For every homeowner, kitchen countertops are for both functionality and aesthetics. There are an assorted variety of countertops ranging from marble to granite, quartz, soapstone, wood, laminate, stainless steel, and even concrete. You might be tempted to clean different countertops with whatever all-purpose cleaner you have on hand, but that will only create more problems in the long run. 

Different countertops have different needs which need to be met. This ensures they last a long time while maintaining their quality and shine. You need to know the cleaning requirements for your countertop to clean it effectively. And that’s where your trusty professional cleaning team in Atlanta comes in. Read on for our step-by-step guide on cleaning different countertops.

1. GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Granite countertops are among the most popular choices for various reasons. They are durable, require little maintenance, can be cut into different designs, and are heat resistant. Granite cleaning products are water, mild dish soap, a microfiber towel, baking soda, plastic wrap, and tape.

How to Clean: You simply need warm water and dish soap to clean granite countertops. Dry with a microfiber towel afterward to shine the stone. You must avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners and scrub pads for granite maintenance as they could scratch the stone.

How to Remove Stains: Mix baking soda and water in a bowl to form a thick paste. Apply generously to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape it down. Let it sit at least overnight before you wipe it away. You can apply several times until you get the desired result.

To maintain durability and shine, you must reseal it annually or according to the manufacturer's guide.

2. QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Quartz countertops aren’t entirely natural, as they comprise 93% quartz crystals and 7% resin. If you want to invest in a durable countertop built to last, quartz is the way to go. Quartz countertop maintenance is straightforward as it is hard, non-porous, and doesn’t need to be resealed. You’ll need; water, mild dish soap, a microfiber towel, a non-abrasive sponge, and baking soda for cleaning quartz surfaces.

How to Clean: Simply wash the countertop with soap and warm water.

How to Remove Stains: Quartz is mostly stain-resistant, but if for any reason a stain sets, generously apply a baking soda and water paste to the stain. Lightly scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Do this as many times as needed until the stain lifts. For disinfecting quartz countertops, mix a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol and two cups of water into a spray bottle. Spray generously and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes before wiping away.

3. MARBLE COUNTERTOPS

Marble gives every kitchen a contemporary feel with its classy and elegant look. Bakers love it because its cool surface temperature is great for making pastries, and it provides an excellent surface for rolling out dough.

However, it is not the easiest option. Marble countertop care is quite delicate when compared to its stone counterparts. Its soft nature makes it scratch easily, and its porous nature allows it to stain easily. You’ll need water, mild dish soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a microfiber towel to clean marble surfaces.

How to Clean: With a marble countertop, you must wipe away any spillage immediately, as it could easily result in permanent stains. For daily cleaning, simply wipe with water and mild dish soap.

How to Remove Stains: To help prevent stains, wipe your countertop immediately after a spillage (this includes water as it can cause staining). To prevent stains, you also need to seal your marble countertop every three to six months. And when the countertop gets stained (cause’ it will), create a thick paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply generously and allow to dry before wiping away. Do this as many times as you need. 

To remove scratches and etches, a marble polish is required. Use a marble polishing powder, and scrub very lightly with your microfiber towel. Make sure to follow product instructions.

4. STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERTOPS

These countertops are becoming popular in homes, giving kitchens a stylish look. Thankfully, stainless steel countertop maintenance is relatively easy. This material is also durable, non-porous, and doesn’t need sealing. Cleaning stainless steel requires water, dish soap, a microfiber towel, stainless steel cleaner, and olive oil.

How to Clean: Your stainless-steel countertop needs to be cleaned regularly as it easily smudges and collects fingerprints. This ends up giving it a messy appearance. For a regular wipe-down, use soap and warm water. Use a stainless-steel cleaner and a microfiber towel to remove smudges and fingerprints. Be sure to clean it in the direction of the grain. For an extra shine, buff it with olive oil and a towel.

How to Remove Stains: The fact that it’s called ‘stainless’ doesn’t make it resistant to stains. If spillage sits on it for a while, a stain sets. The longer the spillage is allowed to sit, the harder it is to remove. Removing stains from stainless steel requires a mixture of baking soda and dish soap. Rub it in and allow it to sit for a while before wiping it away.

5. WOOD COUNTERTOPS

Wood countertops are an affordable alternative to stone countertops. They could be made from a variety of woods, including maple, oak, cherry, and walnut. Wood countertop care is relatively simple. The cleaning tools you need are warm water, non-abrasive cleaner, distilled white vinegar, microfiber cloth, lemon, salt, and a spatula.

How to Clean: Cleaning wooden surfaces requires a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of water and a splash of distilled white vinegar. Use a spatula to gently remove any food residues stuck to your countertop.

How to Remove Stains:

1. Blot any stains or spillage with a paper towel to prevent sinking into the wood.
2. For light stains, sprinkle salt on the stain, and scrub with a lemon half. If the stain is stubborn, leave it overnight before rinsing and drying it.
3. Soak a cotton swab with hydrogen peroxide for dark stains and dab the stain.
4. If the stain is permanent, sand and refinish your countertop.

Sealing wood countertops is necessary as they are prone to warping and cracking. To seal, wipe the countertop with a light coating of mineral oil. Leave the oil to seep into the wood, and wipe away any excess afterward. Do this twice a year.

GENERAL TIPS TO CLEAN DIFFERENT COUNTERTOPS

There are different countertop cleaning tips for all the various countertops. However, some universal cleaning techniques are essential for countertop maintenance.

1. Wipe your countertops daily to prevent permanent stains from food and drink spillages.
2. Clean any spillages immediately to prevent the setting of any stains.
3. Never clean your countertop with harsh and abrasive cleaners. This includes vinegar and ammonia.
4. Avoid abrasive brushes and sponges for cleaning your countertop to prevent scratching and etching.
5. Unlike granite countertops, many countertops aren’t heat resistant, so avoid setting hot objects directly on top of them. Use a trivet.
6. Don’t cut veggies or other foods directly on top of your counter, as this causes unsightly scratches. Invest in a good cutting board instead.
7. Seal your countertop as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This will let it last several years while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

In Summary…

Different countertops require different cleaning and maintenance practices. Regular countertop maintenance is your best bet for preventing unsightly stains, scratching, and damage. With this comprehensive guide, you can confidently clean and maintain your countertops, ensuring longevity and beauty. Remember to choose the appropriate cleaning products and techniques for each countertop material and follow the recommended steps for optimal results.

Happy cleaning!