Hot to Clean Different Types of Kitchen Countertops

Last updated on July 4, 2022

Kitchen countertops are used every day and exposed to various materials. This makes the surface of the countertops more susceptible to damage and hence, proper maintenance is required to ensure that the kitchen countertops last longer. Experts suggest cleaning the countertops regularly to ensure they look as good as new. Therefore, you must learn the various techniques that will help to clean the countertops swiftly. When choosing storage for cabinets, it is important to consider the type of items that will be stored in the cabinets as well as the amount of space that is available. If you do not know how to clean the various kitchen countertop materials, here are a few tips that will help you out:

Wood countertops

For cleaning wood countertops, here is a list of items you will require:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Nonabrasive cleaner
• Warm water
• Metal pastry scraper
• A piece of microfiber cloth
• Salt
• Lemon

The cleaning process:

• If you do not have any nonabrasive cleaner to clean your wood kitchen countertops, you should use a homemade warm water and distilled white vinegar cleaning solution.
• Use the metal pastry scraper to remove all food residues from the countertops.
• Once it is clean, use the microfiber cloth to dry off the countertops.
• If you still notice stains, sprinkle salt on them. Then, cut the lemon and gently rub it on the stains.
• Use a solution of water and vinegar to wash off the lemon juice and salt.
• You must seal solid-wood countertops to prevent them from cracking and warping. Experts suggest using wax or food-grade oil.
• In case scratches occur, use sandpaper to sand down the wood and apply the protectant on it.

Marble and granite countertops

For cleaning marble and granite countertops in your kitchen interiors, here is a list of items you will require:

• Dish soap
• A piece of microfiber cloth
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Water
• Tape
• Plastic wrap

The cleaning process:

• Make a warm water and mild dish soap solution to clean your kitchen countertops.
• Use the microfiber towel to dry them off and bring back their shine.
• Do not use acidic cleaners as they can damage the sealer and etch the stone.
• If it is hard to get rid of the stains, make a water and baking soda mixture (for oil-based stains) or a water and hydrogen peroxide mixture (for water-based stains) and apply it to the stains.
• Use plastic wrap to cover the area and tape it from the edges.
• Wait for a few days and rinse the countertops. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible.
• To ensure that the mixture is not damaging the colour of the countertop, start with applying it to one spot only.
• Even though these countertops are durable, sealing is imperative. Experts suggest resealing granite countertops once a year and marble countertops once every few months.

Laminate countertops

For cleaning laminate countertops, here is a list of items you will require:

• Any regular cleaning detergent
• Water
• A piece of microfiber cloth
• Baking soda

The cleaning process:

• Make a solution of water and the cleaning detergent for cleaning the countertops.
• Dip a piece of clean cloth in the cleaning solution and gently wipe them down.
• Harsh cleaners that are acidic or alkaline in nature can damage the surface. Further, avoid using scouring pads and steel wool to prevent the countertops from getting damaged.
• To remove stains from the countertops, make a mixture of baking soda and water and apply it to them.
• Wait for five minutes and rinse it off. Do not use a scrub as it can damage the surface. Repeat if necessary.
• There are many durable options available for your kitchen interiors that do not require sealing. However, they are still prone to damages, and cutting boards and trivets should always be used so that scratches and burns can be avoided.

Quartz or engineered stone countertops

For cleaning quartz or engineered countertops, here is a list of items you will require:

• Water
• Dish soap
• Nonabrasive cleaner
• A piece of microfiber cloth
• Sponge

The cleaning process:

• Cleaning these countertops is easy. You can clean them using water and mild soap.
• Although they are stain-resistant, you can clean using a sponge and glass cleaner if you notice any stain.
• You do not have to worry about resealing it.