Whether you are installing quartzite, granite, laminate, concrete or other kitchen countertops, it is the best way to properly clean the countertops

Author: Camille Dubuis-Welch Posted on March 21

Keeping the countertop clean is not as difficult as it seems. But one thing is certain, and that is that you need to know exactly what you are cleaning to make sure you handle this trivial matter correctly. From how to clean quartzite countertops to granite, and other modern countertop types such as concrete and laminate, this is our guide to help you clean all types of kitchen countertops, remove stains and all of them to get the original effect.

We also talked with Lysol's hygiene experts, "The countertops may breed food-borne bacteria and cause cross-contamination. Use Lysol® Kitchen Pro antibacterial cleaner to disinfect the countertops. Spray until wet, wait 2 minutes for disinfection, and then wipe. Then rinse the surface with drinking water after use. Be sure to check the compatibility with your countertop materials by field testing the product in a small covered area. 

Quartzite design is made of natural stone, which is often mistaken for marble or granite due to its similar delicate texture and coloring. It is an excellent choice for countertops and has become more and more popular in the past few years. It does not require high maintenance like marble, and it is very durable, so as long as it is cleaned and maintained properly, it will serve you well.

The best cleaner is a low pH non-acid cleaner, so you can consider using warm water and mild detergent. If you have installed a countertop, it is always worth checking with your sales representative. If you bought it when you bought your home, please pay attention and use the mildest cleaner you can find. The reason for this is because not every quartzite has the same composition.

You can use the stone cleaner that can be purchased from the store, but if you use the things you use at home-dish soap and warm water, you can continue to use it.

Quartz stone countertop cleaning and maintenance

Wipe the sides with a soft cloth or paper towel every day. If you can develop the habit of regularly wiping the quartzite countertops after each use, the possibility of stains will be greatly reduced.

One of the advantages of quartzite is that it is as hard as rock. This is good in terms of chipping and etching, although it may mean that darker stains such as wine and sauces will stain because it is porous-which is why sealing it is so important. Once there are stains-especially acidic substances such as lemon juice, wine and vinegar, and darker stains, the best way is to make a paste with baking soda and water, apply this paste on the stain, and then Use plastic wrap for two days. Wipe the surface clean, hope your stain will disappear-if not, repeat. 

What shouldn't you use on quartzite countertops?

Do not use heavy-duty scouring pads, bleach or harsh cleaners. Acidic cleaners based on vinegar or citrus are also not suitable because they will slowly erode the seal, making it look dull and easily stained.

As with any countertop, preventive maintenance is key. Always keep immediately on top of the spill and use coasters and tripods instead of placing the pan directly on the surface. Cutting boards are also a good choice-this is because quartzite is very hard, in fact, it is hard enough to dull your knife! 

The seal will protect your quartzite countertops from daily use, and more importantly-from stains. If you are installing quartzite, your supplier may affix a sealing strip for you. If you have inherited the countertop, be aware of signs that may need to be sealed. The key area to check is around the sink-if the stone looks darker due to constant splashing, then it's time to reseal it. You can buy the sealant from the stone supplier, or you can go to your local DIY store. They are easy to apply-make sure your countertop is clean and dry, and follow the instructions. Sealing is best done once a year to make your quartzite countertops look the top!

Compared with other countertop materials, quartz stone is very tough, but over time, it will change color, be scratched and show general signs of wear. Polishing will refresh your countertop and bring it back to life, especially when certain areas become dim. It will remove any defects that have appeared over the years, and will reveal the smooth and perfect natural stone below. To this end, we recommend that you hire a quartzite professional who will use their repair expertise without damaging the surface. Please find one through your local installer.

Granite has a variety of colors such as spotted white, spotted gray, black, green, blue, and red, making it a great choice for your kitchen countertops. Each color will of course have classic swirls and patterns, which are synonymous with granite. It has heat-resistant properties, is unlikely to be scratched or chipped, and each board is unique, so you will indeed provide something special for your countertop in the end. One of the best things about granite is that it adds value. But like anything, the more you take care of it, the better it will perform. Therefore, taking good care of it is the key, and learning how to clean granite will mean that your countertop will serve you well in the years to come. Granite is very dense, which means it is less prone to scratches than softer stones such as marble, but it does mean that it still needs to be careful. 

Simply wiping the surface with a damp cloth or mild kitchen cleaner is sufficient for daily cleaning. 

If you want to make a basic daily homemade cleanser, you can pour half a cup of rubbing alcohol, half a teaspoon of detergent, and half a cup of warm water into a spray bottle. The combination of alcohol and detergent will create a natural antibacterial cleanser that is safe for us.

To ensure a bright surface, we recommend using a suitable granite cleaner once a week for deeper and more effective results," said Naomi Dean, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones. 

Granite countertop cleaning and maintenance

Use soft materials such as glass and stainless steel to clean microfiber cloths because they are gentle and can also remove stains.

As we mentioned above, mild soap cleaners can be used for daily general cleaning. If you want to make your countertop glow and you don't have a professional cleaner on hand, as long as the surface is clean and dry beforehand, use a household spray polish.

If it is an oily stain, make a mixture of baking soda and water into a paste; if it is a water-based stain, add some hydrogen peroxide to the paste.

If the stain is very stubborn, please reapply the paste and cover it with plastic wrap overnight, and then rinse it off with water and a soft cloth in the morning. But in most cases, remember that your granite countertop is unique, which means that any deep stains that you cannot remove will most likely not be seen in your individual textures.

Speed ​​is always the most important thing. Spills need to be wiped off as quickly as possible to prevent them from seeping into the stone and getting dirty first.

What shouldn't you use on granite countertops?

Don't use vinegar, it will darken the natural luster of granite and will not work well when used with sealants.

Sealing granite is really worth it, because doing so will make cleaning and maintenance easier. Granite may be porous, so sealing them will prevent the stones from absorbing liquids such as water, wine, juice, and even oil. These may permanently stain your countertop. And don't forget the bacteria that may enter the pores. It is definitely worth sealing your countertops every year to avoid these problems. Another important tip is to be careful with heating-it is best to invest in a few tripods or use a wooden cutting board for pans and plates. Although your granite can withstand high temperatures for one minute, you may weaken the sealant and cause permanent stains and cracks. The same is true for cutting food. Knives may damage the sealant, allowing bacteria and liquids to enter, resulting in deep staining. 

Due to its easy maintenance and favorable price, laminate is an excellent choice for countertops. The smooth finish material is made of tightly pressed layers of paper, and it has a variety of designs, which means you can do marble finishes on the countertop without the need for high-maintenance cleaning! 

Every day you can use a clean microfiber cloth and a mixture of detergent and water to polish the laminate. Just wipe, rinse and dry.

What shouldn't you use on laminate countertops?

Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can leave scratches, including steel wool or scrubbing tools.

You can use baking soda to easily remove grease and other stains on the laminate countertop to get more improvement. First clean the surface as described above, then use baking soda and water to make a paste. It should be fairly thick, and then apply it to the stained area for a few minutes. Scrub gently with a clean microfiber cloth, rinse, dry, and repeat if necessary.

One of the disadvantages of laminate countertops is that they are not as damage-resistant as wooden or butcher block countertops, and they are susceptible to burns. To avoid delamination and having to completely replace your workbench, make sure not to put hot pots and trays directly on their surface. 

To ensure that your laminate countertops stand the test of time, you need to clean them every day to remove dirt and avoid stains. You can also consider using even a small can of acrylic, resin or polyurethane sealant for added protection and gloss.

Concrete countertops are not only a very cool feature in every modern kitchen, but they are also very durable, strong and lightweight. The ease of cleaning and maintaining your concrete countertop depends on whether your countertop is sealed. If so, you are looking for a cleaning route as simple as laminate countertops, otherwise you need to clean more carefully.

You need to use a cleaning agent with a neutral pH. Then take a microfiber cloth, rinse the surface with some hot water and wipe dry. To disinfect a sealed concrete surface, you can mix 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray it on and let it stand for five minutes, then wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly. You can also use dish soap and hot water, scrub with a sponge, and then dry it thoroughly.

What shouldn't you use on concrete countertops?

Abrasive scrubbing pads or harsh commercial cleaners will corrode the sealant, so avoid these at all costs and stick to microfiber cloths.

Although the pH of bleach is not neutral and it is not recommended to clean concrete countertops completely, you can use it to treat grease and acidic food stains because contact is limited. Just dip a small amount of bleach into some folder paper towels or cotton wool and place it on the stained and discolored area. Use a heavy cup or pan to apply pressure and the stain should disappear. Rinse and dry.

Concrete is durable, but it is porous, especially if it is not sealed, and it is easily stained. To avoid discoloration, you need to reapply the sealant and wax the surface regularly. Then be sure to catch the spill immediately.

Duzzit baking soda 550 grams, non-scratch multi-purpose powerful cleaner. 

Hero product in the field of natural cleaning.

Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Soap Original, 19.4 oz, 573 ml

Every time is a kind of enjoyment! 

The food preparation area looks great from all angles. 

Camille is the acting editor of Realhomes.com and joined the team in January 2020. As an interior design lover, when she is not developing evergreen content and frantically researching keywords, she will definitely find new ways to beautify her rented space, usually involving indoor plants or two. She likes the challenge of making the room look stylish and warm. Her ultimate goal is to renovate the house of her dreams, of course, in a sunny place with a wild and luxurious garden.

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