How to Care for Countertops

Keep all your countertop surfaces clean and free from debris.

Countertops come in a variety of types and surfaces. Although the most common countertops are Formica, tile or granite, which are significantly different from each other, basic countertop care is essentially the same. Cleaning and caring for your countertops limits the production of germs, makes your kitchen look nicer and lets your counters last longer. Consult with the manufacturer or supplies for exact suggestions on how frequently, if ever, you should seal the counter.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dishwashing detergent
• Towel
• Plastic spatula
• Toothbrush
• Peroxide
• Sealant

Instructions

1. Clean the counters with a mild dishwashing detergent. This keeps the surface shiny and prevents dullness.

2. Dry counters off with a terry towel to remove excess moisture.

3. Wipe spills from the countertop immediately. If you allow liquid to sit, it may cause stains and eat away at the counter.

4. Remove dirt, dust and debris regularly. Dirt particles left under dishes may etch groves into the counter that are impossible to remove. Move countertop appliances to ensure you get all the debris.

5. Scrape any buildup off the counter with a plastic spatula or a credit card. This removes the gunk off the counter without scratching your counter surface.

6. Scrub grout lines between tiles with a toothbrush and peroxide.

7. Apply a grout or a granite sealer every two years to the appropriate surface following all manufacturers' instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't cut foods directly on your countertops. This may leave cut marks that are impossible to repair. Instead, use a cutting board, which is easy to clean in the dishwasher.

• Keep in mind that not every countertop needs a sealant, and if you apply a sealant when it isn't needed it may cause problems such as streaks. For example, dark-colored denser granites and many marbles do not require sealing.

• Avoid placing hot items on your countertop surface; even granite countertops can become damaged from extreme heat.

References

• Countertop Specialty: Granite Sealer Guide
• Mrs. Clean: Cleaning Kitchen Countertops
• Kitchen Countertops: Care and Cleaning for Granite Countertops
• Real Simple: Keep the Kitchen Clean Longer