Seeing that almost all kitchen activities are done on the countertops, it only stands to reason that this culinary work desk is kept in impeccable working order, don’t you think?
“Why do I need to be specifically taught to clean kitchen countertops when I can just wipe them down with a towel?” you might think to yourself when you come across this article. Well, while it is tempting to wipe down your countertops with whatever multipurpose cleaner you can lay your hands on, these cleaning agents may not be right for your countertop and may cause damage to it in the long haul.
The best way to ensure your countertops continue to look great, is to stick to the recommended cleaners for that particular surface type. Whatever your countertop type, whether it is quartz, butcher block, marble, granite, laminate, tile, concrete, or stainless steel, this article has you covered on how to care for different countertop types.
Quartz Countertops
With this engineered stone, there are no typical countertop worries like etching, stains, chips, cracks, or even bacteria and mildew. You also do not have to worry about sealing and resealing it through its lifespan.
To clean, wash countertop down with soap and water or a dish soap, and dry.
Butcher block Countertops
Prone to stains, but holds up fine when sealed with water-based polyurethane, the butcher block is definitely not a surface you want to use as a cutting board or leave water to sit on indefinitely. With proper care, it lasts a long time.
To clean, scrub with a dish sponge or scrub brush with plastic bristles, and dish soap in hot water. Afterwards, wipe down with another damp cloth and then dry completely. For stubborn stains, scrub with a paste of baking soda and hot water. To disinfect, spray with white vinegar and let sit for a few minutes, wipe with a clean damp cloth and then dry.
Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are lovely but susceptible to scratch, etch and stain. The bright side though is, they are pretty easy to clean on a daily basis. All you need to keep this type of countertop looking spic and span is a spray bottle, warm water, non-abrasive dish soap and soft towels. As long as you do not use acidic natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice, your countertop should be fine. For stubborn stains, clean with a paste of warm water and baking soda and let sit on the stained area for at least 24 hours before wiping with a damp cloth and then dry completely.
Granite Countertops
No special cleaner is needed to clean this type of countertop. To disinfect, spray a solution of isopropyl and water, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry.
Laminate Countertops
Courtesy modern technology, the laminate countertop is a very cost-effective option and can be super durable when properly cared for. To keep in excellent condition, wipe spills off immediately. If your laminate is textured, like many are, for extensive cleaning, use a scrub brush with plastic bristles to get into the nooks and crannies.
Tile Countertops
Prone to chips and cracks, tile countertops are pretty easy to wipe clean; however, the grout can collect food particles and is prone to staining. To keep this type of countertop ever looking sparkling clean, occasionally, scrub the countertop mildly with scouring powder and bleach, concentrating on the grout.
Concrete Countertops
This countertop type is tough and as a result, is durable, long-lasting and is much less prone to stains, bacteria growth and water damage if sealed annually. It also helps a lot that it is heat safe.
To clean, a non-acidic cleaner and a microfiber cloth will do the trick.
To disinfect, mix ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle, spritz on surface and let sit for about five minutes, before wiping with a damp cloth and then drying thoroughly.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Formerly mostly used for industrial kitchens, stainless steel countertops have a vintage appeal that gives a kitchen a professional outlook, and are becoming popular in residential kitchens. Easier to care for than some other countertop types, this countertop does not need any special cleaners- cleaning daily messes with warm water, dish soap and a microfiber cloth will keep it gleaming fine. For tougher stains, scrub with a plastic bristled brush or any other non-abrasive scrubber and some baking soda. Rinse with a damp cloth and then buff dry.
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