Top Tips for Kitchen Countertop Cleaning

It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and we couldn’t agree more! It’s where we prepare home-cooked meals — breakfast, lunches, and dinners — to nourish our family daily or entertain friends. It goes through a lot, particularly the kitchen countertop, which should always be clean and sanitized so it’s always Instagram-ready and to minimize risks of food-borne illnesses. In this article, our top-notch home cleaning team in Milwaukee shares the best cleaning tips for all types of kitchen countertops. Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know!

The Best Strategy for Cleaning Dirty Kitchen Countertops

Here’s an expert guide on cleaning and maintaining different countertop materials. 

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are low maintenance because they are stain-resistant, scratch resistant, and incredibly durable. Spray the laminate surface with vinegar and water cleaning solution and wipe with a clean, cotton rag for everyday cleaning.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Most restaurants and commercial kitchens use stainless steel countertops because they are the easiest to clean and maintain! If you have them at home, warm water and dish soap will do the job. If you want to go the extra mile, buff the surface with store-bought stainless steel polish and a microfiber cloth to keep it shiny.

Marble Countertops

Never use vinegar and other acidic cleaning solutions on natural stone kitchen countertops, such as marble and granite. For cleaning and maintenance of marble countertops, follow these steps:

• Pour a few drops of dish soap on a non-abrasive sponge. 
• Wet it with a splash of water.
• Scrub the surface of the marble countertop, focusing on stains and grease.
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth immediately to prevent hard water stains.

Granite Countertops

Avoid using vinegar or Windex on granite countertops, which can etch or dull the surface and strip off the protective sealant. They are also not scratch resistant, so never scrub them using the rough side of a sponge. Typically, washing with warm soapy water is enough to clean and remove oil spills and food splatters on granite countertops. To sanitize and remove unpleasant odors, for example, from raw fish or chicken, wipe your granite countertops with 70% isopropyl alcohol with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil for a delightful scent.

Quartz Countertops

Like other natural stone kitchen countertops, stringent chemical-based cleaners can do more harm than good. The key to keeping it beautiful for a long time is to clean it regularly with warm soapy water. Clean spills and grease as soon as possible. You can also use a degreaser for stubborn issues, but make sure you get something made specifically for quartz countertops.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block or wood countertops are also low maintenance and forgiving against stains and scratches, which can be sanded and sealed again to make them look brand new. There are two ways to clean butcher block countertops. Aside from mild dish soap, you can also use a vinegar cleaning solution or lemon, which are guaranteed safe to use on butcher block countertops. 

• Spray vinegar on the surface, sprinkle with baking soda, and let it sizzle for a few minutes. Rinse with water and wipe dry with a clean cotton rag.
• Cut a lemon in half, dip it in baking soda, and use it to scrub stains on your wood countertops. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

Solid Surface Countertops 

Solid surface countertops are typically made of marble dust, plastic, and resin particles. Unlike other kitchen countertop materials, such as laminate countertops, natural stone countertops, or engineered stone countertops, they are not heat resistant. They can be easily damaged and discolored when you accidentally put hot pots on it.  Like quartz countertops, we highly recommend being proactive in cleaning. Wash the surface with water and mild dish soap daily and wipe dry immediately.

Prefer A Professional Home Cleaner Do The Job?

Sometimes, having an expert and experienced cleaner do it instead is more practical. You get the peace of mind that your kitchen countertop is cleaned to the highest standard, and you get the break from household chores that you deserve! BetterCleans is the best home cleaning service in Milwaukee and beyond. Our professional cleaners are knowledgeable in handling the most popular countertop material. Whether quartz countertops, tile countertops, concrete countertops, butcher block — you name it, we can clean it! So, what are you waiting for? Book a home cleaning in Milwaukee today!