The Counters Blog

With just a few supplies, you can mix up your own all-natural cleaner. They work wonders on kitchen counters, save me money, and give me peace of mind knowing exactly what goes into each bottle. It’s also great at cutting through grease and grime, so it’s perfect for cleaning kitchen surfaces like stovetops, tables, and counters. This is a great cleaner for nearly every surface, with the exception of soft stones, like marble countertops. Just clean and start using it to store your natural cleaners! Between dirty dishes, sticky countertops, and scraps of pie dough on the floor, you’re going to need a trusty cleaner to have on hand this season. Do yourself a favor and make some today — you’ll be glad you did when you’re covered in flour and gravy next week. I used to spend a lot of money on all-natural cleaners from the store. It contains 5% acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. A great, cheap idea is to repurpose a glass vinegar bottle (like apple cider vinegar) after you’re done using it.

How To Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops by bhg.com

If the surface feels tacky, rub with a paste of baking soda and water, then rinse. Adding white vinegar to the water may alleviate this problem. Scrub the grout with a mild bleach solution and a toothbrush. Unglazed tile countertops should be sealed with a penetrating sealer for protection and stain resistance. For deeper cleaning, use a ph – neutral dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water. You can occasionally disinfect the counter by using diluted bleach (50-50 solution of bleach and water). For wet cleaning, use a soft cloth dipped into a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Look for commercial stainless-steel cleaners to remove fingerprints and smudges. For a darker stain, try dabbing with a cotton swab dipped in a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to lighten it. Don’t use linseed or vegetable oil for this purpose because they can become rancid. 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. Then go to the next slides to see how to clean and care for specific types of countertop materials. Grout, on the other hand, should be sealed with a grout sealant to help it become stain-resistant. Don’t use abrasive cleanser or scrub pads because they may scratch the surface. Never let it air dry because marble is prone to water spots. Rinse thoroughly to get rid of any residue and wipe completely dry. Wipe the surface dry after cleaning, rather than letting it air dry, to prevent a film from building up. For scorch marks, scratches, or persistent stains, consult with your countertop fabricator about renewing the surface. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry with a clean, soft towel. If you’re dealing with a light stain, try sprinkling on salt. If the stain seems permanent, you can always sand and refinish a wood countertop. Wipe the wood with a light coat of mineral oil, letting the oil soak into the surface. Do not use excess oil because the surface may become tacky and attract dirt.

How To Clean Laminate Countertops by diynetwork.com

Whatever you call it, knowing how to clean laminate countertops is key to keeping it looking lovely. Once a laminate countertop is scratched it becomes more porous and will stain much easier. Another option for removing stains is to rub the spot with a cotton ball moistened with bleach. Put a little on a cotton ball or soft cloth and rub it on the stain. The best way to keep laminate counters clean is to wipe up spills immediately. Don’t use too much water, especially near the seams of the laminate, because it can penetrate and cause the laminate to swell and crack. For incredibly tough stains, leave the baking soda paste on the stain overnight and wipe off in the morning. Be sure the cloth is white, because nail polish remover could remove the dye from the fabric and stain the laminate. Here’s how to remove dirt and mildew without damaging your concrete floors.

Cleaning Solid Surface Countertops by thespruce.com

Solid surface countertops come in a huge variety of colors, making it easy for homeowners to find a style they like. These countertops can be just as expensive, if not more expensive, than their real stone counterparts. Remove any nail polish using a non-acetone polish remover and then flush the countertops with water. Sometimes called “synthetic stone,” they are popular choices in new home construction and remodeling. Also acceptable are ammonia-based cleaners such as most glass or general purpose cleaners. The commercial sprays are formulated to clean difficult stains.

The Only Granite Cleaner You Will Ever Need by granitegold.com

To test whether you need to do more than a deep clean on your granite or other natural stone, let water sit on the counter for 30 minutes. A dark mark or ring means it’s time to clean and then seal again to protect against staining, etching, and soil buildup. Frequent use of the water-based stone sealer maintains maximum surface protection against staining, etching and soil build-up. Now you can quickly and easily enhance the shine and luster of your granite, marble and other natural-stone surfaces.

The Easiest DIY Kitchen Counter Cleaner by ohmyveggies.com

Vinegar is an acid, which makes it perfect for cutting through the grease and gunk that can accumulate on kitchen counters. I know what you may be thinking—doesn’t cleaning your kitchen with vinegar make it smell bad? I also add a few drops of essential oils—this is optional, but it helps cut the vinegar smell and depending on the oils you use, it can add even more antibacterial properties to the spray. Alternately, you can make infused vinegars with a variety of ingredients to add some natural scent to your cleaner.Also note that there are differing opinions on whether vinegar can or should be used on natural stone countertops, as acid can etch the finish on stone. Just soak straight vinegar with whatever peels you have for a week or longer in a mason jar. You can even reuse the orange peels to soak 2-3 more times to get more out of them. The nurse teaching the class recommended using vodka as a natural kitchen counter cleaner. This spray has equal parts vinegar and water, so it has a light vinegar scent, but it’s not that bad and what little smell there is dissipates quickly. Its a great use for something that would otherwise go to waste.The orange definitely increases the cleaning and grease power! I do my best to be diligent about cleaning the stove after every use so stains don’t have a chance to bake on, but there are times when it doesn’t happen. Seriously, if you’re a mac & cheese lover, you need to read this. One of our contributors gives an incredible recipe for delicious cheesy goodness, as well as shares her top tips for making the best mac & cheese you’ve ever had. With the chocolate chips and strawberries, these are kind of reminiscent of chocolate covered strawberries.

DIY Granite Countertop Cleaner by andreadekker.com

They have white flecks that mirror the cabinets, brown that ties in with the floor, black for the island, and a tan/beige that picks up on the wall color. That will work perfectly fine… especially for granite like mine. You could contact the company who installed your granite and ask them specifically. I told her not to fill her home with unknown chemicals, but she just never listens to me. You definitely helped me a lot to choose the right granite! Have you experienced this with your’s and do you have any tips? Vinegar helps but it takes a stronger acid to really do a good job. You just scrape lightly with the blade at a 45 degree-ish angle. The best part about this recipe is that you can spot-clean the countertop and it doesn’t show. This recipe also leaves the counter top much shinier! Enjoy the lovely kitchen- where happy memories and beautiful aromas are created. A funny thing— chocolate chips tend to blend in with these counter tops, if you drop them! Plus, if the light shines just right, there are some metallic flecks that work with our stainless appliances. I should also mention that you can use straight dish soap and water — like when you’re filling up the sink to wash dishes. However, if you have black or white granite, soap and water could leave streaks. It’s a quick, simple, and frugal way to clean any granite surface! Are you supposed to re-seal the granite every so often? It’s a great recipe, that you share, natural and easy to mix. Clorox makes one specifically for kitchens — you might look into that? I love them and clean them every day, so thanks a lot for this alternative! I just posted this a reader question on my facebook page so hopefully some others will have a few ideas. I use a single edge razor blade to scrape off the minerals from time to time.

How To Clean Kitchen Countertops: Granite Quartz Marble and More by architecturaldigest.com

To keep any surface looking good, you’ll want to avoid scratching it and exposing it to heat (trivets are your friends!). Gently scrape off any food residue with a spatula or a metal pastry scraper. Apply the paste to the stain and let sit for five minutes, then rinse off with a soft cloth. But it’s not invincible—you should still use cutting boards and trivets to avoid scratches and burns. Like the others, these countertops can be washed with mild soap and water. Still, you’ll want to avoid scratching the surface and stay on top of smudges and streaks; use a microfiber towel and cleaner made especially for stainless steel to buff them out. Scratches and tough stains can be removed with very fine sandpaper (do not use rougher than 80 grit). Be sure to wipe the counters after cleaning so they are completely dry. As scratches and dings occur, just sand down the wood and reapply the protectant. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners, which can strip the sealer and etch the stone. Let sit for a few days (or overnight at the very least), and then rinse off the paste. Be sure to do a spot test first to make sure the method won’t affect the color or finish of the stone. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool, which can scratch the surface. Mix a paste of dish soap and baking soda and use a soft cloth to rub in the direction of the grain. Apply the polish in the direction of the grain and buff it dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Best Granite Cleaner In 2019 by thoroughlyreviewed.com

One bottle covers 6500 square feet and this product is commonly used by industry professionals. The protective barrier that this cleaner lays down won’t wash off and doesn’t leave a dulling film like regular cleaners. It leaves a shine on your counters as well as taking care of any spills and messes. This product also has a pleasant scent that will make your bathroom or kitchen smell great. You want to make sure the cleaner is strong enough to make it sanitary but not so strong that is damages your surfaces. Each one is created to provide plenty of strong cleaning power without the danger of harsh chemical cleaners and the problems that go along with those cleaners. It is important to always use hot plates or mats under any hot dishes. There are certain ways that you should deal with different spills and messes to ensure that they do not damage your granite. The damage gets caused by the dulling and pitting of the surface of the counter. Glass cleaner can also damage the sealer that is on your countertops, causing it to be susceptible to stains. Avoid soap and water and just use the granite cleaner and your kitchen counters will continue to shine. Although some may feel frustration at having to buy a specialty cleaner to keep their granite in beautiful condition, the cleaners are not very expensive, they last a long time and they work beautifully. Do the water drop test to ensure that the sealant is intact.Is the cleaner organic, natural or derived from natural ingredients? You want to take care of them so they look good regardless of whether it is the first day after installation, or 5 years later. Most of them are also compatible with other stone countertops. Using regular cleaners and abrasives can cause a dulling film, discoloration, and even put streals on your expensive countertops. The three granite cleaners we have featured above are great examples of products that have the kind of features you’re looking for. Using regular cleaners can leave stains, streaks, watermarks and can even discolor or damage your countertops. There are three steps involved in taking care of your granite countertops properly: clean, polish and seal. This convenient refill bottle provides plenty of cleaner that will last a long time, even with daily use. It is non-toxic and non-acidic as well as being biodegradable. The fresh citrus scent is very pleasant and leaves your kitchen with a lovely scent when you are done. Use it in place of regular cleaning products to avoid expensive-to-repair damage to the countertops. You won’t have any wax buildup, residue or discoloration when you use this popular granite cleaner. This product breaks the bonds that keep grease and dirt on your counter, allowing them to be easily wiped away. Even under bright lights, your countertops will be mirror-clean. It contains powerful and safe cleaning agents that take care of dirt, grease, and residue easily; the polymers that are in the cleaner bond to the surface of the countertop and enhance the protective layer that keeps your countertops ready for guests. To learn more about choosing the right granite cleaner, read the buyers guide below. There are many different foods that can etch or dull your granite. Never take something straight from the oven and place it on your granite or damage could ensue. That being said, granite is a stronger countertop than some other stones and doesn’t need the same level of care that other stones do. Blot the spill immediately, remembering not to wipe the area at first. Flush the area with water and use your granite cleaner on it and you’re good as new again. It doesn’t happen immediately; it is usually done over time via extended use of glass cleaners. It is much better to spend a little bit of extra money to clean rather than spending a lot of money to repair or replace the damage the general cleaners caused. Using the granite cleaner will sanitize and clean the counters properly with no damage. If you have used quality cleaner and they were sealed properly to begin with, you will more than likely not have to reapply the sealant for years. It is worth it to take the time to ensure a good-quality granite cleaner that has all of the features you want – especially since granite countertops are not cheap. It is important to use this type of cleaner when you have granite countertops in your kitchen or bathroom. Even though you may not notice damage or discoloration from bad products right away, it is an unnecessary chance to take when there is a simple and reliable alternative. They are all great cleaners that provide sanitation of the areas as well as exceptional cleaning that results in mirror-like finishes and a beautiful looking counter for years to come.