Proper Countertop Maintenance

When you install your new countertops, you want them to look new for as long as possible. Not all materials are made the same, however, so knowing the best ways to maintain the cleanliness of your kitchen without damaging your countertops is key. In this blog we will be discussing some universal ways of cleaning your countertops, along with some care instructions tailored towards specific products.

A tidy kitchen counter is not only visually appealing, it also means that your kitchen is inherently cleaner.  As discussed in this blog by The Spruce, countertop appliances collect dust and can hide bacteria growth underneath them. It is an excellent idea to include roll out storage options when designing your new kitchen space. Our designer Adrienne loves alternative storage solutions and will help find the best option for you. Read about some of the benefits here and check out a real life example with one of our previous client projects here. Below are some roll out storage options available through one of our cabinet lines, Kemper.

A roll out spice rack with melamine cabinets.

A roll out storage rack in a kitchen with white wooden cabinets.

Roll out kitchen storage for baking trays.

Now, before you start wiping down your counters with whatever your go-to cleaner is, read a little more about what you should actually be using.

Generally speaking, there is no need for chemicals or acidic cleaners - such as vinegar - when cleaning your kitchen counters. In fact, many materials will be damaged if you use products such as Lysol or bleach. When you install your new countertops, you want them to stay shiny and new for as long as possible. Use a mild soap and a microfiber cloth - both for cleaning and drying - for every day maintenance on all countertop surfaces. Some more porous materials such as granite need a little extra TLC by being regularly sealed. Curious about other granite quirks?

Read about them here!

It is a good rule of thumb to clean up spills as soon as they happen, as well. Liquids can cause damage with long term exposure and some materials are more prone to staining. Quartz is a material that can handle a little more oomph. Use mild soap and water as usual, but also feel free to follow up with some glass cleaner in between to keep your surfaces shiny and streak free.

Our key takeaways are:

1. For every day maintenance, always avoid abrasive materials and chemical or acidic cleaners.

2. Read up on what material your countertop is to see if it has specific long term maintenance instructions. Examples: cement, marble, and granite all need to be regularly sealed.

3. Be tidy! Store your small appliances elsewhere to keep your counters clutter free and easy to clean.

4. Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid staining or long term damage, depending on the materials.

At Kitchens By Design we strive to make sure that your kitchen remodel not only fits your vision for today, but lasts for years to come. Send us a message now to get started on your dream redesign! Sharing is caring, so copy the link below to send this blog to a friend who just finished remodeling their kitchen and bath.

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