Caring for your countertops is an important part of maintaining your home. With the right care and maintenance, you can keep your countertops in great shape for years to come. Here are the best tips for caring for different types of countertop materials.
Cleaning Your Countertops
Regular cleaning is key to keeping your countertops looking their best. Here are some general cleaning tips:
Use a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner
Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage or discolor your countertops. A mild detergent, soap and water, or all-purpose cleaner are good options for most countertop materials.
Clean spills right away
Don’t let spills sit on your countertops. Clean them up promptly to prevent stains and damage.
Disinfect periodically
Disinfect your countertops regularly with a cleaner made for your specific material. This helps kill germs and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and pads
Scouring powders, brushes, and abrasive pads can scratch or dull the surface of your countertops. Use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges instead.
Rinse soap residue
After cleaning, make sure to rinse off any soap or cleaner residue, which can attract dirt over time.
Material-Specific Cleaning Tips
Certain countertop materials have specific care instructions. Follow these tips for keeping different types of countertops looking their best:
Granite
- Use a granite cleaner or mild soap and water. Avoid acidic cleaners which can etch the stone.
- Seal granite countertops once a year to protect the stone.
- For stubborn stains, use a poultice made specifically for granite.
Marble
- Avoid acidic cleaners which can damage marble. Use neutral cleaners instead.
- Seal marble once a year to prevent stains and etching.
- Gently scrub stains with a damp cloth and baking soda.
Quartz
- Clean with a mild nonabrasive cleaner and soft cloth.
- Avoid scouring powders or scrubbing pads which can dull the surface.
- Disinfect regularly with an EPA-registered cleaner.
Laminate
- Use a mild all-purpose cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Disinfect frequently with a spray cleaner to prevent bacteria growth.
- Use a non-bleach cleaner to remove stains.
Stainless Steel
- Clean gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive pads.
- Use a stainless steel cleaner and polish monthly to keep the finish bright.
- Rinse and wipe away cleaning products to prevent water spots.
Tile
- Use an all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner for routine cleaning.
- For grout, use a specially formulated grout cleaner and brush.
- Seal grout lines annually to simplify cleaning.
Concrete
- Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner and soft cloth.
- Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch and damage concrete.
- Sealing concrete occasionally can make cleaning easier.
Wood
- Use a mild soap and water. Avoid excessive moisture.
- Re-oil occasionally with mineral oil to condition and protect the wood.
- Disinfect with a cleaner made specifically for wood countertops.
Preventing Damage
In addition to regular cleaning, take steps to prevent damage to your countertops:
Use cutting boards
Protect surfaces by cutting foods on a cutting board, not directly on the counter.
Use hot pads
Place hot pans, dishes, and appliances on hot pads to prevent burns or cracks.
Clean up spills promptly
Don’t let liquids sit on countertops which can stain or etch certain materials like marble.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Do not use products like paint removers or drain cleaners on your countertops.
Protect again scratches
Use placemats and coasters to prevent glassware and ceramics from scratching countertops.
How to Remove Common Stains from Countertops
Even with proper care, stains can still occur on countertops from time to time. Here are tips for removing some of the most common countertop stains:
Oil-based stains
- Use a degreasing cleaner made for your specific material.
- For mineral oil stains on wood, sand lightly and re-oil.
- Dab some baking soda on the stain and scrub gently with a soft cloth.
Water marks/rings
- Buff them out gently with a non-abrasive cleaner and pad.
- Rub the area with a paste of baking soda and water.
- Re-seal absorbent surfaces like concrete occasionally.
Food stains
- Use a gentle cleaner and soft sponge, avoiding abrasive scouring.
- For dried-on food, let a damp cloth soaked in hot water sit on the stain.
- Mix a baking soda and water paste and gently rub stubborn stains.
Mold/mildew stains
- Clean promptly with an all-purpose mold and mildew cleaner.
- Make a baking soda paste with hydrogen peroxide and scrub lightly.
- For grout, use a specially formulated grout cleaner.
Hard water marks
- Wipe with equal parts white vinegar and water. Rinse.
- Rub gently with a non-abrasive scouring pad and baking soda.
- Use a limescale removing cleaner made specifically for countertops.
Wine, coffee, and juice stains
- Clean immediately with mild dish soap and warm water.
- Use a poultice specially made for the material, like granite.
- On laminate counters, apply a non-bleach cleaner and let sit.
Ink or dye stains
- Gently scrub with a paste of baking soda and water.
- Use an ammonia-based cleaner and rinse thoroughly.
- Apply an acetone nail polish remover and wipe carefully.
With prompt, careful cleaning and by using the right products for your counters, you can remove pesky stains and keep your counters looking like new. Be gentle and take your time when attempting to remove stains to avoid damaging your counters. Contact a professional if stains persist.
Maintaining Different Countertop Finishes
The finish of your countertops also needs regular care and maintenance. Here are tips for caring for popular countertop finishes:
Polished stone
- Polish periodically with a product made for natural stone.
- Re-seal granite, marble, and other porous stones 1-2 times per year.
- Avoid acidic cleaners than can dull and etch a polished finish.
Honed stone
- Use a stone cleaner and soft cloth to clean.
- Re-seal these porous finishes annually to prevent stains.
- Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing which can damage the finish.
Matte/concrete finishes
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for concrete.
- Avoid acidic cleaners that will etch and damage the surface.
- Reseal concrete every 1-2 years for protection and easier cleaning.
Manufactured surfaces
- Use the cleaner recommended by your countertop manufacturer.
- Rub a polishing wax on laminate occasionally to restore shine.
- Apply mineral oil periodically to protect and maintain the look of wood.
Tiled finishes
- Use a specially designed grout sealer and apply to grout lines annually.
- Clean tiles gently with mild cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid abrasives.
- Use a silicone grout sealer on the grout lines for waterproofing.
Natural stone sealers
Regularly sealing absorbent natural stone countertops like granite, marble, limestone, and soapstone helps prevent stains and damage by creating a protective barrier. Be sure to:
- Use a sealer specifically designed for your type of natural stone.
- Apply sealer 1-2 times per year for prevention.
- Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
- Allow proper dry time before using counters after sealing.
Avoiding Damage from Hot Items
Placing hot pots, pans, bakeware, and other items directly on your counters can scorch, crack, or mark certain surfaces. Follow these tips:
- Always use heatproof trivets or hot pads under hot dishes and cookware.
- Take care when removing items from the oven or stove. Use thick, dry potholders.
- Don’t put hot hair tools like curling irons or straighteners directly on your counters.
- Avoid pouring hot liquids directly onto counters – use placemats or trivets.
- Let pans cool completely before touching counters to prevent subtle heat damage over time.
- Clean up any spills from hot foods or liquids right away.
Being mindful when handling hot items in the kitchen will help prevent costly damage to your counters. Investing in some heatproof trivets and hot pads is a simple way to add protection.
How to Care for Your Countertops by Material
Proper care varies depending on your specific type of countertop material. Here are tips tailored to popular countertop surfaces:
Granite Countertop Care
Granite is very durable but still requires proper maintenance.
- Clean with a granite-safe cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid acidic cleaners.
- Seal granite counters 1-2 times per year with a stone sealer.
- Immediately blot up spills, especially wine, juice, and coffee.
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot objects. Granite can crack.
- Cut only on cutting boards, not directly on the counter.
Marble Countertop Care
Marble is prone to etching and stains, so it needs special care.
- Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, wine, and acidic foods that can etch marble.
- Clean up spills immediately before they can stain.
- Use a marble polish regularly to maintain luster.
- Seal marble counters 2-3 times yearly with a stone sealer.
- Prevent scratches with placemats and trivets.
Quartz Countertop Care
Quartz is an engineered stone that requires little maintenance.
- Use a mild soap and water for daily cleaning.
- Disinfect occasionally with an EPA-registered cleaner.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads that may dull the surface.
- Use trivets and cutting boards since quartz can be scratched.
- Quartz does not need regular sealing.
Laminate Countertop Care
Laminate counters are easy to maintain with proper cleaning.
- Use a mild all-purpose cleaner and soft cloth or sponge.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers that may scratch the laminate.
- Disinfect frequently with a spray cleaner to prevent bacteria growth.
- Use trivets, placemats, and cutting boards to prevent scratches.
- Apply polishing wax occasionally to restore shine.
Concrete Countertop Care
Concrete needs sealing and gentle cleaning to stay looking its best.
- Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner, not acidic products.
- Reseal concrete counters every 1-2 years for protection.
- Avoid chipping concrete edges by always using trivets and cutting boards.
- Don’t place hot pans, candles, etc. directly on concrete.
- Use a gentle circular motion to remove stuck-on food or dirt.
Stainless Steel Countertop Care
Stainless steel stays beautiful with regular cleaning and polishing.
- Use a stainless steel cleaner and microfiber cloths to avoid scratches.
- Clean gently following the grain direction, not in circles.
- Rinse off cleaners thoroughly to avoid water spots.
- Polish monthly with a stainless steel polish/cleaner.
- Prevent rust by drying near sinks and clean up spills promptly.
Butcher Block Countertop Care
Butcher block wood counters need conditioning and protection from moisture.
- Clean with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly after.
- Apply mineral oil or beeswax regularly to condition and protect the wood.
- Allow time for oil treatments to fully absorb before use.
- Always use trivets, mats, and cutting boards. Avoid direct cuts on the wood.
- Disinfect with a cleaner made specifically for wood counters.
How to Sanitize Your Countertops
Sanitizing your counters helps kill bacteria and viruses to keep your family healthy. Here are tips:
- Clean first with an all-purpose cleaner and rinse.
- Disinfect using EPA-registered sanitizers or wipes made for your counter material.
- Allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for the time indicated on the label.
- Focus on areas touched often – near the sink, appliances, and prep spaces.
- For extra protection, use a spray disinfectant after cleaning.
- Sanitize cutting boards, sponges, towels, and other kitchen items regularly.
Be sure to check that disinfecting products are specifically approved for use on your type of countertop material to avoid damage. Increase disinfection frequency when someone in your home is ill.
Caring for Your Countertops Yearly
It’s important to thoroughly clean and treat your counters at least once a year. Here are some tips:
Annual deep clean
- Remove everything from counters and clean all surfaces thoroughly.
- Use a degreasing cleaner to eliminate grimy buildup in hard-to-reach spots.
- Clean grout lines with a specialty grout brush and cleaner.
- Go over entire surface with a disinfectant or antimicrobial cleaner.
Seal and protect
- Reseal natural stone and grout lines with a specialty sealer.
- Apply wax or polish to surfaces like granite, laminate, and tile to boost shine.
- Consider applying a protectant like mineral oil to wood counters to maintain their finish.
Inspect closely
- Look for any damage like chips, cracks, or discoloration needing repair.
- Check caulk edges to ensure a proper seal with no gaps or cracks.
- Examine countertops under direct light to identify any problem areas or stains.
Deep scrub walls and backsplash
- Clean grease, splatters, and dirt from walls near counters.
- Scrub backsplash tile or protectant material thoroughly.
- Use a grout brush and cleaner for grimy grout lines.
Take time for needed repairs
- Use caulk or epoxy filler for minor chips and cracks in the counter surface.
- Repair or re-apply end cap sealants as needed.
- Sand and re-oil wood counters to restore their finish.
- Replace heavily damaged areas like cracked tiles.
Doing a thorough deep clean and inspection annually helps keep problems from developing and your counters looking like new. Be sure to use the right cleaning methods and products for your specific counter material. Contact a countertop pro for repairs beyond your DIY abilities.
6 FAQs About Caring for Countertops
Cleaning and caring for kitchen countertops often raises questions. Here are answers to 6 frequently asked questions:
Should you use different cleaners for sealed vs. unsealed countertops?
Sealing makes countertops less prone to stains, but you should still use a gentle cleaner made for the specific material. Harsh cleaners can degrade sealants over time.
How can you remove hard water stains from stone counters?
Use a poultice tailored to the stone, rubbing alcohol, or in severe cases, a stain remover containing hydrogen fluoride which must be professionally applied.
Is it safe to cut directly on quartz countertops?
Avoid cutting anything directly on quartz, including with ceramic knives, since it can scratch, dull, or chip the surface over time. Always use a cutting board.
Can you use bleach to clean and disinfect laminate counters?
Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals on laminate. Use a specially formulated disinfecting cleaner or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner instead.
How do you remove grease stains from granite?
Degrease with an all-purpose cleaner or mix baking soda and vinegar into a paste. For tough stains, use a poultice made specifically for granite.
What’s the best way to get rid of hard water spots on a stainless steel counter?
Use white vinegar and water to wipe away spots. Rub gently following the grain lines. Avoid abrasive pads or you may damage the finish.
Conclusion
Caring for countertops takes regular maintenance like daily cleaning, preventative care, and prompt attention to spills and stains. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific material is key. With some simple habits like using trivets, cleaning spills quickly, and sealing surfaces when needed, you can keep your counters looking like new for years of beauty and enjoyment.
