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Thursday, April 17, 2014

How to Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

How to Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

Different types of countertops require different methods of care. Read on for the right way to clean the countertops in your kitchen or bath, plus pick up some easy cleaning tricks to make the job even easier. Follow these tricks for efficiently cleaning countertops in a jiffy. See how to clean and care for specific types of countertop materials.

 

Granite Countertops

  • How to clean: Wipe the surface with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. A mild bleach solution may be used. Don't use abrasive cleanser or scrub pads because they may scratch the surface.
  • How to remove stains: Make a paste of baking soda and water or talc mixed with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Several applications may be necessary to lift the stain.
  • How to seal: Seal with an appropriate sealer formulated for stone to help prevent stains and make it easier to keep clean.

Laminate Countertops

  • How to clean: Use warm, soapy water, a mild bleach solution, or a nonabrasive kitchen cleaner to clean laminate countertops. Don't use abrasive cleaning pads. Use a soft toothbrush along seams or along metal edging. Take care when using bleach solutions: They may alter the countertop color or cause other surface damage. Test first in an inconspicuous spot.
  • How to remove stains: For greasy buildup, use a kitchen cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water. If the surface feels tacky, rub with a paste of baking soda and water, then rinse.
  • How to seal: No sealing is necessary.

Stone Countertops: Limestone, Slate, And Soapstone

  • How to clean: Wipe the surface with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. A mild bleach solution may be used. Don't use abrasive cleanser or scrub pads because they may scratch the surface.
  • How to remove stains: Make a paste of baking soda and water or talc mixed with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Several applications may be necessary to lift the stain.
  • How to seal: Seal with an appropriate sealer formulated for your particular stone to help prevent stains and make every day cleaning easy.

Butcher-Block Countertops

  • How to clean: Using a clean sponge or soft cloth, wash butcher block with a solution of water and mild dishwashing liquid. Dry the wood with a soft cloth. Kill bacteria left behind by raw meat with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach mixed with one gallon of warm water. Then wash and dry as directed above.
  • How to remove stains: Blot up as much of the stain as you can to prevent it from sinking into the pores of the wood. If you're dealing with a light stain, try sprinkling on salt. Then scrub with the cut side of half a lemon. Stain still showing? Let it sit overnight before rinsing with water and drying with a clean cloth. For a darker stain, try dabbing with a cotton swab dipped in a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to lighten it. If the stain seems permanent, you can always sand and refinish the butcherblock.
  • How to seal: Oiling wood countertops keeps the wood from drying out, helps seal the surface, and adds a sheen. Wipe the wood with a light coat of mineral oil, letting the oil soak into the surface. Sop up oil that does not soak in. Do not use excess oil because the surface may become tacky and attract dirt. Don't use linseed or vegetable oil for this purpose because they can become rancid.

Ceramic-Tile Countertops

  • How to clean: Unless tiles are rinsed thoroughly, soap may leave a film on the surface. Adding white vinegar to the water may alleviate this problem. Do not use abrasive cleaners or pads.
  • How to remove stains: Although tile doesn't stain easily, grout does. It's also the area most likely to harbor bacteria. Scrub the grout with a mild bleach solution and a toothbrush. Then seal it with a commercial grout sealer.
  • How to seal: Glazed ceramic tile does not need to be sealed. Grout, on the other hand, should be sealed with a grout sealant to help it become stain-resistant. Unglazed tile countertops should be sealed with a penetrating sealer for protection and stain resistance.

Concrete Countertops

  • How to clean: Wipe the surface with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. A mild bleach solution may be used. Don't use abrasive cleanser or scrub pads because they may scratch the surface.
  • How to remove stains: Make a paste of baking soda and water or talc mixed with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Several applications may be necessary to lift the stain.
  • How to seal: Seal with an appropriate sealer formulated for concrete to help prevent stains and make it easier to keep clean.

Marble Countertops

  • How to clean: Clean your marble countertops regularly with a damp soft cloth (microfiber works well) to avoid streaks. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Never let it air dry because marble is prone to water spots. For deeper cleaning, use a ph - neutral dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water. Rinse thoroughly to get rid of any residue and wipe completely dry.
  • How to remove stains: Acidic liquids can permanently etch your marble, so blot wine, orange juice, tomatoes, and soft drinks immediately. Deep-seated stains may require calling in a professional. Consult the Marble Institute of America for stain removal recommendations.
  • How to seal: Use a product formulated especially for marble's porous surface.

 

For more information, including how to clean wood, stainless-steel, glass, and solid-surfacing countertops, visit Better Homes and Gardens.

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Arben: 914-490-8517   |   Valentino: 914-469-2966

(914) 495-3470

Arben: 914-490-8517
Valentino: 914-469-2966