In any kitchen showroom and you’ll be amazed by the array of countertops. Marble granite, soapstone, wood…each has its selling factors, and their own maintenance and cleaning requirements. It’s important to understand the terms of your contract prior to purchasing, according to Gus Retsinas, formerly of the Manhattan Center for Kitchen and Bath. “Your countertop material must serve your design, but it must be practical, too.” To keep your countertop looking nice it’s important to ensure that you’re taking all the necessary precautions to avoid scratching or extreme heating (sorry but your pets should not be climbing up your marble countertop). Apart from purchasing a good cutting board and staying clear of direct heat-to-surface contact follow these tips from experts about cleaning your countertops according to the type of material that you’ve got within your kitchen.
How to Clean Wood Countertops
Tools:
- Warm Water
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Nonabrasive cleaner (optional)
- Scraper for pastry or a metal spoon
- Microfiber cloths
- Lemon
- Salt
Cleaning: To keep your wood countertops looking beautiful, wash them regularly with a nonabrasive cleanser or a homemade mixture of warm water and the addition of distilled white vinegar. Carefully scrape away any food remnants using the help of a spatula or pastry scraper. Make sure you clean the counters clean after cleaning them so they’re completely dry.
Stain Removal:
To eliminate staining, cut a lime in half, then sprinkle salt directly on the stain. Make use of a half lemon to rub the salt. Remove the lemon juice and salt by using vinegar and water.
Sealing:
Butcher-block and solid-wood countertops need to be sealed to protect them as they are prone to cracking and warping. There are many choices, but cabinet maker Cliff Spencer recommends taking the safer route by using a food-grade wax or oil. If you notice scratches or dings you can simply sand the wood and apply the protective coating.
How to Clean Marble and Granite Countertops
Tools:
- Water
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Plastic Wrap
- Tape
Cleaning:
Retsinas prefers a mixture of mild dish soap with warm water to use for daily cleaning. Follow it with a microfiber towel to shine the stone. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they could strip the sealer off and cause etching on the stone.
Stain Removal:
For staining on marble or granite countertops Clean using a paste made consisting of water and baking soda (for oil-based staining) and hydrogen peroxide (for water-based staining). Apply the paste onto the stain, wrap it in plastic wrap and then apply tape to the edges. Leave it to dry for a couple of days (or over night at minimum) then wash clean the residue. Repeat the process if the stain hasn’t completely gone. It is important to perform the test on a small area first to make sure that the process doesn’t alter the appearance or color on the surface.
Sealing:
These materials are well-known for their hard-wearing durability but they need to be sealed regularly to guard from staining. Reseal granite at least once per year and marble at least every three months, advises Lowes manager and expert in materials Mike Pitts.
How to Clean Laminate Countertops
Tools:
- Mild household cleaner
- Water
- Microfiber cloths
- Baking soda
Cleaning:
“Just use a clean cotton cloth with water and a mild, non-chemical liquid detergent to wipe it down,” says Gerri Chmiel who is the residential design director at Formica. Beware of harsh chemicals using alkali or acid and steel wool or the scouring pads.
Stain Removal:
Make a paste from baking soda, water and. Apply the paste on the stain and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before washing off with a soft , clean cloth. Baking soda has a slight abrasive therefore, don’t scrub. Repeat if necessary.
Sealing:
Formica is the best choice for practicality , since it’s more robust and doesn’t require sealing. However, it’s not perfect. You need to utilize cutting boards and trivets in order to keep from burns and scratches.
How to Clean Quartz or Engineered Stone Countertops
Tools:
- Dish soap
- Water
- Glass that is nonabrasive or surface cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Nonabrasive sponge
Cleaning:
Constructed from quartz crystals bound with resin engineered stone recreates the appearance of its natural counterparts, but without the need for maintenance. Similar to other countertops countertop options, these are cleanable by using mild soap and water.
Stain Removal:
Quartz countertops are generally stain-resistant. If you find an unabated mark that water and soap cannot manage, try using an acidic glass cleaner or a nonabrasive , soft sponge.
Sealing:
Stone countertops made of engineering don’t require any resealing or sealing to keep them in good condition, according to Erika Egede-Nissen who is the director of brand marketing at Caesarstone.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Countertops
Tools:
- Water
- Dish Soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Cleansing stainless-steel
- Baking soda
- Polishing stainless-steel
- Lemon oil
Cleaning:
There’s a reason that you’ll see stainless steel in commercial kitchens it’s because it requires just a basic wash-down using detergent and water. However, it is important to stay clear of scratching the surface and remain in the clear of smudges or streaks. You can use an emery cloth and a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel to smooth the surface. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads and steel wool, as they can damage the finish.
Stain Removal:
Despite its name stainless steel is able to be stained with ugly staining. Make a paste with baking soda and dish soap and apply a cloth to rub it in towards the grain.
Sealing:
It’s not necessary to seal your stainless-steel countertop However, you might want to polish it regularly using lemon oil or polish for stainless steel and microfiber cloth. Apply the polish along an upward direction to the grain. Then smooth it out using a clean microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Soapstone Countertops
Tools:
- Multi-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Mineral oil
- Fine-grit Sandpaper
Cleaning:
The natural stone is porous and therefore resistant to scratches and stains claims Mary Perham, operations manager at Green Mountain Soapstone. Clean it with every multipurpose cleaner as that it’s not abrasive.
Stain Removal:
The majority of stains can be eliminated by using a multi-purpose cleaner. Stains that are tough and scratchy can be eliminated using delicate Sandpaper (do not use any grit that is more rough that 80grit). Apply mineral oil following sanding.
Sealing:
The appearance of the stone will alter over time dependent on the type of mineral oil. Mineral oil accelerates the process of oxidation and makes the stone appear darker. “Some people choose to enhance the stone with mineral oil to bring out its movement and color, while others leave it alone and let it naturally patina over time,” she states. Mineral oil also helps keep the counters free of stains.
Related: What Are The Benefits Of Using an Adjustable Measuring Spoon?
