How to Clean Your Countertops Safely and Effectively

Cleaning countertops is an important part of keeping your kitchen organized and functioning to its fullest. For keeping the countertops clean and looking great for years to come, there are a few tasks you can perform regularly regardless of your countertop’s material. On the other hand, various countertop types require specialized treatment to prevent damage from cleaning.

Universal Cleaning Techniques for Countertops

The number one rule of keeping your countertops at their best is to wipe spills away as soon as they happen or at least as soon as you notice them. Always use a soft, clean, non-abrasive cloth with warm or hot water and pH-neutral cleaning solution. Once the spill is wiped away, you’ll need to dry the counter thoroughly. Doing so will help your countertops function well and look their best for years to come.

Special Cleaning Techniques for Your Unique Countertops

Many popular countertop materials have a variety of sensitivities and can be susceptible to damage when cleaned incorrectly. Keep in mind that some materials require professional sealing periodically and following the manufacturer’s directions for your countertop will keep yours from damage. Here’s what you need to know to keep your countertops clean and free from damage.

Granite Countertops are among today’s most popular countertop materials. It’s important to know that granite should never be left wet. If you find your granite plagued by a tough stain, you can use a mild alkaline paste made of baking soda and water, but tread carefully. Gently wipe without scrubbing because baking soda can be abrasive and result in damage.

Marble Countertops are also a popular choice, but the material is extremely porous. It is susceptible to damage from any wet substance, from water, to vinegar to lemon. If your countertops are marble, you will need to avoid abrasive or acidic cleaning solutions. When cleaning your marble, you’ll need to use a pH-neutral cleaner and hot water, and once the surface is clean, you’ll need to dry it completely with a soft cloth.

Ceramic Tile Countertops are beautiful options for countertops, though the grout can be easily stained and be a home to mildew, germs, and mold. For sealed ceramic tiles, cleaning is easy with a pH-neutral cleaner and hot water. For the grout, you’ll need to deep clean it on a regular basis to ensure it remains stain-free and sanitized.

Stainless Steel Countertops are making their way into home kitchens because they are among the least sensitive to damage. When stained or covered with build-up, stainless steel can withstand a mild abrasive even though too much can cause its shine to dull. Stainless steel does show fingerprints, water stains, and other smudges, but it can be cleaned daily with a mild stainless cleaner and hot water.

Copper Countertops are gaining popularity in kitchens for their classic beauty and character. The reddish metal will alter in appearance over time turning lovely shades of deep reds, browns, and blue-green via oxidation from the air and chemical reactions form acidic foods. Copper can be cleaned with special copper cleaners and the aging process can be slowed by sealing or waxing.

Laminate Countertops are popular because of their lower price and ability to mimic other more expensive surfaces. Spills, abrasive cleaners, and sponges are among the culprits in causing damage to laminate countertops. Laminates are adhered with adhesives which can break down if spills aren’t attended to quickly. Using a mild cleaner with hot water and ensuring countertops are wiped dry will keep your countertops looking good for a good long time.

If you are unsure of how to clean and maintain your countertops, call on the team at Signature Maids to help you get your countertops, your kitchen, and your entire home clean – just the way you want it!