Your kitchen countertops are the focal point of the kitchen space, so keeping them clean and properly maintained is important to keep them looking good as new. But with various countertop materials out there, it can be a bit tricky to figure out the best approach.

In this article, we will give you some tips and guidelines to properly maintain your kitchen countertop.

Do’s and Don’ts for Maintaining Kitchen Countertops

• Do start by wiping away any crumbs or debris before you clean the countertop with soap and water.
• Place a trivet, potholder, or cloth under hot pots and pans to shield your countertop from heat damage.
• Don’t use your countertop as a cutting board to prevent unsightly scratches, nicks, or worse – deep gashes.
• Do keep a spacious cutting board nearby for your chopping needs so you can avoid cutting on the countertop surface.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes hanging around on your countertop, especially if they hold ingredients like tomato sauce, wine, curry, or mustard; they can leave stubborn stains.
• Do make use of a spoon rest or a small plate to hold your cooking utensils between uses.
• Do tackle spills and smudges promptly while they’re still easy to wipe away without vigorous scrubbing and less likely to leave a mark.
• Do be careful with cans if the surface is wet. If you must leave a can on your countertop, place a paper towel on the surface.
• Don’t ever reach for heavy-duty chemicals like paint removers or oven cleaners for cleaning, as these can harm your surface.
• Do regularly clean your countertops with appropriate disinfectants and non-abrasive cloths or sponges.
• Do deal with stains immediately, using the recommended method depending on the type of stain.
• Do enlist professional help for sealing and resealing your countertops to shield them from moisture, stains, and scratches.
• Do adapt your maintenance approach based on the specific needs of your countertop material (granite, quartz, marble, etc.).
• Do perform proper cleaning techniques and timely maintenance when required.
• Don’t use hard bristle brushes, abrasive sponges, and steel wool, as they weaken the sealant and make your countertop more susceptible to stains and damage.
• Do wipe your counter with a dry cloth after cleaning to prevent water spots from forming.

Tips for Maintaining Different Countertop Materials

Maintenance is more than about simple cleaning. The key to keeping your top-notch surfaces in tip-top shape lies in knowing what’s right for your countertop material.

Wooden Countertops

Butcher block, made from hardwoods like maple, walnut, teak, or ash, is a classic choice for kitchen countertops. It offers an affordable alternative to stone countertops and has remained a popular design choice for quite some time. Since it’s a relatively delicate material, wiping out any spills promptly is important. However, learning how to clean butcher block countertops isn’t as tricky as it might seem.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can harm the wood’s color and finish. Instead, go for a mild dish soap and a damp cloth to clean. You can also use a cleaner designed specifically for butcher blocks.

To remove stains, use a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 quart of warm water. Rinse, dry, and reapply oil. For stubborn messes, create a paste with hot water and baking soda. This abrasive mix will help tackle tough spots. Rub the surface with a slice of lemon if it has absorbed odors.

Avoid using the butcher block as a cutting board – although it may look like a big one. And don’t let water sit for extended periods of time.

To keep your butcher block wood countertops looking their best, apply mineral oil once a month. If you have other types of wood counters, opt for marine oil to maintain their stain resistance. Any marks or burns on wood can be smoothed out with some sanding, and stains can be easily removed with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide.

Remember, if you neglect to oil it regularly, the wood can dry out and develop cracks. Just make sure to use food-safe mineral oil or a butcher block-specific oil/conditioner. Avoid vegetable oils like olive or sunflower, as they can turn rancid and are not safe for food surfaces. If your counter becomes hopelessly stained or unevenly worn, don’t worry; you can sand, refinish, and reseal it.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are a fantastic choice, known for their durability and low maintenance. They’re heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant. It’s become the top countertop pick, overtaking granite, thanks to its ease of care. And the best part? It comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, mimicking other materials like granite, marble, and concrete. Plus, they’re nonporous, so there’s no need for resealing it like you would with natural stone.

Cleaning quartz countertops is a breeze – just use a damp cloth with mild dish soap and warm water or a quartz-specific cleaner, followed by a quick dry with a clean microfiber cloth. If a pesky stain does pop up, a simple paste made from hydrogen peroxide and flour, left to sit for 24 hours, can work wonders. Stubborn stains can also be removed by a safe degreaser or adhesive remover. Skip the alkaline, bleach-based, or acidic cleaners that can harm the resin and quartz bond.

While quartz is durable, it’s not indestructible. Protect your countertop from damage by using cutting boards when chopping fruits or meat. Cutting directly on quartz can lead to scratches, and fruit juices can stain over time. Avoid using tough scouring pads, stiff brushes, or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface.

Unlike granite, quartz is sensitive to excessive heat. It can handle temperatures around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, but repeated exposure to high heat can cause damage. Use hot pads or trivets to protect your countertop from hot pans and pots.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a sought-after natural stone for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It offers an elegant look, and it comes in various colors and patterns shaped by the mineral deposits in its source region. Marble is heat-resistant and resistant to chips or cracks. But because it’s naturally porous, marble is prone to etching and is susceptible to stains and scratches.

In caring for marble countertops, choose non-acidic and non-abrasive cleaners – steer clear of bleach and vinegar. Never use harsh scrubbing pads. When working with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus, use cutting boards and protective measures to shield the marble.

Mild soap and warm water are enough to clean a marble countertop. Clean it with a soap and water solution after every use, followed by a hot, wet dish towel, and dry with an absorbent towel. Quick spot cleaning for spills can prevent staining.

Deal with oil stains promptly, and use a gentle cleanser. Organic stains, such as coffee or tea, can be removed with a bit of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. Stubborn paint stains may need a razor’s gentle touch, while watermarks can often be buffed out with steel wool.

Like granite, it’s essential to reseal marble at least once or twice a year. When water no longer beads on the countertop, it’s usually time for a reseal. If you adore the marble look but worry about potential damage from cooking, baking, or enjoying coffee and wine, consider opting for quartz with a marble appearance – same look, less risk of staining.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a nonporous stone, making it tough against scratches and stains. You can easily clean it with a multipurpose cleaner but avoid using abrasive ones. But for tougher stains and scratches, you can use fine-grit sandpaper (nothing coarser than 80 grit). If you do sand the surface, be sure to apply some mineral oil when you’re finished.

Over time, the appearance of soapstone may change depending on whether you use mineral oil. It can darken the stone, bringing out its colors and movement. Some people prefer the natural patina that develops over time. Mineral oil can also provide stain protection for your countertops.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel countertops offer a modern and sleek look. Most commercial kitchens favor stainless steel because it’s incredibly low-maintenance. For daily cleaning, simply wipe down the surface with soap and water.

But though it’s a tough material, it still requires some effort to keep them looking pristine. They are prone to scratches, but the good news is you can buff them out with an abrasive pad. To avoid scratches, use a microfiber towel and a specialized stainless steel cleaner. Steer clear of steel wool or scrubbing pads, as they can damage the surface.

To keep stainless steel shiny, keep it dry and free from wet materials. Don’t let it be exposed to harsh chemicals and moisture, as it can lead to permanent damage. Clean it regularly with water and a small amount of baking soda. Make sure to dry it after cleaning to prevent water spots, as mineral deposits can be hard to remove.

In case of mineral deposits, use a small amount of vinegar to address this issue and rinse with water. Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool, as they can scratch the surface.

While stainless steel doesn’t require sealing, you can maintain its beautiful shine by polishing it from time to time. Use lemon oil or a specialized polish and a microfiber cloth.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are budget-friendly and popular among DIY enthusiasts, although their popularity has dipped in recent years due to the rise of other materials like granite. They’re resistant to stains, mold, and mildew but can’t handle heat and are prone to scratching.

Cleaning them is a breeze; no sealing is required because they’re man-made. If you have textured laminate, a scrub brush can help you reach all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning. To prevent stains, wipe up spills promptly, and give your countertop a daily wipe-down with a non-abrasive cleaner.

For most stains, a simple paste made from baking soda and water, left on the surface for three to five minutes, will do the trick. Tough stains can be treated with household bleach and applied gently using a cotton ball.

Avoid abrasive cleansers or steel wool, as they can harm your laminate countertops. Instead, use a two-sided scrubbing pad with a sponge on one side and fiber on the other. Slightly moistened with water, the fiber side can effectively remove greasy buildup and stubborn food spills.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are not only versatile in style and color but also eco-friendly, making them a popular choice. They use abundant ingredients like sand and water, and recycled materials like glass can be incorporated as well. When properly sealed, concrete becomes highly resistant to stains, and it can withstand heat.

For daily cleaning, use dish soap, hot water, and a sponge to remove residue or stubborn spills. After cleaning, rinse the surface with hot water and dry it with a microfiber cloth. For disinfecting a sealed concrete countertop, create a solution using ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol and two cups of water. Spray it on the surface, let it sit for about five minutes, then wipe it up with a damp cloth and thoroughly dry the surface.

Avoid abrasive soaps, cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals, and abrasive pads or sponges, as they can harm the surface. To maintain stain resistance, it’s crucial to seal your concrete countertops each year. This step helps protect your countertops and keeps them looking their best.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Ceramic tiles offer a wide range of colors and styles, making them a popular choice for countertops. They can handle the heat from hot pots and pans and are highly durable. However, the grout between the tiles is softer, porous, and prone to cracks, requiring special attention for maintenance.

Cleaning grout can be a bit challenging, so use a toothbrush or nail brush to scrub it. To tackle mildew, dip the brush in household bleach, ensuring effective cleaning without harsh abrasives. Be gentle when cleaning grout, as harsh abrasive cleaners may scratch the glaze on ceramic tiles.

Thankfully, there are many foam spray tile and grout cleaners available. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, rinse with water to finish the job, and wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Be mindful not to inhale the mist from spray cleaners.

To keep your grout looking its best, use a scouring powder with bleach for effective stain removal.

Granite Countertop 

Granite countertops come in various colors and styles, offering both beauty and durability. However, they require specific care to maintain their appearance and quality over time.

To clean your granite countertop, use warm water and a gentle, pH-neutral dish soap. Avoid harsh cleaners with ammonia, bleach, or acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar, as these can weaken the sealant over time. A microfiber cloth is ideal for daily cleaning.

If disinfection is needed, use 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray it on the surface and let it sit for three to five minutes, then rinse with water and dry using a clean microfiber cloth.

While granite can withstand high temperatures, it’s best to use coasters or trivets under hot pots and pans to prevent any potential harm from constant heat or temperature changes. Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining, as granite is porous. Blot spills with a soft cloth or paper towel instead of wiping, which can spread liquids.

To remove oil marks, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, leave it overnight, and then wipe it off with plain water and a cloth.

Reseal your granite countertop once or twice a year to protect against water spots and stains. A simple water test can determine if it’s adequately sealed. Splash some water on the surface; if it beads up after 10-15 minutes, it’s well-sealed. If it absorbs, consider resealing.

Acrylic Countertops

Acrylic countertops are pretty forgiving when it comes to cleaning and care. These countertops are quite resilient and can withstand everyday wear and tear.

It takes some effort to damage acrylic countertops. A very hot pan can leave a permanent mark, but you can easily remove stains and scratches with scouring powder or steel wool.

For everyday cleaning, apply a mild abrasive cleanser directly to the wet countertop. Rinse thoroughly, then dry and buff with a soft cloth.

Silestone Countertops

Silestone countertops are made of quartz, a naturally tough material. They typically come with a protective polish that resists scratches, stains, and scorch marks. However, it’s still essential to clean them properly to maintain their appearance and durability.

Silestone can handle spills like coffee, lemon juice, wine, vinegar, olive oil, and even makeup without much trouble. Use mild household cleaners for routine cleaning and avoid harsh cleansers. Always use a non-abrasive cleaning sponge or pad to tackle stubborn stains. When cleaning, apply gentle pressure when cleaning; excessive force isn’t necessary.

If a stain sets on the surface, soak the affected area briefly to loosen the particles. Then, use a soft cloth to lift and remove the stain.

Formica Countertops

Formica countertops are an affordable and low-maintenance option that comes in various colors and patterns. Proper care can extend their lifespan.

Keep your Formica counters clean by avoiding abrasive cleaners, including ammonia and bleach. Instead, use mild soap, a soft cloth, and warm water for routine cleaning. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining. Formica is relatively easy to maintain as long as you tackle spills promptly. Once a stain sets, it can be challenging to remove.

Formica may show streaks, but a household glass cleaner can restore its appearance.