When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, there’s a lot of different things to consider. Countertops are made from a lot of different materials now, there’s a ton more options. With this newfound variety in kitchens, there’s a new challenge of keeping your countertops clean and in good condition. Let’s examine the different types of cleaners and what works best for your type of countertop.

HOW TO CLEAN QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

The nice thing about quartz countertops is that they have a high end look and are naturally very resilient. I like to wipe down quartz countertops with a washcloth and soapy water. You can also use a non-abrasive sponge.

Sometimes if I have a stubborn mess, I will use a vinegar solution of equal parts water and equal parts vinegar. I just combine the vinegar and water into a spray bottle and miss the entire counter surface. After letting it soak for a few minutes I will wipe it off with a kitchen sponge or a washcloth.

HOW TO CLEAN GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Granite countertops can be a little bit more difficult to maintain and keep clean. They are not stain resistant and frequent use of commercial cleaners can dull the shine of the surface. I have found the best way to care for them daily is to use warm water and dish soap with a soft washcloth.

These counters will also need to be disinfected every couple of days. The best way to disinfect this countertop is to mix a one to one ratio of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol into a spray bottle. I just mist the surface of the counter and let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe up with a soft cloth.

When cleaning granite you will want to avoid using anything acidic. Do not use any cleaners that contain ammonia vinegar or lemon. These can actually break down the surface. If you are unsure of what you can use, I just recommend to read the back of the bottle to ensure it is safe for use on granite.

HOW TO CLEAN CORAIN COUNTERTOPS

Corian countertops are a nice economical alternative to quartz, granite, and marble countertops. They are very resilient and have a hard surface that is non-porous. Most cleaners are safe on this type of countertops so long to say are not abrasive.

Like with most countertops, you can always clean the surface with warm soapy water and a soft dish cloth or sponge. If your countertops are white, you can use a one-part bleach to two parts water cleaning solution to disinfect. You definitely do not want to use anything too harsh or abrasive on the countertops. Examples of what not to use would be solvent cleaners like drain cleaner or anything abrasive like scouring pads because the surface can scratch easily. If you have any minor scratches, you can buff them out with 400 grit wet dry sandpaper.

HOW TO CLEAN LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS

Laminate countertops are extremely affordable and incredibly resilient. There’s not a whole lot you need to worry about when it comes to cleaning them. like all other countertops on this list, you can always clean a laminate countertop with warm soapy water and a soft wash rag or sponge.

if you were looking for a more natural solution to cleaning your laminate countertops, you can also use a vinegar and water solution and a spray bottle. I like to mix roughly two cups of water with one tablespoon of vinegar into a spray bottle, and mist the countertops. I usually let the solution sit for a couple of minutes and then wipe the counter clean with a soft washcloth.

If you are running into a trouble area on your countertop, I would recommend using baking soda on the area. I just sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area and then scrub it with the soft side of the sponge and the soapy water solution. Once that mess is cleaned, you can wipe it up with a soft damp rag..

SUMMARY

Overall, all these countertops can definitely be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution and a soft washcloth. Some countertops are easier to care for than others, but there’s no shortage of ways to care for even the most difficult countertop materials if that is what you want.