Which are the best cleaning methods for countertops?
Knowing the best cleaning methods for the different types of countertops out there is critical to preserving the beauty and longevity of your stunning materials. Know the maintenance process for each, ensuring that they remain captivating forever.
Keeping kitchen countertops clean is essential to ensure hygiene, safety, and overall health. It is especially true for commercial food establishments, like restaurants and cafeterias. Luckily, professional cleaning companies like the Service Providers Association offer reliable restaurant cleaning services.
As we all know, countertops come in different types of materials. Some examples include marble, tile, granite, wood, quartz, etc. While adding timeless elegance and sophistication to any space, it is also crucial to know different cleaning and proper maintenance methods for them. In this way, you can ensure the beauty and longevity of your countertops and preserve the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Knowing the best cleaning and protection methods is essential since different countertops require special care. Below, we present a list of the most common types of countertop materials and some recommendations to keep them clean and impeccable in the future.
Marble, Granite, and Quartz
One of the most popular countertops used worldwide is truly or artificial stone. Although these tend to be more expensive than other materials, they tend to be more durable and can increase the value of your business should you decide to sell them in the future.
Particularly in the case of marble, to keep it in good condition, the key is to avoid the use of harsh chemicals, acid cleaners, or abrasive scouring pads because it is of calcium carbonate, which is alkaline in nature, and these products could dull its shine and damage its surface.
In addition, marble is porous, so it tends to stain and scratch easily. For this reason, we recommend using mild cleaners and cloths to keep marble countertops completely spotless. Also, don’t forget to address spills as quickly as possible to prevent stains from seeping into the material. Wipe and blot the spill with a clean cloth and use a neutral pH cleaner recommended for marble surfaces.
For quartz countertops, it is essential to adopt a daily cleaning routine to prevent them from accumulating dirt and residue. You can use a soft cloth regularly to remove dust from these surfaces. Also, on these countertops, it is best to avoid using harsh or acidic cleaning agents, even lemon juice, as it could damage the delicate surface.
That said, it is crucial to note that quartz is heat resistant, but only to a certain extent. If you use hot water for cleaning, ensure it does not exceed 150°. Also, avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface, as this will break down the components of the quartz and deteriorate its color.
Finally, a solution of dish soap and warm water will solve most spills on granite surfaces. To disinfect the surface or remove stubborn stains, use alcohol instead of bleach to prevent the material from becoming opaque. Apply the alcohol with a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
Tile
If you have tile countertops, the same cleaning technique for your bathroom tiles will be helpful. That means you are free to use the soap of your choice in addition to an appropriate bleach. Before scrubbing and washing, let the solution sit for the suggested time. If there are stubborn stains in the grout, allow the cleaning product to work a little longer to loosen the dirt and grime more easily.
Reseal the grout on tile countertops about every two years. It will prevent staining, as well as bacteria and mold growth.
Wood or butcher block
Hardwood or butcher block countertops look elegant but are often hard to maintain. To keep a wood countertop spotless, use a non-abrasive cleaning solution, such as a mixture of distilled white vinegar with a little warm water. Once prepared, apply it and dry the surface with a soft cloth.
Seal this type of countertop to prevent premature damage, cracking, and warping. Although you can do it yourself with food-grade oil or wax, you can also have it professionally sealed. Should the wood become scratched or deteriorated, sand the surface and reapply the sealer of your choice. Then, to ensure a uniform shine, you can polish the surface.
Laminate or Formica
Laminate countertops have the great advantage of being compatible with different cleaners. However, it is essential not to use too much water during cleaning. If you soak this type of countertop, water can seep into the seams and cause the substrate to bulge. For best results, completely dry laminate countertops as soon as you finish washing them.
If you need to disinfect your laminate countertops, use an appropriate antibacterial spray. Discard abrasive or acidic cleaners or bleaches to prevent damage on the surface, or you can hire our disinfecting services for a better result.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is another of the best materials for countertops, mainly for frequently used kitchens, such as those in restaurants. All you need to do is wash it with soap and water, rinse it, and dry it well. To preserve the elegant surface, use a sponge to lather the detergent and a soft cloth to dry.
To remove stubborn stains, use any cleaner diluted in warm water. For stubborn dirt, use a mixture prepared with equal parts dish soap and baking soda, and use a soft towel to spread the mixture on the surface.
Concrete
Finally, sealed concrete countertops are strong and stain-resistant. You can keep it clean with hot water, detergent, and a sponge. After rinsing, you can dry the material with a soft towel.
Use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect. Spread a mixture of 1/4 cup of alcohol and two cups of water on the sealed concrete, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then dry it with a soft cloth.
Conclusion. Cleaning Methods for Different Types of Countertops
Maintaining different types of countertops requires a delicate balance of gentle cleaning, regular maintenance, and proper protection. With professional cleaning services from the Service Providers Association, you can ensure that your surfaces retain their beauty and elegance for many years.
Following these tips for cleaning and maintaining your countertops, you can create a captivating and long-lasting focal point in your commercial establishment. No matter what type of countertop you have; S.P.A. is here to help you keep your countertops looking their best, creating a timeless and sophisticated ambiance in your business.