cloudy quartz countertop a thorough clean is a surefire way of knowing if the cloudiness is caused by a defect in the material or simply from a stain.
Avoid harsh cleaners like acetone and choose one of the methods below to clean your countertop properly without damaging it further.
Quartz Cleaning Solution
The first and most obvious option is to use a branded quartz countertop cleaning solution.
There are a lot of options on the market for these types of cleaners, just make sure you use one that is friendly for both sealed and unsealed quartz and you should be good to go.
Dish Soap And Water
Most quartz countertops are recommended to be cleaned with a simple mixture of pH-neutral dish soap and water.
For this method, simply add a few drops of the dish soap to warm water and use a dishcloth to wipe the surface thoroughly. Afterwards, take another dish cloth and rinse the area with just water and then dry it fully using a rag.
After Cleaning
no matter which cleaning method you chose, you need to inspect the surface after cleaning to check whether the cloudiness has been removed or not.
If the surface still appears cloudy then it is time to contact the installer/manufacturer for more advice about a repair.
Final Thoughts
If your quartz countertop looks cloudy it can be caused by a wide variety of reasons, but you should attempt to clean it first to determine whether the problem is reversible or requires a professional repair.
