You’ve probably been there: cleaning cloth in hand, wondering if you’re about to make your kitchen sparkle or accidentally damage that beautiful surface. That’s why it’s so important to clean your countertops the right way to keep them looking fabulous and in great shape.
Let’s talk about how to tackle those countertops with confidence!
Not all countertops are the same!
Countertops come in all sorts of materials, and each one has its own little quirks when it comes to cleaning. Knowing how to care for it properly will save you time, money, and hassle. Below, we’ll break down the best cleaning methods for different types of countertops.
How to clean granite, marble, and quartz countertops
For these three kinds of countertops, you can use these items:
- A pH-neutral stone cleaner or some mild dish soap.
- A soft, trusty microfiber cloth
- Warm water
- A gentle sponge
- Stone sealer
Now, follow these four steps:
- Wipe it down: Grab your damp microfiber cloth and give the surface a quick wipe to get rid of any crumbs or dust.
- Spritz and scrub: Spray your pH-neutral cleaner (or soapy water mix) onto the surface, then gently scrub with your sponge. No need to go overboard; gentle is alright.
- Rinse and shine: Wipe away any leftover cleaner with a clean, damp microfiber cloth, and then dry the surface with a soft towel to avoid those annoying water drops.
- Seal the deal: If you’re working with granite or marble, don’t forget to apply a sealing agent to keep that stone looking sharp and protected.
How to clean laminate and butcher block
You can clean these countertops with the following:
- Mild dish soap
- A soft sponge
- White vinegar (for those tougher jobs)
- Baking soda (for the stubborn stains)
- Warm water
- A dry cloth
Steps to follow:
- Wipe down: Mix some warm water and mild dish soap, then use your soft sponge to clean the surface.
- Deep clean: For those tougher stains or greasy spots, a splash of white vinegar mixed with water works wonders. Spray it on, let it chill for a few minutes, then wipe it off.
- Tackle stains: For stubborn stains, mix a little baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to the stain, gently rub it in with a soft cloth, and watch the magic happen.
- Dry it up: Make sure to dry the surface with a clean cloth ( especially on butcher block countertops) to prevent any water damage.
Dos and don’ts of cleaning countertops
Whenever you need to clean your countertop, never forget what you must and mustn’t do:
- Do stick to pH-neutral cleaners for natural stones; keeping them gentle is the key!
- Don’t use harsh or acidic cleaners on delicate surfaces like marble; they’ll thank you later!
- Do seal your natural stone countertops regularly. It’s like giving them a protective shield!
- Don’t let spills linger, especially on porous surfaces like butcher block or granite. A quick wipe can save you from stains.
- Do clean up acidic spills (like lemon juice) right away to avoid any damage.
- Don’t go near your countertops with bleach; it’s too harsh and can cause discoloration or damage.
Let Maids In Pink handle the cleaning!
Do you feel like your cleaning routine is getting a bit overwhelming? No worries! That’s what we’re here for. At Maids in Pink, we know the best way to keep your countertop (and your whole home) sparkling clean. Book with us today!
