Page through home magazines and you’ll see a surprising number of countertop options.  Marble, granite, soapstone, wood – each with its visual selling points – and its own cleaning and maintenance needs.

Although Quartz is the latest development in technology used nowadays, there are still many homes with previously popular countertops.  To keep any surface looking good, you’ll want to avoid scratching it and exposing it to heat.

How to Clean WOOD Countertops

Tools:

• Warm Water
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Nonabrasive cleaner (optional)
• Spatula or metal pastry scraper
• Microfiber cloths
• Lemon
• Salt

Cleaning:
To keep your wood countertops looking great, clean regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner or a homemade mix of warm water with a squish of white vinegar. Gently scrape off any food remainder with a spatula or a metal pastry scraper. Wipe the counters after cleaning so they are entirely dry.

Stain Removal:
To remove stains, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt directly onto the stain. Use a lemon half to rub in the salt. Clean off the salt and lemon juice with water and vinegar.

Sealing:
Butcher-block and solid-wood countertops should be sealed for protection because they are prone to bending and cracking going the less toxic route, using a food-grade oil or wax.

How to Clean MARBLE and GRANITE Countertops

Tools:

• Water
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Baking Soda
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Plastic Wrap
• Tape

Cleaning:
Use a mix of warm water and mild dish soap for everyday cleaning, following up with a microfiber towel to shine up the stone. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners, which can strip the sealer and etch the stone.

Stain Removal:
For stains on granite or marble countertops, clean with a paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains). Smear the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Let it stay for a few days (or overnight at the very least), and then rinse off the paste. Repeat the process if the stain isn’t totally gone. It’s advisable to do a spot test first to make sure the method won’t affect the color or finish of the stone.

Sealing:
Marble and Granite was popular for their tough-as-rocks durability, but they do need to be resealed regularly to protect them from stains.

How to Clean LAMINATE Countertops

Tools:

• Mild household cleaner
• Water
• Microfiber cloths
• Baking soda

Cleaning:
Clean the material with a damp, soft cloth and a mild household cleaner.  Stay away from harsh products with acid or alkali as well as steel wool or scouring pads.

Stain Removal:
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let sit for five minutes, then rinse off with a soft cloth. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so don’t scrub. Repeat if necessary.

Author:  Reneé Engelbrecht