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Walk into any kitchen showroom and you’ll see an astounding number of countertop options. Marble, granite, soapstone, wood…each has its selling points—and its own cleaning and maintenance needs. That’s why it’s critical to know what you’re signing up for before you buy, says Gus Retsinas, formerly of the Manhattan Center for Kitchen and Bath. “Your countertop material must serve your design, but it must be practical, too.” To keep any surface looking good, you want to make sure you’re taking the proper precautions and preventing any scratching or intense heat exposure (sorry but your pets probably shouldn’t be climbing on your new marble countertop). Beyond buying a proper cutting board and steering clear of direct surface-to-heat contact, heed these expert tips on how to clean countertops based on the material you have in your kitchen.
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 daily with a nonabrasive cleaner or a homemade mix of warm water with a splash of distilled white vinegar. Gently scrape off any food residue with a spatula or a metal pastry scraper. Be sure to wipe the counters after cleaning so they are completely 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 since they are susceptible to warping and cracking. There are a variety of options, but cabinetmaker Cliff Spencer recommends going the less toxic route, using a food-grade oil or wax. As scratches and dings occur, just sand down the wood and reapply the protectant.
How to Clean Marble and Granite Countertops
Tools:
- Water
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Plastic Wrap
- Tape
Cleaning:
Retsinas likes using 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). Apply the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Let sit for a few days (or overnight at the very least), and then rinse off the paste. Repeat the process if the stain isn’t completely gone. Be sure to do a spot test first to make sure the method won’t affect the color or finish of the stone.
Sealing:
These surfaces are popular for their tough-as-rocks durability, but they do need to be resealed regularly to protect them from stains. Reseal granite once a year and marble every few months, suggests Lowes manager and materials expert Mike Pitts.
How to Clean Laminate Countertops
Tools:
- Mild household cleaner
- Water
- Microfiber cloths
- Baking soda
Cleaning:
"Just use a clean cotton cloth with water and a mild, non-chemical liquid detergent to wipe it down," says Gerri Chmiel, residential design lead at Formica. 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.
Sealing:
Formica tops the charts for practicality since it’s extra durable and doesn’t require any sealing. But it’s not invincible—you should still use cutting boards and trivets to avoid scratches and burns.
How to Clean Quartz or Engineered Stone Countertops
Tools:
- Dish soap
- Water
- Nonabrasive glass or surface cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Nonabrasive sponge
Cleaning:
Made from resin-bound quartz crystals, engineered stone re-creates the look of its natural counterparts without requiring the same maintenance. Like the others, these countertops can be washed with mild soap and water.
Stain Removal:
Quartz countertops are largely stain-resistant, but if you do come across a persistent mark that soap and water can’t handle, use a glass cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge.
Sealing:
Engineered stone countertops don’t need any resealing to stay in pristine condition, says Erika Egede-Nissen, director of brand marketing for Caesarstone.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Countertops
Tools:
- Water
- Dish Soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Stainless-steel cleaner
- Baking soda
- Stainless-steel polish
- Lemon oil
Cleaning:
There’s a reason you’ll see stainless steel all over commercial kitchens: It requires nothing more than a regular wipe-down with soap and water. Still, you’ll want to avoid scratching the surface and stay on top of smudges and streaks; use a microfiber towel and cleaner made especially for stainless steel to buff them out. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool, which can scratch the surface.
Stain Removal:
Despite its name, stainless steel can still get unsightly stains. Mix a paste of dish soap and baking soda and use a soft cloth to rub in the direction of the grain.
Sealing:
There’s no need to seal your stainless-steel countertops, but you may want to polish it occasionally with stainless-steel polish or lemon oil and a microfiber cloth. Apply the polish in the direction of the grain and buff it dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Soapstone Countertops
Tools:
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Mineral oil
- Fine-grit sandpaper
Cleaning:
This natural stone is nonporous, making it resistant to stains and scratches, says Mary Perham, operations manager at Green Mountain Soapstone. Clean it with almost any multipurpose cleaner, as long as it’s not abrasive.
Stain Removal:
Most stains can be removed with a multipurpose cleaner. Scratches and tough stains can be removed with very fine sandpaper (do not use rougher than 80 grit). Apply mineral oil after sanding.
Sealing:
The look of the material will change over time, depending on whether you use mineral oil, which speeds up the oxidation process and makes the stone look darker. “Some people choose to enhance the stone with mineral oil to bring out its movement and color, while others leave it alone and let it naturally patina over time,” she says. Mineral oil can also help protect the counters from stains.
