Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Different Types of Countertops
The countertop is one of the best-working areas in the kitchen. It is the one place where you can do almost all your kitchen works including food preparation as well as preparing food before they are served. Keeping your countertop really clean is very important so that your delicious food offerings to the family or friends will not be contaminated with germs and bacteria that could be lurking around.
Different types of countertops have different qualities that require certain ways of cleaning and maintenance to preserve their quality. Below are some of the most common countertops and tips on how to clean them:
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is generally stain-resistant to oil, acidic liquids, and water but some substances may also stain it. If your laminated countertop has a stain that is difficult to remove, prepare a baking soda paste and apply it on the stained area. Let sit for a day then wipe clean and rinse. If the stain is really hard to remove, you can try a diluted all-purpose cleaner, but read first if there are any precautions about its use in laminate surfaces. After applying, wipe clean and rinse immediately.
Ceramic Tile Countertops
Ceramic tile countertops are easy to clean and maintain, except the grout. Unsealed grout in between the tiles can easily collect grime and molds which are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It is recommended to seal the grout to prevent glaring issues on grime, mold and hard to remove stains. You can clean your countertop using a solution containing equal parts of water and vinegar. Let sit for several minutes, then rinse and wipe dry. If the grout is unsealed, use the same solution in cleaning the grout but use a brass brush to remove the stain.
Granite Countertops
Spills if left unclean can sip into the tiny pores of your granite countertop and can cause a deep and hard-to-remove stain. As a preventive measure, wipe spills immediately. For regular cleaning, mix ¼ cup alcohol + 4 drops dishwashing detergent (preferably dawn) + 1 cup water. Put the mixture in the spray bottle and use this every time you need to clean the countertop.
Slate Countertops
Avoid acidic and abrasive cleaners when cleaning your slate countertop. Use non-acidic stone cleaners to clean it. Once a week, dust your countertop with microfiber cloth.
Marble Countertops
Avoid using abrasive and acidic cleaners such as lemon or vinegar on marble countertops. Wiping it with damp cloth is more often the best solution.
Wooden Countertops
To keep your wooden countertop looking good, don’t allow it to be wet for a long time. If there’s water on the surface, wipe it immediately. Also don’t use it as a chopping board. Use a soft cloth with mild detergent to clean. Rinse and wipe dry immediately. Apply mineral oil over the surface at least once a month for protection.
Solid Surface Countertops
Dish soap can be your best friend in cleaning solid surface countertops. If your countertop has a shiny finish, avoid using abrasive cleaners. Use baking soda paste for removing spots and stains.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops are not only popular among commercial kitchens but also in many homes. Stainless steel is prone to scratching, smudges and fingerprints. To thoroughly clean a stainless steel countertop, use dish soap or mild abrasive cleaners. Wipe it dry all the time as much as possible to prevent water spots.
Proper cleaning and maintenance is the key to keeping your countertop at its best.