It would be very convenient if one cleaner were effective for all cleaning chores. That cleaner hasn’t been invented yet. Different surfaces require specific types of cleaners to do the job properly and to avoid damaging the finish. Countertops are the focus of your kitchen. They are the most wiped surface in the house. They are expensive to replace. Make sure you are using the right cleaning products.
Common Cleaning Tips
Some cleaning tips are common to every type of countertop.
- Avoid scouring pads.
- No stiff bristle brushes.
- Use microfiber cloths.
- All stone materials are naturally porous and require sealing and resealing to prevent stains from being absorbed.
Etching
Etching damage looks like hard water stains. It is caused by the chemical reaction between calcium carbonate in the stone and low pH chemicals found in acidic food like tomatoes, lemon, vinegar, etc., and in cleaners with a lemon base. Repairing badly etched countertops usually requires professional attention.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops require resealing every 1 – 3 years to seal the pores and prevent staining. Lighter-colored granite is more porous and stains easier. Use granite sealer.
Clean your granite countertops with a quality granite and marble cleaning spray. Dish soap cleans the granite but eventually leaves a film that dulls the finish. Wipe up spills immediately–especially fruit juice, coffee, wine, and oils. Do not clean granite countertops with the following:
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Ammonia
- Lemon juice or lemon-based cleaners
- Glass cleaners
- Degreasers
Marble Countertops, Travertine, and Limestone
Marble, travertine, and limestone are softer stone than other countertops. They require sealing twice a year–more often if they get heavy use. All of these countertops are susceptible to etching caused by acidic liquids like coffee, fruit juice, vinegar, wine, and tomato-based products. Wipe up spills quickly.
Etching is difficult to prevent but usually disappears if you clean your countertop with an etch remover/marble polish. Clean your countertops with a dedicated granite and marble cleaner. Do not use vinegar or lemon-based cleaners. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the cleaner and a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it clean. Make sure to remove all of the cleaner to preserve the shine.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops do not require sealing. It is possible to stain them. Stains on quartz countertops tend to be permanent. Any spills should be wiped off immediately.
Only use quality granite and marble cleaner on quartz countertops. This eliminates any possibility of staining quartz with the wrong cleaner. Cleaning with dish detergent does not stain quartz but it builds up and leaves a film that dulls the finish.
Tile Countertops
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are less expensive countertops than other options. Glazed tiles do not require sealing. Tiles rarely stain and never etch because they are non-porous. Wipe up spills quickly to prevent the grout from staining.
Tile countertops can be cleaned with almost any household cleaner. Grout can be cleaned with vinegar and water, baking soda paste, or bleach. (none of these products should damage the tile.) If a sponge does not remove the dirt from the grout, use a toothbrush. After the grout is clean and dry, apply grout sealer to prevent moisture penetration and mildew growth under the surface.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops usually consist of compressed paper and wood with a plastic top coating. They do not require sealing. Abrasive cleaners, cloths, and scouring pads can damage the surface and allow water and liquids to seep into the lower layers.
Laminate is best cleaned with dish soap and clean microfiber cloths. Rinse the countertop thoroughly to prevent a soap film from dulling the finish.
Wood Countertops
Butcher block countertops are often unfinished wood. Wood absorbs moisture so any spills should be wiped up immediately. You should season wood countertops monthly with mineral oil. To keep wood clean you need to:
- Dust daily.
- Clean regularly by wiping it down with dish soap on a damp microfiber cloth. Two or three drops of soap on the cloth at a time.
- Wipe off all soap residue with a damp cloth.
- To remove stains, mix white vinegar with olive oil, apply it to the stain, and wipe off quickly to prevent the wood from absorbing it. (Wood does not absorb olive oil as quickly as water.)
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone countertops cannot be etched or stained but they can be scratched. Seal or apply mineral oil to your soapstone every 4 – 6 months to maintain its look.
Soapstone can be cleaned with white vinegar, dish soap, and lemon among other cleaners using soft microfiber cloths. No abrasive cloths or scouring pads that can scratch the surface. Small scratches on soapstone can be sanded out with light sandpaper. Deeper scratch repair should be left to professionals.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops do not stain but they scratch and become dull with careless cleaning. Stainless steel can be cleaned with many types of cleaners as long as they are not abrasive or contain chlorine bleach. Use only soft cloths with these cleaners.
- Soap. Baby soap or dish soap.
- Glass cleaners.
- Vinegar mixed with olive oil.
- Baking soda mixed into a smooth paste with water. Baking soda also removes small rust spots.
