How To Clean Countertops

Life in the kitchen revolves around the countertop. You probably are not aware of how often you use it. You do not have to be cooking too. It is where you unpack your groceries, it is where you wait for the coffee to brew, and it is where you put your phone on top when looking at recipes. And when you cook, it gets stained, splattered with spilled ingredients, covered in crumbs, and more. That is why it needs to be thoroughly and frequently cleaned and maintained. However, cleaning kitchen countertops involves more than simply wiping them down with a cloth and cleaning supplies. You must be aware of the types of cleaners that are safe for your countertops as well as those that you must avert using at all costs if you want to clean your countertops properly. That is why, in this article, we will be giving you tips on cleaning and maintaining your countertops, keeping their material in mind.

How to Clean Granite

For starters, make sure your granite countertop is sealed. Even though granite has a much harder surface than marble and is less porous, it will still absorb liquids and pick up stains if it is not adequately sealed. Leave a few drops of water on your granite to see if it has been sealed. If it starts to bead up, your seal is reliable. If not, resealing will be necessary. To seal granite, use a stone-specific sealer. Stains will be less likely to occur as a result, and cleaning will be simpler.?

Granite countertops can be cleaned simply by wiping them down with warm, soapy water and then thoroughly rinse. This will be sufficient for daily sanitizing. To avoid simply spreading soiled suds, you should occasionally rinse your microfiber cloth with clean water. After you are done, polish the granite counter with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any water stains and streaks. Remember that you should avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaning agents and sponges and acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon, or lime, as well as anything that contains ammonia or bleach. If these chemicals are used frequently, the sealant will become dull and brittle over time. You can use a mild bleach solution if you want to disinfect your countertop. Also, avoid using scrub pads as well since they might scratch the surface.

For lingering stains, you can make a solution of baking soda and water to use on the surface. Use a soft brush and the solution to scrub the area, and then thoroughly rinse gently. Granite countertops may require several applications to get rid of stains, so do not be impatient.?

How to Clean Marble

Since marble is a natural stone, it is very porous and difficult to maintain. This poses one of its challenges. Lemon juice, vinegar, or bleach should not be used on these surfaces as they may etch over time and dull the surface, so marble should only be cleaned with soap and water. To prevent streaks, frequently wipe down your marble countertops with a soft, damp cloth (especially microfiber works well). Know that marble is prone to water stains, so do not forget to dry your countertop after wiping it down.?

Wine, orange juice, tomatoes, and soft drinks should all be immediately blotted off marble countertops because acidic liquids can permanently etch marble. You can make a paste out of water and baking soda and apply it to the area for at least 24 hours if there is such a stain. Applying that paste will usually remove most stains from marble countertops. Again, do not forget to seal your marble countertops and do so with the help of a product made especially for the marble’s porous surface.

How to Clean Quartz

Since quartz is fairly durable, it can withstand more abrasive cleaning agents than many other countertops. You should not necessarily use stronger products just because you can, though. You probably want your counters to last a long time, but frequent use of chemical cleaners could shorten their lifespan. Soapy water and a microfiber cloth will do just fine for daily cleanings. Quartz can also be cleaned with glass cleaner or even ammonia to really keep it streak-free and shining. However, use ammonia with extreme caution if you also use vinegar to clean your kitchen. When combined, these two regular household items produce a hazardous chemical reaction. Additionally, quartz is sensitive to heat and can stain if a spill is allowed to sit for too long, so grab a mat or a trivet before setting that hot pan down.

All-Around Tips for Cleaning Countertops

After looking at specific materials, we can look at the dos and don’ts of cleaning countertops regardless of their type. Here are some all-around tips for cleaning your countertops:

• Use a trivet, thick potholder, or cloth under hot cookware or baking dishes to avoid heat damage.?
• Avoid cutting directly on a countertop to avoid scratches, nicks, and, worst of all, gashes. Keep a large cutting board on hand, allowing you plenty of room for knife work.?
• Allowing dirty pots, pans, and dishes to sit on the counter can cause stains, especially if they contain ingredients like tomato, wine, curry, or mustard. So, do not wait for them to sit on the counter all day.
• Use a spoon rest or small plate to hold whisks, spatulas, and other cooking utensils between uses.?
• Spills and smudges should be cleaned immediately after they occur because they are easier to wipe up without scrubbing and less likely to stain.?
• Be cautious when handling cans, especially if the surface is wet. If you must leave a can on your counter, place a paper towel beneath it to avoid a rust ring.?
• Paint removers, oven cleaners, and other harsh chemicals should not be used on countertops.
• You can use paper towels, microfiber cleaning cloths, or even regular kitchen towels. You will need at least two: slathering on the soap, rinsing off the suds, and drying the counters afterward.?
• It is best to use a milder soap when performing routine cleaning tasks, such as wiping down a kitchen counter, to prevent damaging the surface or its sealant. For this kind of job, dish soap is ideal!?
• Cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing. It is wise to regularly disinfect high-touch areas like kitchen counters, especially if you frequently handle items that attract bacteria, like raw meat.
• The length of time depends on the size, material, and frequency of cleaning your countertops. But a reasonable estimate is between 30 and 45 minutes. It could take longer if the stains are really difficult to remove.
• Clear your counter first, focusing on any crumbs or accumulated debris. Any appliance or item that is normally on the countertop should also be moved.
• Get into tight spaces by using a toothbrush. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to focus on any hard-to-reach areas, such as edges or the space between the sink and counter. Make sure the toothbrush’s bristles are soft to avoid the risk of scratching your countertop.
• A natural stone counter typically requires resealing every six months, so do not forget to reseal it frequently.?

That’s about it! All in all, you should remember that all natural stones are porous to varying degrees because of their granular structure. So they have a tendency to absorb liquids due to their inherent porosity. Beetroot, wine, and cooking oil, especially when hot, may stain your marble or granite countertop, so clean it up immediately with a kitchen roll. Also, even though under most conditions, your countertops will be fine if you place a hot pan off the stove or a casserole out of the oven on them, placing a very hot object directly on top of a cold surface may result in a condition known as thermal shock. When the conditions are just right, there have been reports of countertops cracking. As a result, we always recommend using a trivet or thermal pad between the pot and the countertop.

As Bergen, we treat the surface of any natural stone with a proprietary sealer that penetrates the surface and fills the microscopic voids between the crystals to reduce the ability of the stone to absorb liquids. This process is carried out twice in the factory, once at the end of manufacturing and once before installation. Since this sealant can be washed out, depending on how frequently your countertops are used and what products are used to keep them clean, you should remember to reseal it if you want to maintain a stain-free countertop. Your countertop may get stained or discolored if not properly sealed and maintained. If you see liquids soaking into your countertop easily, wipe them off immediately and reapply the sealant. You can complete the process yourself at home since it is really simple. If you have any questions, we would be happy to help!

Sources

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