Tag Archives: cleaning kitchen counters

What Is the Best Way to Clean a Kitchen Countertop?

If you find yourself wiping down your kitchen countertops more than any other surface in your home, you are not alone. They are checked before you cook a meal, when all the dishes are done, and at various other points during the day.

But now and again, they need a more thorough cleaning; this is when you should put in some elbow grease and go over your countertop from corner to corner.

Whether you’re cleaning quickly or thoroughly, it’s critical to select cleaning tools suited to your countertop material, as not all products are universal.

Marble, for example, requires a different method than butcher block, and the same is true for laminate and tiles. Continue reading to learn how to clean your kitchen countertops.

How to clean granite and marble countertops

You should know that you cannot use citrus compounds on granite or marble. Because many kitchen cleaners contain citrus extracts (a type of acid), read the ingredient list carefully to avoid making a costly mistake.

Thankfully, a product designed specifically for stone will not cause these problems. If you don’t have one, simply use mild dish soap and warm water.

You should never use acids, such as vinegar and citrus, to clean granite or marble, as they can etch the porous stone, causing dulling or discoloration.

You should start by wiping the countertops with a clean microfiber towel.

Then rinse the cloth or use another clean, damp microfiber towel to clean the area again. Make sure to remove all cleaning residue to leave your countertops looking clean.

Use soft materials when cleaning. This calls you to avoid rough tools, such as scouring pads, that could damage the surface.

Always wipe spills and stains immediately. It is critical to clean up stains and spills as soon as they occur. Stone materials are naturally porous, so stains tend to soak in and become difficult to remove. A paste made of baking soda and water can help soak up the stain before it hardens.

After cleaning, reseal the countertops if necessary. Resealing prevents stains on granite and marble worktops. The frequency at which this needs to be done depends on the type of sealant used.

To reseal, clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry fully. Choose a sealer suitable for that surface type and follow the product instructions.

How to clean butcher block countertops

Butcher block has a rustic appeal that no other material can match, but it requires special care. Because butcher block countertops are usually buffed, unfinished wood—and because people typically conduct food prep directly on them—it is best to use a gentle cleaner that is also safe for use on dishes and cooking utensils.

To clean the countertops, sanitize as needed. This calls for you to spray a significantly diluted bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart water) on the surface. Allow to set for five minutes before rinsing and drying.

Regularly season the surface with mineral oil to prevent stains from absorbing. Apply with a soft cloth, let it soak for an hour, and then repeat once or twice more.

Spills should be cleaned immediately. If stains have set, use a baking soda paste to absorb them.

How to clean quartz countertops

Quartz is a type of engineered countertop produced from crushed Quartz and bound with a polymer resin. It may also include additional elements, such as shells, glass, or metal, to generate various visual effects.

To clean your quartz countertops, use a quartz-approved cleaner and apply it directly to your countertops. If you don’t have a spray bottle, a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water will do.

Use a mild scrubber to clean any places that require particular attention.

Wipe away the cleaning solution with a damp soft cloth or paper towel. Let the countertops dry.

You should use baking soda on stains: To remove stubborn stains, make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, wait a few minutes, and then gently scrape, rinse, and dry.

As tough as they look, quartz countertops are not heat-resistant. As a result, when placing hot things on a surface, make sure that you use hot pads or trivets.

You can easily scratch or dull Quartz, so always use gentle, quartz-approved cleaning and scrubbing products.

How to clean soapstone countertops

Soapstone is a stunning choice for kitchen surfaces. It creates a minimalist-meets-industrial aesthetic. While beautiful, this natural stone is softer than other countertop materials and requires careful cleaning.

Just like the other countertops, never use strong chemicals to clean soapstone. This can harm the surface or leave stains. And you don’t want this.

To remove most scratches and stains from soapstone, use 80-grit sandpaper. Remember that soapstone is non-porous and does not need to be sealed; however, you can use a special soapstone oil to coat it and add shine.

How to clean tile countertops

While tile isn’t often the first choice for countertops today, it was a more popular alternative in homes from the 1960s to the 1990s. They have a nostalgic feel and a hint of maximalism, though they require extra attention when cleaning.

When cleaning, take special care. A little scrubbing tool or repurposed toothbrush is ideal for this. For stained grout, a solution of liquid household bleach—3/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon water—or a mildew stain remover, applied carefully with a brush, can help clean it.

Make sure you rinse thoroughly.

You should avoid abrasive cleaners. This calls for avoiding powdered abrasive cleansers, as they can scratch the surface.

Parting shot

These are tips for cleaning your countertops. As you have seen, you need to be ultra-cautious of the products you use to clean the surfaces. As a rule of thumb, avoid products that can damage your countertops.

For granite countertops Durham and any other porous countertops, ensure they are sealed to avoid damage.

Here Is How to Clean Your Countertops

kitchen countertops

For your kitchen countertops to look good and sanitary, you need to keep them clean. To help you out, here is a guide on how to clean the various countertops in your home:

Quartz countertops

Due to their durability, quartz kitchen countertops are one of the most common countertop materials.

While true, it doesn’t mean it’s invincible to stains. You should immediately wipe up spills and use cutting boards to protect the quartz surface. If you still have a mess, avoid abrasive and acidic cleansers, bleach, and vinegar. For the best outcome, use a quartz-specific cleaner.

Use Goo Gone or any other similar product for the more difficult-to-remove stains. First, to ensure that the product won’t damage your surfaces, use it on a small, inconspicuous area.

You should then dab a small amount on the stain, wait a few minutes, and gently clean it away with a microfiber cloth. Rinse and dry the affected area with a clean microfiber cloth.

To keep your countertops in pristine condition, make it a habit to clean spills as soon as they happen. This is especially vital if they contain acidic or staining substances such as wine, coffee, fruit juices, or oils.

Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild dish soap to clean the area thoroughly. When you act fast, you prevent the liquid from penetrating the porous quartz surface.

Despite the fact that quartz is quite resistant, it is still best to avoid cutting or chopping directly on the surface. This is because sharp blades and other metal items may scratch or chip the quartz. Use cutting boards or protective mats at all times.

Granite countertops

Avoid using bleach, vinegar, or strong chemicals with granite surfaces, just as you would with quartz. Try a granite cleaner if you need something more powerful than dish soap and water. To remove a stain, make a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water and apply it to the stain with a microfiber cloth.

A thick paste of baking soda and water (the consistency of toothpaste) is another alternative for stain removal. Begin with a heaping tablespoon of baking soda, followed by a teaspoon of water, or just enough to make the mixture stick to the surface.

Spread the paste over the stain and wrap it in plastic for at least 24 hours. Use a microfiber towel, water, and mild dish soap to remove the paste. You should note that you may have to repeat the method several times. Thankfully, it is safe and mild and will not damage the granite.

Marble countertops

Because of its porous nature, marble is always the most finicky of all the countertops. Use a specialized marble or pH-neutral stone cleaner if soap and water are ineffective.

A non-natural stone cleaning product may not have a neutral pH, which may dull the marble surface or produce uneven spots. Cleaning product manufacturers are not obligated to list the pH level on their labels, but you can measure the pH yourself using a pH test strip.

Some brands’ websites link to the safety data sheets of certain cleaning solutions, which may include pH levels, so also check here.

Even if you merely clean your marble with soap and water, dry it off because water can permanently stain it quickly. Some watermarks will fade as the stone dries, which may take weeks.

Use a marble-specific cleaner to remove surface-level stains, particularly those created by evaporated water.

Alternatively, use the same method described above for granite: Cover the stain with a thick mixture of baking soda and water, wrap it in plastic wrap, and leave it for at least 24 hours. Clean it with a microfiber cloth, water, and mild dish soap, and repeat if necessary.

Marble is porous and can absorb liquids, causing stains. To prevent the stains from coming about, blot any spills immediately with a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Wiping the spill can spread it and make the stain worse.

After cleaning, carefully rinse the marble with clean water. This is because if cleansers or detergent residue is left behind, it can reduce the luster of the marble.

Laminate countertops

Because laminate is man-made and less expensive than natural stone, some homeowners believe they don’t need to be as cautious with it. However, aggressive cleaners, such as vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, and ammonia, can wear down the surface.

Try baking soda paste if you have a stain that won’t come out with soap and water. The best way to go about it is to add a heaping spoonful of baking soda with a teaspoon of water or just enough to make a thick paste that adheres to the top. Mix it into the dye or dab it on with your fingers.

After 24 hours, wipe it away with a microfiber towel.

If you have stains that aren’t coming out, use a magic eraser to remove a stain. While this is a great move, proceed cautiously because these can create microabrasions.

Stainless steel

Even if your complete countertop isn’t stainless steel, it’s common to locate it as a stove component connected to the rest of your counters.

Because stainless steel is easily damaged, I don’t think you can clean it with the same product you use to clean the rest of the countertop. Use a specialist product or a stainless steel cleaner for deep cleaning. A wipe-down with mild soap and warm water will suffice for routine cleaning.

Use a microfiber cloth to apply whatever cleaning product you’re using. Once you scratch stainless steel, it’s difficult to remove the scratch.

If you’ve already scratched it, you can try buffing it out with a pad, but doing so without inflicting further damage requires precision. Hiring an expert may be a better option.

Parting shot

These are some of the ways you can clean your various kitchen countertops Raleigh. As you can see, it’s easy to do the cleaning even without involving a professional. To easily clean the countertops, take good of your surfaces.