How to Remove Red Wine and Berry Stains from Quartz Worktops

Red wine is one of the most intensely pigmented substances that regularly meets a kitchen worktop. The good news for quartz owners is that the non-porous nature of the surface means the wine cannot penetrate — it sits on top, waiting to be cleaned. The key is prompt action and the right approach.

Fresh Spills: Act Within Minutes

A fresh red wine spill on quartz is almost trivially easy to remove. Wipe it away immediately with a damp cloth and a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfibre cloth. The non-porous quartz surface means the pigment has no pathway into the material.

Dried or Set Red Wine Stains

If wine has been allowed to dry, apply a small amount of non-abrasive cream cleanser to the stained area. Allow it to sit for one to two minutes to loosen the dried pigment, then wipe away gently with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly. For particularly stubborn dried marks, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) diluted in water is highly effective — it breaks down the organic pigment compounds without damaging the quartz surface.

What Not to Use

• Concentrated bleach: Degrades the polymer resin binder over time. Never use neat bleach on quartz.
• Abrasive scrubbing pads: Will permanently scratch the polished surface, creating microscopic channels that attract future staining.
• Undiluted vinegar or lemon juice: The acidity can dull the surface polish over time with repeated use.

Berry and Fruit Juice Stains

Blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, and pomegranate juice follow the same rules as red wine. Prompt action removes them effortlessly. For dried berry marks, the bicarbonate of soda paste method works well: mix to a thick paste with water, apply to the stain, leave for five minutes, and wipe away with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry.