The heart and soul of your home is in your kitchen. Your kitchen serves as the hub for many household activities from preparing meals and cooking to parties, celebrations and much more. Consider this, if you were to be asked to pinpoint the most important feature of your kitchen, what would you choose
The stove? The kitchen island? Perhaps the appliances or something else entirely?
While each of these things play a unique role and are significant in different ways, kitchen counters are perhaps the most widely used and versatile of all the components that make up your kitchen.. When you are cooking, the counters are your workplace for cutting fruits and vegetables, and preparing other tasty ingredients for your meal. Even when you are not cooking, your counters serve an equally (if not more) important role. They give you a place to put the daily mail and check it out while preparing a cup of coffee, this is where you unload your groceries, help your children with their homework and many more. Your kitchen counters do so much for you, your family and your guests, so it makes sense to give them more than just a sweep of a damp cloth to keep them clean at the end of the day.
These busy surfaces are in constant use, so cleaning kitchen countertops regularly is important to avoid stains and scratches. Whether you are looking for ways to protect your newly installed kitchen counters or get rid of old stains, review the following tips for different types of counters to make them shine and keep them as clean as possible.
Marble Counters
Marble is a favorite amongst homeowners because it looks great, and it is very easy to clean. All you need to do is spray some warm water and liquid dish soap on the surface, and wipe it clean immediately. For the more stubborn stains, mix equal parts of water and baking soda, and let this mixture sit for a few hours before wiping the paste off. Do not use commercial or homemade cleaners that contain acidic elements like vinegar or lemon.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Cleaning stainless steel items with metal wool is a big no-no, yet some people make this mistake. If stains on steel counters have hardened, simply coat the surface generously with a solution of soap and water, and let it sit for 30 minutes or longer. Wipe it off with a clean cloth or gently scrub using a brush with soft bristles.
Laminate Countertops
The best way to clean countertops made of laminate is to use non-abrasive cleaners to maintain their polished look. Wipe these counters instantly after each use. If the top is textured or rugged, then use a soft brush for scrubbing.
Granite Counters
Cleaning kitchen countertops that are made from granite is actually very simple, although some cleaning companies make it seem otherwise. All it takes is a mild detergent, and a soft cloth to maintain their shine and sheen as well as get rid of most spots. However, for deep stains, you might require a solution of diluted alcohol in warm water and some thorough rubbing to get them off.
If cleaning kitchen countertops is a frustrating experience in your home, it may be because you used a material that is not meant to clean it. If this is the case in your kitchen, consider having the counters replaced by a high quality kitchen designer who can help you make the best choice for your home. Alternately, if you are renovating your kitchen, make sure that you seek expert advice to install the counters best suited to your needs.
