Tips for Cleaning Every Type of Countertop

Your countertops are integral to your kitchen or bathroom’s design. Whether you’re considering new countertops for a remodel or want to maintain the ones you already have, it’s essential to know how to keep them looking their best. 

If you’re looking for the best way to take care of your counters, read through this guide to discover tips for cleaning countertops. 

How to Keep Your Countertops Clean

The best cleaning methods will depend on your countertops’ material. Here are the best ways to keep different types of countertops clean daily, along with tips for dealing with stains.

Quartz Countertops 

Quartz countertops are slabs of quartz crystals bound in nonporous resin, which makes cleaning quartz countertops easy. You also will not need to seal or reseal them like other types of countertops. Here’s how you can clean your quartz countertops:

Daily cleaning: Quartz is an easy countertop to clean — just use mild soap and water to keep up to date with your kitchen’s maintenance needs. 
Stain removal: While you probably won’t encounter many stains with quartz countertops, if you do, you can clean them off with glass cleaner and a sponge. 

Wood Countertops 

Wood countertops give your kitchen a rustic, traditional feel. You can take care of wooden countertops through the following processes:

Daily cleaning: Clean your wood countertops every day with a solution of warm water and distilled white vinegar. This homemade cleaning solution is non-abrasive and gentle so as not to damage your countertops. Before cleaning, wipe or scrape excess food off the counter to prevent scratches. After you’ve cleaned the countertop, make sure to wipe it dry to keep any moisture from soaking into the wood. 
Stain removal: If you see a stain on your wooden countertop, all you need to clean the area is half a lemon, salt, water and vinegar. Start by sprinkling salt directly on top of the stain. Then, use the lemon half to rub the salt into the countertop. Use a water and vinegar solution to clean away the salt and lemon juice.

Granite Countertops 

Harsh cleaners like bathroom cleaners or vinegar can damage the appearance of your granite countertops, so you should use more gentle cleaners instead: 

Daily cleaning: Cleaning granite countertops is easy with a solution of dishwashing liquid mixed with water. Once you’re done in the kitchen for the day, spray your counters with the cleaning solution and wipe, then let them air dry. 
Stain removal: You can remove tough stains from granite countertops with a commercial stone poultice or craft your own solution by combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a thick paste. Spread your mixture over the stain and tape a sheet of plastic wrap over the top. Leave the solution alone for 24 hours before wiping it away. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. You will likely need to reseal your countertops after completing the cleaning process. 

Marble Countertops

The look of marble has broad appeal, and its cool temperature makes it ideal for baking. However, marble countertops are porous, meaning they stain and scratch relatively easily. You will want to use a careful approach when cleaning marble countertops:

Daily Cleaning: Wipe any stains away as quickly as possible. Follow up the cleaning process by wiping your countertop down with dish detergent and water on a soft cloth. 
Stain Removal: You can create a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove food-related stains from marble. Apply the mixture generously and wipe it away once it dries. Repeat this process as necessary to remove the stain. You can also use marble polishing powder to remove scratches on the surface of marble countertops. 

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops tend to be durable and easy to maintain. Here’s how you can combat messes on them:

Daily cleaning: For day-to-day maintenance, wipe your laminate countertops with mild liquid soap and water on a clean cloth. 
Stain removal: The easiest and most effective way to clean stains off laminate countertops is with a paste made from baking soda and water. Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse the mixture off with a damp cloth. 

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel countertops are popular for how easy they are to clean. Take a look at the different cleaning methods you can use with a stainless steel countertop:

Daily Cleaning: You can wipe down and clean your stainless steel countertop with just soap, water and a soft cloth. You can also use a stainless steel cleaner and microfiber cloth to buff out scratches from the surface of your countertop.
Stain Removal: Despite its name, stainless steel can sometimes stain. To get rid of the stains, cover it with a mixture of baking soda and dish soap and use a soft cloth to wipe away the stain. 

Soapstone Countertops

You can clean soapstone countertops with any non-abrasive, multipurpose cleaner. These countertops are resistant to scratches and damage, making everyday cleaning a breeze. 

Daily Cleaning: You can clean soapstone countertops with a regular household cleaner and water. 
Stain Removal: Soapstone is nonporous, so you generally won’t encounter many stains on soapstone countertops. If you see scratches on the surface of your soapstone countertop, you can rub it with mineral oil to hide the scratching and discoloration. 

Concrete Countertops

The sealant you use is one of the keys to maintaining your concrete countertops. Carefully follow the instructions on how often to apply the sealant and make sure to use one resistant to scratches, heat and acid. You can carefully clean your concrete countertops using the following methods:

Daily cleaning: Clean your concrete countertops with a solution of dish detergent and water. You can keep this solution in a spray bottle for easy accessibility. 
Stain Removal: It is relatively easy to remove stains on sealed concrete. Dip a paper towel in chlorine bleach and place it on the stain. Weight it down with a bowl or other heavy object and let sit for up to 10 minutes — any longer could damage the sealant — then rinse the spot with cool water. 

Stains from lemon juice or other strong acids are permanent on concrete countertops — the only way to remove these stains is to grind away the damage and reseal the surface. 

Limestone Countertops

Limestone countertops provide the look of marble without the steep cost. Here’s how you can best care for your limestone countertops:

Daily Cleaning: Limestone is porous, so you have to be careful about how you clean it. Choose a commercial limestone cleaning product or use a mix of warm water and dish soap. You should also use a soft cloth rather than an abrasive sponge on your limestone countertops. 
Stain Removal: As with granite countertops, you can clean stains off limestone with a solution of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the thick paste over the stain, secure plastic wrap over the top and let sit for 24 hours. The next day, clear away the stain and reseal the countertop. 

Want New Countertops for Your Kitchen?

Cleaning your countertops is a high priority after a kitchen renovation. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom and are exploring the different types of countertops, look no further than Bath Kitchen and Tile Supply Company. Our award-winning design team will guide you through the whole process, from conception to completion. 

Bath Kitchen and Tile Supply Company has the tools to make your countertop ideas a reality. Book your appointment today to hear back from one of our representatives soon!