Cleaning and Care Tips for Your Kitchen Countertops

Caring for your kitchen countertops can mean different things, depending on what they’re made of. In order to get you up to speed on everything you might need to know, let’s take a look at a few cleaning and care tips you can use to keep your home’s kitchen countertops in the best shape possible.

1. Quartz

Quartz countertops are great because they don’t require any sealant. Their surface is non-porous, meaning it won’t absorb anything that’s spilled on it unless you leave it there for a long time and let it dry. This is often a selling point when it comes to quartz vs marble countertops because marble is porous and harder to clean. To clean your quartz countertops, simply wipe up fresh spills with a soft cloth and dish soap. You can also use a surface or glass cleaner paired with a sponge of the non-abrasive variety to remove any stains.

1. Marble

Marble is a material that needs to be sealed. To see if your marble countertops have been properly sealed, leave some water droplets on them. If they are still there in 15 minutes, your counters are sealed well enough. If they have sunk into the material, you need to apply sealant. Look for a product that is specifically suited to seal porous marble surfaces and follow the instructions to apply it properly. To clean marble, use a soft, damp cloth and dry them with a clean rag or cloth. Dishwashing liquid works well for marble.

1. Granite

Granite is another kitchen countertops material that needs to be sealed. Use the water droplet test described above and if it fails, find a sealant that works on granite stone. To clean granite countertops, wipe them and rinse them with soapy, warm water. Don’t use cleaners that are abrasive and might scratch the surface.

1. Concrete

You’ll need to seal your concrete countertops if you want them to last. Find a sealant that not only protects against stains and water but also gives your counters a near impervious surface. Finding the right kind of concrete sealant is also important for efflorescence prevention, something concrete countertop owners are all too familiar with. For general cleaning, remember to get to spills before they harden. Use basic dish soap to scrub them away if they do. 

1. Wood

Wood kitchen countertops require a slightly different approach. Wood needs to be rubbed with either tung or mineral oil every month to keep them from drying out. Wipe any excess produced during this process for the best results. To clean your wood kitchen countertops, spray some wood cleaner on a sponge and wipe up any spills or dirt. 

1. Solid Surface

The solid surface texture requires a sealant as well. Seal this material so you can prevent scratches and spills from damaging them. For cleaning, use a microfiber cloth that is damp to wipe your counters down. For stains or dirty areas, use dish soap mixed with warm water. Glass and general-purpose cleaners will also work.

Keeping Your Kitchen Countertops Healthy is Important

If you want to help your countertops last as long as possible under the rigors of everyday kitchen life, you need to keep them properly sealed if necessary, and clean them the right way. By using these tips, you can make any countertop material last as long as possible and stay gorgeous for years to come. 

Jordan Swift is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Jordan is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.