Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen but don’t know what countertops to choose? With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which one will fit into your lifestyle perfectly. If your only concern is finding something that’s easy to clean, then this guide is for you!
Butcher Block
One disadvantage of a butcher block counter is the high maintenance that comes with it. Any stains that occur will result in the counters needing to be sanded down and refinished. For simple day-to-day cleaning, avoid using harsh chemical detergents, as they’ll ruin the finish. Clean with mild soap and hot water. Or use undiluted vinegar and let it sit on the counters for a few minutes before wiping it off. Make sure the counters are completely dry.
Marble
Also high maintenance, marble can stain or scratch easily if it hasn’t been sealed properly. But once it is, marble is easy to clean. All you need is non-abrasive soap, warm water and a towel or two. Use mild soaps, as acidic cleaners will eat away at the finish and etch the marble surface. If you have deep staining, create a paste made of water and baking soda. Let it sit for a day before wiping it up.
Granite
Like marble, stick with the basics when it comes to cleaning granite countertops. They’re less likely to stain or get damaged from acidic cleaners but it’s best to use mild products and soft cloths. There are also specialty cleaners available but they aren’t necessary.
Laminate
Whatever style of the laminate you have, whether it’s dated or constructed from modern technology, it’ll be pretty easy to clean. The durable material allows for spills to be cleaned up right away with any non-abrasive cleaners. Use a scrub brush for any textured laminate counters.
Stainless Steel
As the most sterile countertop material of them all, stainless steel is easy to care for on a daily basis. While it shows fingerprints and smudges easily, they can be wiped away with dish soap and water, or a baking soda paste for dried-on residue.
Tile
When it comes to tile countertops, making sure the grout is clean is one of the more important tasks, as food and bacteria can get stuck. The tiles themselves are easily cleaned with soap, but the grout may require baking soda, vinegar or even bleach in some cases to get them sparkling once more.
Quartz
You don’t have to worry about sealing a quartz countertop, as the engineered material is non-porous, resistant to staining, etching, mildew and bacteria build-up. All this countertop requires is a simple wash of mild soap and water to remove the day’s mess.
Soapstone
As soapstone is immune to the damaging effects of acids found in citrus fruits, coffee and red wine, it’s ideal for messy families that require quick clean-ups. It doesn’t need to be sealed and can be washed with soap and water.
Concrete
To prevent staining, damage caused by water or heat and bacteria growth, concrete counters need to be sealed regularly. To clean this industrial material, make sure to use non-acidic soap and a microfiber cloth. Avoid scrubbing pads, as they will wear away the sealant.
If you’re looking for the perfect countertops to match your dream kitchen, then look no further than Art’s Custom Countertops. Since 1985, we’ve offered quartz countertops, granite countertops, laminate and solid surface countertops for customers in the Kitchener and Waterloo area of Ontario. Our team is proud to provide you with high-quality, durable products we know you’ll love. Call us today with any granite countertop inquiries, or go online at https://www.artscountertops.com/.