Cleaning Kitchen Countertops
While our kitchen counters are usually a place for prepared food and placing groceries, but what happens when they get covered in sauce, dirt, or just general yuck? In that case, it’s time to give your countertops a good clean. Before you go scrubbing away at your counters, here are a few things to consider:
What type of material is my countertop made out of?
If your countertop is made out of marble or granite, you will easily be able to use soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water as chemicals to clean and sanitize your counters. With wood countertops, however, you should only use warm water and a splash of white vinegar. For quartz counters, you need to use a glass cleaner, and on laminate countertops, the best solution is warm water and a microfiber cloth.
The different materials are extremely important to pay attention to as using the wrong cleaning material on your countertop can cause the counter to break down, stain, or even ruin it completely beyond repair.
What is on my countertop?
It is very important to get all of the items moved off of your counter before you can clean it. If you leave things on the counter, small amounts of junk and grime can get underneath them, threatening not only the cleanliness of your kitchen but also the sanitization of your entire countertop. To do this, you can take the objects off of the left half of your counter, moving everything to the right side. Once you clean the left, move everything from the right side back over to the left. Clean the right side, and then return everything to where it belongs.
How long will it take to clean?
There are many different factors that contribute to how long it will take to fully clean your countertops, but 30 to 45 minutes is a good estimate. For a deep clean, you may find that you have some hidden or particularly determined stains that can make the job a bit more difficult. Sometimes the steps you take in your regular cleaning routine aren’t enough to get your counter spotless. Or there are times you catch a spill just a little too late, and it’s already left a mark. In these cases, a little more effort is required.
What if I have big stains?
Sometimes with wooden countertops or wood cutting boards, big stains set in that need to be deep cleaned out. The best solution is to slice a lemon in half, pour some kosher salt on the stain, and use the lemon to lightly rub in the salt, letting the juice fully saturate the stain. Then, you will use a moist cloth to wipe everything away and dry the spot.
The best way to remove most stains will depend both on the countertop that you’re cleaning and also what originally made the stain. You will need to check with your countertop manufacturer to see whether it has a particular recommendation for your types of counters.
Do I need to worry about my sealant?
Yes, if you have a countertop that requires a sealant, like one that is made out of marble or granite, it’s important to regularly reseal it. Generally speaking, a natural stone counter will need to be resealed about every six months. You must be sure to follow this protocol if you want your counters to be in the best condition possible.
So, when is the best time to clean my counters?
The best time to clean your countertops is as soon as you notice that they are visibly dirty. If you are reading this blog, then it’s probably a hint that you should clean them now rather than later. Follow the tips that we have outlined, and your counters will be in great shape in no time!
And if you don’t want to clean your own countertops or worry about cleaning the other surfaces in your house, you can call us today to schedule your service. We can be reached at (208) 871-8159 to schedule your weekly or monthly home cleaning.