The kitchen is where we spend most of our time in our daily lives. We are most often in the kitchen when we eat, organize, and clean. So, what do you think is the thing that we use the most in the kitchen? Of course, our countertops! Our countertops are the first prominent things when we enter the kitchen. Because of having small appliances and open space, clutter and dirt are pretty obvious on the countertops. In addition, since they complement the kitchen with the appearance, their cleanliness always adds elegance to your kitchen.
The countertops are where we use the most when preparing food, washing dishes, placing kitchen utensils, and arranging the kitchen. Therefore, countertops are where we should pay the most attention to their cleanliness. However, there are crucial elements we need to consider while doing this cleaning.
Things To Consider When Cleaning Countertops
There are many elements that we pay attention to when cleaning our house. For example, we do not clean our living room with the detergents we use in the bathroom. The frequency of cleaning kitchen countertops and kitchen cabinets is different. Kitchen countertops need to be kept clean every day. Evidently, they require regular cleaning because of being directly exposed to dirt. Moreover, having clean countertops is a must to make hygienic meals. As with every household item, there are some things to consider in countertop cleaning. These are;
- The material of your countertops,
- The degree of dirtiness of your countertops,
- And the materials you will use in the countertop cleaning.
You should start with the essential step, that is, determining the material of your countertops. You need to specify a cleaning method according to your countertops among the quartz, marble, quartzite, granite, and human-made countertops because each is made of different materials.
After completing the most crucial step, you should choose the appropriate cleaning materials, taking into account the pollution rate of your countertop. Because sometimes it is enough to wipe it with a cloth, sometimes it may be necessary to clean it in detail. While using some detergent types may be harmful to some countertops, it may not be a problem for some others. Now, there are even some special countertop cleaners produced according to the unique requirements of the material. Countertop cleaning should be done by paying attention to these; otherwise, your countertops may be damaged.
Countertop Cleaning By Types
Countertops can be preferred according to the demand, purpose of use, and kitchen style. Not every kitchen has the same type of countertops. The kitchen counter used in a typical house will not be the same as the kitchen counter of a hotel where hundreds of people are served. In addition, countertop preferences may vary according to the material. While some countertop materials are found in nature, some are made by human hands through chemical processes and become ready for use. There are differences between countertops made of stones and rocks found in nature and countertops made by human hands.
Each type of countertop requires a cleaning specific to the material. Some are easy to clean, while others require a lot of attention. Cleaning kitchen counters may sometimes seem complicated, but we have listed the cleaning processes suitable for different countertop types.
- How to clean quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops, manufactured countertops, are entirely non-porous and minimize the formation of stains and bacteria. The use of abrasive materials such as oven cleaner and bleach may damage the quartz countertops. It is recommended to clean them with a non-hard, microfiber cloth using dish soap and water. You can clean quartz countertops also with natural but harmless cleaners. As having a dirt-repellent structure, quartz countertops are one of the easy-to-clean options.
- How to clean granite countertops?
Granite countertops are among the countertops that attract the most attention with their appearance and durability. Granite is found in nature, and each of its slabs has unique patterns. Additionally, they are also very resistant to breakage, scratches, and heat. However, you should not clean granite countertops with any abrasive material. Water and dish soap are sufficient for daily cleaning as granite countertop cleaners. It should never be cleaned with acidic cleaners. You may prefer baking soda instead of any abrasive cleaners to remove stubborn stains.
- How to clean marble countertops?
Marble has been used in many areas throughout history, from the construction of buildings to the construction of sculptures. It fascinates people with its appearance and has also been indispensable when used on countertops. Although the cleaning method is similar to the granite countertops, marble should be treated more sensitively. Marble countertops should be wiped with soft materials, and ammonia-based and abrasive materials should never be used while cleaning. Such surfaces are durable but must be cleaned regularly.
- How to clean quartzite countertops?
Like granite, quartzite is also a natural stone. In addition to being stylish with its long-grained appearance and design, it is also resistant to high-temperature, chemicals, scratching, and breaking. You can clean quartzite countertops with almost all non-abrasive countertops cleaners. Therefore, it is very convenient to use as kitchen countertops.
- How to clean laminate countertops?
Laminate countertops have become very common due to their easy shape and various designs that appeal to many tastes. Therefore, how to clean laminate countertops is being asked more and more. Laminate countertop, which can be wiped clean with detergent water and a soft cloth, should be used with a cutting board, as it is not very resistant to scratches. You can clean it without rubbing too much with natural materials such as baking soda.
After paying attention to all these features, you can choose a cleaning method that suits your countertop material. If you would ask what the natural cleaner you can use for your kitchen countertops are, the answer is baking soda and vinegar!
Homemade Countertop Cleaners
Baking soda is a natural material we use in our regular home cleaning. And, it is harmless! Consider a stubborn stain on your quartz countertop; how to remove stains from them? Of course, with baking soda! You can clean your quartz countertop with a soft cloth by adding two packets of baking soda to warm water.
On the other hand, vinegar is a kitchen countertop cleaner that works when used carefully, although it is not suitable for all countertop types due to its abrasive nature. It should be used by mixing with water and cleaned without letting it stay on the countertop surface for a long time.
It can also be used for granite countertops as long as you are careful. For example, if the stain is very tough while cleaning your granite countertop, you can put water and vinegar in a spray bottle and wipe your countertop with the help of a sponge. This can be your homemade granite cleaner. But you must be more careful when you clean marble countertops, especially you must avoid using lemon as an ingredient in your homemade countertop cleaner.
This article has shared some cleaning methods and tips for each most popular countertop material and natural cleaners you may use for your regular countertop cleaning. This way, you will be able to keep your countertops in their best shape. You can visit our “Countertops” page to examine the materials we have mentioned, get more detailed information, and choose the countertop that suits you the most. Also, if you want to learn more about kitchen cleaning, you can read our articles “What is the Effect of Oven Cleaner on Kitchen Countertops?” and “Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning and Care”.