Like most people, you probably have an extensive collection of cleaning supplies in your home, each designated for a particular fixture or part of your house. However, custom countertops may be confusing. Chances are you don’t have a specialized cleaner for natural stone. What supplies work for cleaning countertops?
Fortunately, you won’t have to completely replace your entire set of cleaning supplies. Most countertop types do just fine with a mild version of cleaners you probably already own or can easily find. Let’s take a look at the best methods of cleaning your countertops, regardless of what type of stone they’re made of.
Your new countertops might not need an expensive new cleaning solution. See if you can keep everything clean with a few common household supplies. Share on X
Natural Stone: Marble and Granite
Even sealed natural stone countertops are quite porous and can only tolerate mild cleaning products. Wipe down your marble or granite counters with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Dry with a microfiber or similarly soft rag.
Stain removal is a bit trickier. Mix a paste of baking soda and water or hydrogen peroxide, rub it on the stain, and tape plastic wrap over the whole spot. Let it sit for at least 12 hours before rinsing. Repeat this process as needed until the stain is completely gone.
Engineered Stone: Quartz, Cultured Marble, and Cultured Granite
Engineered stone is arguably the least porous of any type of countertop. Even though the sealant can withstand slightly stronger cleaning solutions, there will rarely be a need to use one. Just clean your quartz countertops with the same dish soap and warm water that you’re using on any other surface. On the rare occasion that your countertop gets a stain, use a glass cleaner and soft cloth to scrub away the spot.
Solid Surfaces
Laminate countertops require a slightly stronger cleaning solution for everyday washing. Most mild household cleaners are fine–just steer clear of anything that contains acid or alkali. Additionally, NEVER use steel wool or highly abrasive scrubbers–the damage will show almost immediately.
If a solid surface countertop gets a stain, you can use the same baking soda paste as you would on a natural stone counter. Just leave it for five minutes rather than 12 hours, and rinse off gently. Baking soda is mildly abrasive on its own. Don’t give it the chance to ruin your countertop.
Pro Tip: Avoid using abrasive cleaning solutions or supplies on your countertops, regardless of type or style. Stick to softer materials like microfiber or cotton.
Cleaning Your Countertops
Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, countertops are an essential part of your home and regularly cleaning them provides a pleasing appearance as well as a longer lifespan for your fixtures. Of course, a good cleaning routine also ensures the rest of your home stays clean as dirt can’t spread from the countertops. Forming this habit will result in benefits all around!
Join the conversation to learn more about proper countertop maintenance in kitchens and bathrooms alike.
