Guide to Kitchen Countertop Cleaning and Care

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If you are shopping for a new countertop for your kitchen, you are likely focused on the pros and cons of various popular options such as marble, granite, and quartz. But apart from the selling points of each option, you also need to factor in maintenance and care. If you have a busy lifestyle or young children that need constant attention, you may want to consider a material that is not only easy to clean, but also requires little maintenance. Here is a quick rundown on how to clean the most common types of kitchen countertop materials so that you can decide which best suits your needs. Granite kitchen countertopsGranite is easy to clean. All you need is warm soapy water and a soft cloth to keep the surface looking shiny and smooth. Do not use any abrasive cleaning pads or harsh chemicals. To avoid stains, wipe away spills right away. If the surface does stain, you can use a paste made of baking soda and leave it on the surface overnight. Granite is porous, which means that it will absorb liquid if not sealed properly. Granite needs resealing regularly. It is best to ask expert suppliers and installers like www.cggranite.ieto find out how often you need to have your countertops resealed. Marble kitchen countertopsCleaning marble is similar to cleaning any natural stone. Always use mild detergent, a soft cloth, and baking soda for stains. Marble also needs regular resealing because unlike granite, it is more susceptible to scratching. Tile kitchen countertopsAvoid using soap to clean tiled surfaces because it will leave a residue. Multi-purpose cleaners that are available commercially work well for keeping tiles clean and free from stains. The only challenge is dealing with grout mildew. To prevent mildew from growing, use bleach mixed with water or a special mildew killer applied using a toothbrush. Laminate kitchen countertopsDo not use harsh cleaning products that may strip away the sealant. A damp cloth and mild cleaner are enough to remove dirt and stains from a laminate surface. Laminate is not waterproof, which means you need to avoid standing water or moisture from accumulating on top of the counter. Wipe off spills as soon as possible and keep the surface dry at all times. Butcher block kitchen countertopsButcher block needs a special wood cleaner which will maintain the appearance and prevent the wood from fading. You can use natural vinegar to remove stains from wood, and if you want to seal the surface, rub mineral oil at least once every month or once every quarter. Quartz kitchen countertops Quartz countertops are generally resistant to stains, but in case of hard to remove marks and dirt, glass cleaner applied using a sponge will work. Mild soap, non-abrasive cleaning fluid, or warm water and a soft cloth are sufficient to clean the surface from everyday grime. Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops do not need sealing. As such, you do not have to worry about paying for extra maintenance to keep your quartz countertops looking new. 

Courtney P.

I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!

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