# Cleaning chunks of Quartz
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-chunks-of-quartz/972414
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [September 28, 2022, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-chunks-of-quartz/972414 "2022-09-28T22:20:34Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@moes\_lotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moes_lotion)
#### Post date: [September 28, 2022, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-chunks-of-quartz/972414/1 "2022-09-28T22:20:34Z")
I have two smallish (about fist sized) chunks of white quartz that were partly submerged in a forest floor when I found them. I gave them a vigorous scrubbing with dish soap and a stiff brush but there are still dark stains here and there. Can anyone suggest ways to remove the stains? I’m thinking maybe either bleaching with hydrogen peroxide or perhaps a weak acid like vinegar or dilute hydrochloric acid. I’d rather not go with mechanical polishing since I don’t have access to a tumbler.
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### Author:  [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)
#### Post date: [September 28, 2022, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-chunks-of-quartz/972414/2 "2022-09-28T22:24:16Z")
Not sure if this is the same thing, but [this](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-quartz-countertops) article recommends rubbing alcohol and water for tough stains on a quartz countertop.
" For tough stains that aren’t going away with a little mild dish soap and warm water, try using a surface cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge. Pearson recommends [rubbing alcohol](https://cna.st/affiliate-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?cid=62d979c6de4cdbd2bd44b84a&xid=fr1664403723535hjg) and water to create a safe cleanser and stain-remover to get rid of any buildup without having to resort to abrasive cleaners. This method will give that extra kick without risking damage to the quartz surfaces."
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### Author:  [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)
#### Post date: [September 29, 2022, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-chunks-of-quartz/972414/3 "2022-09-29T05:29:40Z")
HCl is fine, for iron stains, which is likely what those are. And you can use quite strong acids on quartz.
Just be sure it’s quartz, and not calcite…