Cleaning your kitchen counter top can be one of the biggest challenges in your house. The counter is the base and foundation of your kitchen, and must be clean at all times. Because so much of your food and utensils come in contact with this counter top, you need these Houston house cleaning tips to keep your kitchen sanitary and family healthy. These guidelines give you the best chance at keeping your counter tops clean, and minimize the amount of chemicals and harsh elements used to wash them.
Of course when you need the best Houston house cleaning service out there, you can only turn to Ready SET Maids. Hire Ready SET Maids and see how easy it is to have clean counter tops. Book instantly on our site or call us @ 832-939-4500
Cleaning your Counter tops with these Houston Residential Cleaning Tips
Cleaning your counters is an important part of taking care of your home and your family. The counters in your kitchen play a vital role in food prep, so the need to keep them clean is imperative. However, no two counter tops are the same because they come in all different shapes and sizes.
Because counters can be made from all kinds of materials including granite, acrylic, laminate, treated wood, steel, marble and more, you need these tips to help you make the right choice. Choosing the wrong materials or chemicals to clean could lead to premature damage or staining of your counter tops, neither of which are desirable.
Why do I need these cleaning tips? – Counter tops are going to need some special attention because not only should they be clean, but they also need to be hygienic if food is prepared or eaten on or around them. However because counter tops are made of different materials, it’s impossible to have a simple cleaning guide that covers them all.
Instead we help you understand the differences in Houston cleaning service tips by going over the counter tops below and how to properly clean them.
Different Surfaces
- Wood – Believe it or not wood is a very common counter top material. However it can stain very easily. For this simple reason try to mop up any spills from the counter top as soon as they occur. Wood can be pleasant and warm, giving your kitchen that special look.
- However wood is also naturally porous, which makes it a good candidate for germs and a breeding ground for bacteria. One of the most important thing to remember to fight bacteria is to always keep your counter top as dry as possible and remember to rub linseed or mineral oil once a month. The oil will seal the wood counter top and prevent moisture from setting in.
- Granite – You may think that granite is a tough material, but in fact it’s quite delicate. For this reason you should never use a harsh material to clean your granite counter tops. Even all natural cleaners like like white vinegar can lead to disastrous results. Only clean granite counter tops with a sponge or soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of warm, soapy water.
- Much like wood, granite can be porous, so it needs to be ‘sealed’ before it is cleaned and installed. Most granite providers sell specialized cleaning kits that contain this sealing solution. Make sure to ask your granite installer to check out your options, so that you can use these tips properly.
- Removing stains from granite – Granite stains can be especially tough to remove. Have a coffee ring that’s set in and bothering you? Leftover food stains becoming an eyesore in your kitchen? Here’s just a few of the tips to remove stubborn stains from your granite counter tops fast.
- Dip a toothbrush in lemon juice and scrub lightly on the surface
- Use a non-metallic kitchen scrubber with lemon juice to remove the stain
- Use a granite cleaner that’s not harsh to rub away the stains
- Mix a cup of warm water and baking soda to remove stains
- Liquid detergent can also help, but never use a harsh chemical like bleach.
- Steel Counter tops – One of the fastest growing trends in the kitchen, steel counter tops give you an excellent surface that’s resistant to most cleaners. However what steel counters offer in flexibility, can also cause problems when it comes to water spots. Hard water or water high in calcium can leave spots or problem areas in your counters, causing them to look unattractive.
- To solve these issues. never use harsh chemicals as they will cause permanent damage to your counter top and never use abrasive materials like wire wool, rough cloths or pads, as they will scratch the surface and ruin the steel’s reflective finish.
- If you are using stainless steel counters, regularly wash the surface with warm water and a small amount of baking soda. When combating mineral deposits or water spots, use a small amount of white vinegar. Then rinse well with water and then thoroughly dry with a cloth and sheets of paper-towel.
- Formica – Counters made from this material are cheap, and easy to take care of and clean. This makes them naturally attractive for most consumers looking to customize their kitchen. Formica counters need little maintenance and can last a long time if properly looked after. However you should avoid using cleaners like ammonia or bleach.
- Instead you can choose a mild detergent, a soft cloth and warm water. You can also turn to baking soda and warm water to clean away your counters.
- Ceramic – Tiles some of the best counter top materials, but also offer a unique set of challenges. Grout for example can become dirty and contaminated, which is a big reason why you want to take special care when cleaning. One of the best Houston house cleaning tips for tiles is to stay on top of the maintenance and clean often. Baking soda and a toothbrush are great ways to keep your ceramic tiles looking their best.
- Marble – Magnificent and wonderful to look at, marble counters are also susceptible to harsh chemicals. Never use acidic based cleaners like white-vinegar, or other over the counter cleaners. When a spill first happens, make sure to wipe up the mess immediately so that you prevent any kind of etching in the marble surface.
- Only clean by spraying a mild soap solution onto the counter top and then wiping it off with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use a second cloth to buff the stone dry. Like wood, marble is very porous, so it’s a good idea to treat it with a special stone sealer to reduce its porosity. This will also make it less of a “germ” trap and more stain resistant.
- Plastic – Laminates are one of the most common counter top surfaces out there. It’s cheap and durable, and can withstand the beating you put out. One of the easiest counters to clean in our house cleaning guide, plastic or laminate counters can be cleaned using a mixture of mild dishwasher soap and water.
Conclusion
Always make sure to dry the counter top after washing to prevent any water from pooling in the seams. For tough to remove stains, use baking soda and a small amount of warm water. Let the mixture soak into the laminate to maximize your cleaning power. Don’t overdo it when scrubbing your counter, because baking soda is still abrasive.
Use these home cleaning tips to keep your counters clean and spotless. And when your kitchen or overall cleaning needs are serious, turn to the experts at Ready SET Maids for the ultimate in Houston maid cleaning service. Give us a call today or book a cleaning in less than 60 seconds to to help you with all your housekeeping needs.
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