How to Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops
Kitchen and bathroom countertops need frequent cleaning. To keep your home’s countertops germ free and looking their best, here are few suggestions for cleaning each type.
Stainless Steel
Dry clean stainless steel with a microfiber cloth and wet clean with a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Thoroughly dry after wet cleaning to prevent water spots, discoloration, or mineral deposits. Use a small amount of vinegar and rinse with water to remove these spots, stains, and deposits if they occur. Never use steel wool, rough cloths, or scouring pads since they will scratch the surface and ruin the reflective finish. To remove fingerprints and smudges, use a commercial stainless-steel cleaner.
Granite
Granite’s natural properties and unique color variations have made it one of the top countertop selections in recent years. To clean granite countertops, use warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly with a wet sponge or soft cloth. To clean dirt out of crevasses, use a soft bristled brush or a clean toothbrush and the same solution of water and dish soap, then wipe clean with a damp, soft cloth. To remove stains, make a paste of baking soda and water or talc mixed with a diluted solution of bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Don’t use ammonia or vinegar based cleansers or scrub pads because they may dull or scratch the surface. Due to its porous quality, granite should be cleaned and sealed before it’s installed to help prevent stains and ensure easier cleaning. Consider resealing your granite countertops every 6 months.
Marble
Just like granite, marble countertops are porous and susceptible to stains. To clean marble, use warm, soapy water or rub borax onto the surface with a moistened cloth, rinse with warm water, and buff dry with a soft cloth. Never let marble air dry because it is prone to water spots. If necessary, a mild bleach solution may be used. Avoid abrasive cleaners, oil polishes, soft waxes, and scrub pads. To remove stains, make a paste of baking soda and water or talc mixed with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.
Wood
Wipe up all spills quickly to prevent stains on your wood countertops. To wash, use a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft clean cloth. Another option is to mix 1/2 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water, rub the paste into the wood using a synthetic scouring pad, then rinse well and blot up excess moisture. To remove odors, rub the surface with a slice of lemon, or sprinkle with baking soda and rub in with a damp sponge. After cutting raw meat, wash your wood countertop with hot water, dishwashing liquid, and a scrub brush. Then use a disinfectant cleaner or a diluted bleach solution (1-tsp. bleach to 1-qt. water) on the surface to eliminate bacteria. Sprinkle stains with salt, then scrub with the cut side of half a lemon. Apply oil to your wood countertops monthly to prevent drying and cracking. Wipe the wood with a light coat of mineral oil, letting the oil soak into the surface. Wipe up the oil that does not soak in to prevent the surface from becoming tacky and attracting dirt.
If you have any questions about how to clean your countertops, give Greens a call today at 678-445-5533.