Did you recently move into a new home or remodel your kitchen or bathroom? If so, you might be wondering how to begin cleaning your countertops and how to keep them clean and sanitary.
Laminate
Laminate is an affordable material that can mimic other countertop varieties. It’s durable and resistant to heat, stains, and germs, making cleaning countertops a breeze.
Regular Cleaning
Using a non-abrasive sponge and warm, soapy water, wipe the countertops down. Rinse the sponge and do another wipe down to remove any soapy residue. Finish up by spraying the counter with a vinegar solution and polishing it with a dry cloth.
If your laminate countertop gets stained, make a paste with water and baking soda, and apply it to the stain. After a few minutes, wipe it away.
Disinfecting
Laminate is sturdy enough that it can handle traditional methods of disinfection. Bleach, isopropyl alcohol at 70 percent, and products designed to disinfect all work well.
Extra Care
Laminate doesn’t need sealing or special maintenance.
Granite
People love granite. It’s beautiful and durable, and it can increase the value of your home. Statistics show that 64 percent of new homes feature granite countertops.
Regular Cleaning
Granite is easy to clean, but you’ll need to be careful about what products you use. Stay away from harsh antibacterial spray cleaners, bleach, and foaming cleaners. Also avoid natural acidic cleaners, such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Granite countertops need regular sealing, which we’ll explain below. Harsh or acidic cleansers can break down this sealant and make the granite more prone to damage. Instead, use warm water, a soft cloth, and a gentle dishwashing soap. You can skip the soap and only use water if the counter isn’t soiled or greasy.
Disinfecting
Soapy water will sanitize granite countertops. If you want to ensure they’re disinfected, you can use isopropyl alcohol at 70 percent strength. Spray it on, and let it sit for three to five minutes before wiping it away with a wet cloth. Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture, and you’re done!
Extra Care
You’ll need to seal granite countertops a few times a year. You can find a variety of products at most hardware or big-box stores. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Most sealants require the countertops to remain untouched for six hours after application.
There’s a simple test to check whether your granite countertop needs sealing. Pour a small amount of water on the surface. After three minutes, wipe the water away, and check to see if the granite has darkened. If so, it’s time to reseal.
Quartz
Unlike granite, quartz countertops don’t need sealing. They’re made with a small percentage of resin, which naturally seals the stone.
Regular Cleaning
Since quartz is less sensitive than granite, most non-abrasive household cleaners are safe. You’ll want to steer clear of wiry or rough scrubbing pads. These can create tiny nicks in the stone’s surface.
Disinfecting
You can disinfect quartz using the same method used for granite. Stick to isopropyl alcohol. Avoid harsh antibacterial or bleached-based cleaners.
Extra Care
Quartz countertops don’t need sealants or maintenance beyond regular cleaning and disinfecting.
Marble
Marble countertops are beautiful, but they aren’t the most durable. They can be prone to scratches and stains, and they do need sealing, much like granite.
Regular Cleaning
Since marble is prone to stains, you’ll want to wipe up any spills immediately. Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners, and don’t use steel wool or any other scrubbing pads. Stick to soft cloth, warm water, and gentle dish soap.
Disinfecting
Marble is too sensitive for alcohol, bleach, or most other disinfectants. Use a solution made from antibacterial dish soap and hot water. Allow it to remain on the marble for five minutes. The negative of soap is that it may build up and dull the countertop over time. Your best bet is to get a disinfecting cleaner designed for use with marble.
Extra Care
Like granite, marble is porous. This means you’ll need to seal the countertops a few times each year. Get a sealant designed for marble and follow the instructions. Sealing your marble will help protect it against stains.
Helping Hands: Cleaning Countertops so You Don’t Have to
If you don’t want to worry about cleaning your own countertops, let Helping Hands take over. Our Silver Basic Cleaning Package includes countertop washing. We’re knowledgeable on how to care for the different types of counters.
Are you in or around Elmhurst, Illinois? If you’d like more information on cleaning countertops or having your home professionally cleaned, please reach out to Helping Hands.