Last updated on March 10th, 2022
The countertop is the most used area of any kitchen and must be treated with care. However, a few spills on this surface are unavoidable, and countertops are, hence, usually made of materials that can stand a few splatters.
To keep them sparklingly clean – unfortunately, there is no one size fits all solution, so let’s take a look at 10 common countertop materials and how to prevent unsightly stains on their surfaces.
1. Tile Countertops
Ceramic tiles are relatively easy to clean, especially if the spill is fresh. Here’s how you can go about cleaning it. Wipe away any excess liquid, and wipe the surface down with plain water. The grout that holds the tiles together is far more susceptible to stains. Dip an old toothbrush in liquid detergent and scrub the grout. Be gentle, as grout can crack. Wash the detergent off with water.
2. Marble Countertops
Marble is a soft, porous stone that requires gentle care. Make sure that your marble counters have a layer of sealant on them, or else they can stain pretty badly. Having said that, even with a sealant, marble is not entirely stain-proof. So, if spills do happen, which they will – just blot the stain out without wiping immediately after the spill. Wash gently with warm soapy water and dry it with a clean cloth. And remember to reseal the marble surface every six months.
3. Stainless Steel Countertops
There’s stainless in the name for a reason – this alloy is resistant to stains! These countertops are prone to scratches, though, so don’t use harsh abrasives. Greasy stains can be cleaned with lemon juice and baking soda. Wipe them dry thoroughly as rust patches can appear in persistently wet areas. Lemon juice will also take care of any limescale deposited on the surface.
4. Wooden Countertops
Wood is basically a sponge, so prevention is better than cure. Apply linseed oil to your clean wooden countertop once a month to seal it and make it stain resistant. If you do have a spill, wipe it away immediately. Use a mixture of 1 cup chlorinated bleach in 1L of water to tackle tough stains. Rub citrus peels on a wooden surface that has retained any smells from a previous spillage.
5. Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a super user-friendly material – a quick wipe with warm water is all you need! Only unusual spills require special care. If you spill candle wax, rub an ice cube on it to harden, and scrape it away. A paint splash can be rubbed away with nail polish remover.
6. Laminate Countertops
Laminates are easy to clean- a simple wipe with a wet cloth will suffice in most cases. However, laminates are NOT heatproof, and a burn stain cannot be removed from a laminate surface. Be careful, and use coasters and trivets for hot pans.
7. Granite Countertops
Everyday spills on granite can be tackled with soap and warm water, followed by a clean microfiber cloth for drying. Do not use any acidic cleaners on granite- it can harm the stone. Tough oily stains can be removed with a baking soda and water paste. We recommend that you reseal your granite countertop every two years.
8. Concrete Countertops
Concrete counters give an edgy, industrial look to the kitchen, but the material is extremely absorbent. In general, steer away from concrete countertops unless it has been properly sealed. To tackle spills, use baking soda and a gentle scrubbing brush. It may take a few rounds of scrubbing to remove the stain fully.
9. Acrylic Countertops
Acrylic is an extremely durable synthetic material, and it can only be damaged by extreme heat. Feel free to scrub this surface with scouring powder or steel wool soaked in dish soap to get any stain out. Just keep any direct flame away from this surface.
10. Formica Countertops
Formica is relatively easy to maintain. Wipe away stains as soon they occur with soapy water. This surface cannot withstand abrasion, so avoid using brushes and scrubbers. While most stains will wipe off easily, a neglected stain, once it sets in, can be next to impossible to remove.
When you spot a tough stain on your countertop, it may be a natural reaction to reach for heavy-duty cleaners such as bleach, peroxide, or scouring powders. However, most stains can be eliminated by gentler methods. Bleach and other such cleaners can ruin the finish or the sealing layer of the counter. Try softer methods first, and resort to severe abrasives only if the stain refuses to budge. Use your kitchen to the fullest without letting the blemishes take over.
Hope you enjoyed reading these tips as much as we did, curating them for you. Do visit us for more ideas to make your home, one that you love.
Happy cleaning, everyone!
