With the abundance of different countertop surfaces available it is no surprise that each requires a different cleaning method. To ensure that your countertop is protected from damage, it must be maintained properly. These guidelines will help you properly care for and extend the life of your investment for years to come.
Granite
Use warm soapy water and rinse surface thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads, they may scratch the surface of your granite. Stains can be removed by gently scrubbing with a mixture of baking soda and water. Use the paste and a soft brush and scrub the stain gently to remove, rinse and repeat if necessary. To prevent stains use a stone sealer, this will also help keep your granite clean.
Laminate
Laminate can be cleaned with warm soap water or a non-abrasive kitchen cleaner, again avoiding abrasive cleaning pads. To remove any build up use a mixture of white vinegar and water. For areas that are sticky to the touch apply baking soda and water mixture and follow up by rinsing.
Marble
Marble countertops should be wiped with a soft damp cloth and then a clean, dry cloth to prevent streaking. For a deeper clean use a pH-neutral dish washing liquid and warm water. Rinse away residue and wipe until completely dry. Blot any acidic liquids exposed to the marble immediately to prevent staining.
Stainless Steel
Microfiber clothes work best for dry cleaning stainless steel. Another cleaning should be done with a soft cloth and a mixture of warm water and mild dish washing soap. For daily finger print, removal purchase a commercial stainless-steel cleaner.
Solid-Surfacing or Cultured Stone
There are cleaners developed specifically for cleaning these surfaces. Wiping the surface dry after cleaning will help to prevent any build up. If you don’t have one of these cleaners available, soapy water can also be used. If your countertop has scratches or persistent stains consider having the surface renewed and contact your countertop fabricator for more information.
Butcher- Block
Use a clean sponge and wash block with a mild dishwasher soap and water mixture. Dry the surface with a soft cloth. If you are looking to disinfect use 1 Tbsp. Bleach and 1 gallon of warm water mixture and then wash and dry according to the directions above. For the removal of light, stains use salt and the cut side of a lemon to scrub out the stain, leave to rest overnight for deeper stains. Follow by rinsing with water and drying with a clean cloth. Dark stains can be removed by dabbing the stain with a 3% hydrogen peroxide soaked cotton swab. If these remedies don’t work, the surface of the butcher block can be resurfaced to look brand new. Regular maintenance on Butcher Block surfaces can be done by oiling the wood with a light coat of mineral oil to prevent it from drying out and extend its life expectancy.
Topics: Love Where You Live
