Kitchen counters can get messy through food preparation. Oils, raw and cooked food juices, sticky sugars, and general dust can layer on the surface of countertops to make them filthy, which isn't sanitary for kitchen operations.
In this article, we'll provide an all-purpose, step-by-step guide to cleaning different kinds of kitchen counters: from stone countertops, laminate countertops, butcher block countertops, wooden countertops, and more! Know the do's and don'ts of cleaning kitchen countertops here:
What You'll Need
First thing that you'll need is a good kitchen cleaner - one that is food safe as your counter is where you tend to place your ingredients for food preparations. A commercial, all-purpose cleaner works well, but you can make your own with dish soap and water that is safe for use for all materials.
You'll also need baking soda to buff and clean stainless steel countertops, as well as disinfectants to remove germs from raw meat residue, mold, and grime. A scrub brush will be great in removing deep-seated stains, while a clean cloth is needed to wipe the surface clean.
- All-purpose kitchen cleaner - preferably a food-safe cleaning solution OR
- Stone-safe cleaning solution - like Stone Care and Granite Gold
- Baking soda - for polishing
- Disinfecting wipe or spray - optional
- Microfiber cloth
- Scrub brush
Cleaning Your Kitchen Countertops: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mix Your Cleaning Solution
If you're using a commercial cleaning concentrate, then mix your cleaning solution in a spray bottle. Same with your homemade cleaner, if using one: mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap for every 2 cups of water, and place the mixture in a spray bottle.
White vinegar and water works well too, but should not be used on granite and marble countertops, or any other natural stone counters as acidic cleaners tend to etch the material, leaving a rough white patch on the surface.
Step 2: Let the Solution Sit
Spray the diluted solution all over your countertops, making sure to dampen every nook and cranny. Let the solution sit on your countertops for at least 5 minutes. This will help soften and lift the grime from the surface without damaging the material.
Only use stone-safe cleaning solutions to clean granite countertops and marble countertops. Butcher block counters, stainless steel counters, and ceramic or laminate countertops can be cleaned with virtually any solution made for general, daily cleaning.
Step 3: Wipe the Solution
Use your microfiber cloth to spread and dry the solution. This will remove any loose debris, grime, or dirt from your countertops, and give it a good clean. Microfiber is the best material to clean butcher block countertops, as well as other smooth surfaces as it does not leave any fibers or residue on the surface. It also helps to buff out natural stone countertops.
Step 4: Spot Clean Stains
Make a paste out of baking soda and warm water, and apply it directly onto stained areas on your countertops. Let the spot cleaner sit for 10 minutes, then use a brush to gently scrub away any stains in a circular motion. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
The same solution can be used to buff or polish smooth surfaces like marble and granite. Instead of brushing the paste into stains, use the paste to polish the entire surface using a soft cloth or paper towel to apply the paste.
Step 5: Disinfect
Use a disinfectant spray or a wipe to sanitize your countertops, getting them ready for your nest cooking session! It is important to let the disinfecting solution dry on the surface to allow the solution to work.
Cleaning Up
When the cleaning chores get overwhelming, and all those cleaning hacks and tips get confusing, you can trust in Luce to bring you a pristine clean without the worry or the hassle! Let us handle the cleaning, while you can save your time and effort for your family, friends, or hobbies.
Contact us today to hear about our full list of services and offers!
