The Art of Cleaning a Counter Top
Once you’ve invested in a beautiful new kitchen countertop, the next major task is keeping it clean after daily use. This can be easier said than done if you cook often in the kitchen or have kids!
The best ways to clean a kitchen countertop depend on what material it is made from, such as granite, quartz, marble, wood, laminate, or stainless steel. Here are some professional cleaning tips from the kitchen countertop experts at Central Plumbing Specialties to keep your countertops looking amazing for many years to come.
Cleaning a Granite Countertop
Granite countertops give any kitchen a modern and polished look, and fortunately, you don’t have to use an arsenal of harsh chemicals to keep them looking great. Simply apply a small amount of mild dish soap to the surface and wash it away with warm water and a microfiber cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used for water-based stains that appear on granite countertops. However, it is a good idea to test any stain removal treatment on a small, unnoticeable section of the countertop first before applying it liberally across the entire surface, just to make sure it doesn’t affect the stone’s color or finish. Granite and marble countertops will often need to be resealed over time and after heavy use.
Cleaning Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are great because they are very resistant to stains and don’t require any special resealing for long-lasting protection. Quartz is a non-porous material where you also don’t have to worry about common countertop issues like chips, cracks, etching, or bacteria.
It’s easy to wash these countertops too with simple dish soap and warm water. You can also use a store-bought surface cleaner on these countertops, as long as it is non-abrasive. Along with a non-abrasive sponge, this is also a recommended method for removing the occasional stain that you may see.
Cleaning a Kitchen Countertop Made of Marble
Beautiful marble kitchen countertops require a slightly different cleaning strategy, but still an easy one that needs little more than warm water and dish soap on a daily basis. Use this mixture on marble countertops after use with a microfiber cloth to help the marble retain its original shine. Just make sure to not sure any acidic cleaning products that are harsh to preserve the fine stone. This means no lemon or vinegar on the marble to avoid etching the surface.
When you encounter stains on your marble, you can mix a little baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to sit overnight before rinsing away. Future stain prevention requires resealing the marble surface every few months, which is a bit more often than for granite.
Wood Countertop Cleaning
Wood kitchen countertops need cleaning daily with a non-abrasive kind of cleanser, or you can make your own DIY cleaning solution with warm water and just a small amount of distilled white vinegar. After gently scraping away significant residue with a spatula, spray the mixture onto the surface and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth.
For tough stains, try sprinkling some salt onto it and then directly apply the cut half of a lemon. Rub the salt into the wood surface with the lemon, and then clean it off with your water and vinegar mixture. To protect your wood countertop for the future, make sure to seal it with wax or food-safe oil, which will help prevent cracks and scratches.
Cleaning Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are typically quite easy to clean with just some mild all-purpose cleaner and warm water. Scouring pads will damage laminate, so steer clear of those. Instead, use a microfiber cloth with your DIY mixture for regular cleanings.
When you see a stain, create a paste with a mixture of baking soda and water. Unlike homes that have marble kitchen countertops, you only need to leave the paste on for a few minutes with laminate rather than overnight. Homeowners enjoy laminate countertops because they are very practical and durable, and they don’t require any special sealing processes. Just make sure to wipe up spills right away after they happen to reduce the risk of noticeable stains.
Kitchen Countertop Cleaning for Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is often used for countertops in restaurants and cafes because it is easy to keep clean and hygienic. Once again, all you need to clean this type of surface is dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. A soft-bristled scrubbing brush also works well on stainless steel. However, you can also purchase a specialized stainless steel cleaner for tough stains. Despite the name, stainless steel really does get stains!
Baking soda works great for stainless steel stains as well when you rub it in the direction of the grain. To keep your stainless steel surface looking shiny and new, use a stainless steel polish occasionally when it is looking dull or overly streaked.
When Kitchen Countertops Are Beyond Cleaning and Repair
Oftentimes, a kitchen countertop simply needs a thorough deep cleaning to start looking as good as new again. However, a countertop that has become chipped, cracked, or permanently stained may be in need of a more professional repair or even replacement. Countertops are among the most frequently used surfaces in a home, so it’s important to keep them safe, free of germs, and looking great.
Central Plumbing Specialties not only carries top-of-the-line plumbing and heating supplies and decorative kitchen and bath fixtures, but we also offer a wide selection of kitchen countertops. Stop by one of our Grande Central Showrooms in New York to see countertops in-person and choose one that suits the style of your kitchen and your lifestyle. As you browse countertops, it’s important to keep cleaning and maintenance in mind so that you don’t invest in a countertop that requires more care than you are able to provide. Our onsite experts will be happy to tell you all about the countertops we offer, the level of care they need, and how to best protect them for the future.