Imagine your kitchen gleaming like the morning sun, thanks to the expert touch of MaidPro. Ahhh... It's a beautiful sight to behold, even though you know its time is limited. After the first meal prep, that spotless clean begins to fade.
But don't worry! You can easily keep that fresh-cleaned feeling alive with a simple swipe here and there on your countertops. Remember, each surface is as unique as you are, so it's important to treat it with the care it deserves. Use the right tools and tips, and you'll maintain that MaidPro sparkle until our next visit.
5 Steps to Clean Countertops
1. Wipe Away Crumbs
The first step should always be to wipe away crumbs and debris. The simplest method is to use a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Wipe the counter from back to front and one end to the other. Deposit the debris into the trash.
2. Remove the Sticky Messes
If you actively cook in your kitchen or it experienced heavy use, then you likely have spills and dried-on messes. You can use a plastic scraper, spatula, or pastry scraper with a straight edge that won't damage the countertop.
3. Disinfect and Clean
Once you remove the loose and stuck on mess, it is time to clean and disinfect. How you go about this will depend on the countertop material. You want to clean your counters, not damage them.
- Wood - Use a non-abrasive cleaning solution like warm water and white vinegar on wood. This prevents the wood from soaking up harmful chemicals. Finish with mineral oil to prevent the wood from drying out.
- Granite and Marble Countertops - Because granite and marble are natural stones, you should avoid using anything acidic that will dull or etch the countertop surface. Stick with mild dish soap and warm water.
- Laminate and Soapstone Countertops - Laminate and soapstone countertops are forgiving, only requiring a multiple-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth. Spray and wipe clean.
4. Tackle the Stubborn Stains
Once you clean your countertops, you may discover a stubborn stain or two remaining. If this happens, you need a stronger solution to get your countertops looking beautiful again.
- Wood - If your wood countertops have stains, gently rub the stain with a cut lemon and salt. Finish your cleaning by sealing the wood with food-grade wax or oil. This will help prevent the wood from getting stained in the future.
- Granite and Marble Countertops - Oil-based stains are best removed with baking soda and water. While water-based stains are best removed with hydrogen peroxide. Create a paste, spread it on the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Let it sit overnight and rinse clean in the morning. Sealing the stone once or twice a year will help prevent stains.
- Laminate and Soapstone Countertops - Removing stains from soapstone requires a gentle hand and some very fine grit sandpaper. Once the stain is gone, use mineral oil to seal and protect the soapstone. Stained laminate can get easily scratched, so use baking soda and water without scrubbing.
5. Thoroughly Dry
The final step for gleaming countertops is to dry and buff them. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the countertops dry and then buff them to a shine. This prevents water spots from forming and brings out the beauty of the countertop material.
Keep Your Kitchen Countertops Clean
Hiring kitchen cleaning services is the best approach for keeping your countertops clean. The expert cleaning professionals at MaidPro will assess your countertop material and condition to determine the best cleaning method.
Schedule a professional cleaning appointment with MaidPro and let the experts handle all your cleaning needs.
