It is important to keep your kitchen counters clean for hygienic reasons, as well as health and safety. It is especially important for businesses that serve food, like cafes and restaurants. There are cleaning companies such as Crewcare that provide restaurant cleaners.
There are many different types of countertop materials. Marble, tile, and wood are some examples. It’s important to know the other cleaning methods that each of these materials requires. You can preserve your kitchen’s aesthetics and ensure that your counters last a long time.
Here is a guide to the most popular types of countertop materials, along with some tips on how you can keep them clean.
Marble, Granite, and Quartz
Stone countertops, real or manufactured, are among the most commonly used in the world. Stone countertops are more expensive than other options but are also durable and increase the value of a business if you ever decide to sell.
Avoiding acidic cleaners is the best way to keep marble in good condition. Marble is composed of calcium carbonate, which is naturally alkaline. Keep in mind that because marble is porous, it can easily stain and scratch. Keep your marble counters pristine by using soft cloths and gentle cleaners. Remember to clean up spills immediately to avoid stains.
Avoid acidic cleaners, even lemon juice. Quartz is heat-resistant up to a point. When cleaning with hot water, keep it below 150 degrees. Avoid prolonged heat exposure (e.g., placing hot pans or pots directly on the surface). This will cause the quartz to lose its color and break down.
For granite countertops, dish soap mixed with warm water is enough to clean up most spills. Alcohol is a better alternative to bleach for more stubborn stains or to disinfect surfaces. To avoid scratches, apply the alcohol with a soft cloth.
The Tile
The same cleaning method will work for bathroom tiles if you have tiled countertops. You can use any detergent you like, as well as bleach if necessary. Let the solution rest for the time recommended before you scrub and wash it off. Let the cleaner sit for a longer time to remove stubborn stains.
Re-seal your grout on your tiled countertops at least every two years. This will stop stains and the growth of bacteria.
Wooden Butcher Block
Hardwood or butcher-block countertops are beautiful but can be hard to maintain. Use a nonabrasive solution to clean a wooden counter. Mix warm water and distilled white vinegar to make your own. After cleaning the surface, dry it with a soft towel.
Sealing hardwood or butcherblock countertops is also important to prevent damage, warping, and cracking. It can be packed professionally, but you can also do it yourself with food-grade wax or oil. If the wood is scratched, you can sand it and then apply your sealant. To ensure a uniform shine, buff the surface.
Formica or Laminate
It’s great that laminate countertops are compatible with many multi-purpose cleaners. You must be careful not to use too much liquid. Water may seep through the seams of laminate or formica counters, causing the substrate to expand. To get the best results, dry your laminate countertops as soon as possible after you’ve rinsed them.
Use an antibacterial spray to disinfect laminate countertops. To avoid damaging the surface, do not use acidic or abrasive cleaning products or bleaches. Avoid using hot water to clean laminate or formica.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the best countertop materials, especially in kitchens that are frequently used. You only need to wash the stainless steel with soap and warm water, then rinse and dry. Use a sponge to lather up the cleaner and a soft cloth for drying.
You can use hot water and detergent to remove stains. Use a paste of equal parts baking soda and dish soap to remove more stubborn dirt. Apply the paste with a soft, clean cloth in the same direction as the grain of the steel.
Concrete
Sealed concrete countertops are extremely durable and stain-resistant. It can be cleaned with hot water and dish detergent using a sponge. You can use a soft towel to dry the concrete after rinsing.
Rubbing alcohol is preferred to bleach for disinfection. Spray 1/4 cup of alcohol with 2 cups of water on the sealed concrete. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe off with a soft towel.
Keep your counters clean for two reasons: safety and aesthetics. The tips above will make it easier to maintain the appearance of the countertops in your home or office.