If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen, but aren’t sure what countertop to choose, consider your lifestyle. Are you busy and don’t want to deal with a high maintenance countertop? This guide will give you the ins and outs of how to clean a variety of countertop materials.
Marble
While marble countertops are beautiful, they’re a bit high maintenance. Even though the surface can scratch and stain easily without the proper sealant, it’s relatively easy to clean. Using warm water, a soft towel and mild, non-abrasive soap you’ll be able to get rid of most spills. For staining that’s seeped through the sealant, create a baking soda and water paste, letting it sit for 24 hours.
Laminate
Whether you have a brand new laminate countertop or something that’s over a decade old, it’ll be pretty easy to clean nonetheless. All you’ll need is a non-abrasive cleanser to clean up spills and food residue. The durable material can also handle a scrubbing brush for stubborn spots.
Granite
It’s always best to clean granite with mild cleaners and lukewarm water. Even though it’s less likely to stain or be damaged by acidic cleansers when sealed properly, it’s best to stick with less intense products. Using a soft microfiber cloth will also protect the surface.
Tile
The grout of a tiled countertop is the most important area that needs to be cleaned. Food and bacteria will adhere to the rough surface, so you’ll need to use baking soda, vinegar or possibly bleaches to make sure it’s properly sanitized. For the surface of the tile itself, simple soap and water will suffice.
Quartz
As quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed thanks to the engineered, non-porous material, and it’s resistant to stains, bacteria build-up and mildew, clean up is a breeze. All you need to do to keep the quartz clean is wipe it down with mild soap and water to get rid of the day’s mess.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel counters are incredibly easy to clean on a day to day basis. Naturally sterile, the material just needs some soap and water to get rid of smudges, fingerprints and spills. For dried residue, add water to some baking soda to loosen its grip.
Concrete
Concrete countertops need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining, bacteria growth and damage caused by heat and water. For the safest clean, use a non-acidic cleanser and a microfiber cloth. To keep the sealant intact, avoid scrubbing at areas consistently.
Soapstone
Immune to the destructive effects of acids from citrus fruits, wine and coffee, soapstone countertops are ideal for messy families, as a quick clean up is all that’s needed. Because soapstone doesn’t have to be sealed, you can use harsher cleaners without worrying about wearing away the protective layer. Although, soap and water are really all you need.
At A+ Distribution LTD , we provide customers with excellent service and even better products. We specialize in countertops and kitchen cabinets in Abbotsford, British Columbia. If you’re looking for granite, marble or quartz countertops, our Abbotsford shop has a large variety to choose from. Be sure to browse our website for more information.