We choose cleaning materials for kitchen countertops to avoid damage and discoloration that is often impossible to remove. Therefore, one should know how to clean laminate and how to clean a granite countertop before making a purchase decision. In addition, let's remember a few rules for caring for kitchen countertops:
Do not leave wet or hot dishes on them.
Do not clean them with wire brushes.
When cutting anything with a knife, always use a board because even the smallest scratch can ruin the surface (dirt gets on it, it can also let moisture into the material).
How to clean a wooden countertop?
Regardless of whether the raw material from which it was made is a wooden top, it is soft or hard, use only delicate wipes and scrub-free sponges for cleaning. It is important to use only mild detergents such as dishwashing liquid. If the top is oiled, choose special preparations for wood or other recommended by the manufacturer. Even regular milk can damage a thin layer of wood.
These types of surfaces are unfortunately very demanding - stains and moisture should be wiped off immediately (otherwise they will be very difficult to remove), and when cutting, be careful not to scratch the surface. However, if it is damaged, it can be carefully sanded with abrasive paper and then varnished or oiled again.
Stone. How to clean granite and wash marble countertops?
Granite and marble are elegant materials for a kitchen table - they do not absorb water and are resistant to damage and high temperatures. How do you clean a granite or marble counter? Normal water will work best, allowing us to remove most stains and dirt.
We can also use dishwashing liquid, but it is worth wiping it off carefully, because when it comes into contact with high temperatures (for example, when we put a pot on it), it can cause discoloration. Cleaning the stone surface is not difficult, but avoid using harsh chemicals (bleach) and washcloths.
How to clean a laminate countertop?
Laminated chipboard countertops are covered with a layer of laminate, a chemical-resistant material that can be easily scratched. It's best to wipe down laminate flooring with any cleaner meant for kitchen surfaces, but remember to always wipe it dry. Chipboard, into which moisture enters, quickly swells and does not return to its original state.
How to clean a conglomerate countertop?
The conglomerate is a combination of ground stone with resin and pigment. As a result, it is even stronger and at the same time lighter than granite. These are not all the advantages of conglomerates - they are resistant to chemicals and do not discolor. Every day it is enough to clean them with water, because it is easy to remove dirt from them. You can also use other detergents that are designed for cleaning the kitchen.
How to clean damage on the kitchen countertop?
In the case of the wooden table, let's repair the damage using abrasive paper. It is worth seeking help from a professional who will make sure that the damaged area does not differ from the whole. However, if you've burned through your laminate table, it's a bit more difficult to clean up the damage. You can try wiping the surface with a solution of three tablespoons of vinegar and one tablespoon of lemon.
Cleaning your kitchen countertop is not a philosophy, but it's worth reading the manufacturer's notes on the appropriate cleaners. Often the best option will be ordinary water, so maybe it’s not worth overpaying? To get a good shine, you can use a glass cleaner. Let's avoid using agents containing acids or bleaches. Thanks to this, the countertops will serve for many years in perfect condition.
Many home remedies do a better job of removing greasy stains and dirt on cabinets, tables, chairs, cabinets, countertops, and other kitchen furniture than industrial chemicals. These home-made cleaners can not only remove grease from kitchen appliances, but also save time and money.
If we compare household chemicals sold in stores with folk remedies, then the latter are safer for humans and can be an excellent helper in the fight against dirt in the kitchen.
Before you start removing grease from the surfaces of kitchen furniture, you should choose the right cleaning equipment. It is worth choosing a more gentle tool - a sponge, soft cloth, microfiber, cloth, flannel. Any of the materials can perfectly wash grease from kitchen furniture. Do not use metal brushes: the use of such products can leave scratches and other damage on the furniture.
Damaged furniture gets dirty much faster: scratches are clogged with grease, plaque and dirt.
Rubber gloves should be used when cleaning the kitchen for the safety of hands and nails.
Before you completely wash the furniture from dirt, you should check the quality of the product on a small and inconspicuous area of \u200b\u200bthe headset. Such a measure will protect the furniture from damage.
Various cleaning products
You can use a variety of tools that can be found in every kitchen. You need to choose one or another tool, taking into account the types of stains and types of furniture that you want to clean.
Baking soda for stains
An easy way to clean furniture is to use baking soda. She can wash glass surfaces: dishes, inserts in the headset. It cleans plastic parts in the kitchen well (refrigerator doors, household appliances). Moisten the place of contamination and wipe it on top with soda. Wash off the remaining substance with a damp cloth.
Soda can be used to clean upholstered seats in the kitchen.
First you need to moisten the seat with water. Then generously cover the greasy stains with soda and start brushing them. After that, you need to leave the soda soaked into the furniture for 15-20 minutes. Then collect the powder with a vacuum cleaner.
If the stain remains, you can try diluting one tablespoon of vinegar with one tablespoon of dish detergent in 250 ml of water. The product is applied with microfiber to the stains. The seat should be wiped with a clean damp sponge.
Laundry soap and soda
Both soap and baking soda are effective at removing grease from furniture surfaces. Both components and separately can cope with pollution, but together they allow you to achieve the desired result.
To prepare a soap cleanser, grate it on a coarse grater into a deep bowl. Add a little warm water to the soap shavings. The solution should become cloudy. The resulting product must be applied to contaminated areas with a sponge. Until the solution dries, apply a small amount of baking soda on top and treat problem areas. The consistency is washed off twenty minutes after application.
Soda in such a solution is an abrasive agent that will help to thoroughly wash contaminated areas.
Soap solution with soda is great for metal and plastic surfaces. Do not apply to glossy or lacquered finishes as scratches may form after cleaning.
It is important to remember that laundry soap should have a dark brown color. If the soap is bleached and perfumed, then it will not be able to cope with the pollution in the kitchen.
cleaning furniture with vinegar
Regular table vinegar fights well with fat, you can use apple cider vinegar. In addition to furniture, countertops and tiles in the kitchen, you can also clean limescale from metal and ceramic objects and get rid of scale in kettles.
Add some water to the vinegar. Apply the resulting solution with a rag to greasy stains and wait until the fat comes off the surface. Then the headset should be wiped with a damp soft cloth.
Dough baking powder for greasy stains
A baking powder will help you quickly clean the kitchen set.
It is necessary to prepare a slurry of baking powder and water. The product is applied to a dirty surface and kept on it for half an hour. Then it is washed off with water.
Alcohol against greasy plaque
Grease stains are perfectly removed by alcohol or vodka. The tool washes well modular furniture and ordinary headsets, covered with a glossy surface. Before processing furniture, open the windows in the kitchen.
To make the remedy, you need to dilute one tablespoon of alcohol in one liter of water. For cleaning, you can use a sponge, a rag and a spray bottle. With the help of improvised means, process the kitchen furniture and leave it to be cleaned for half an hour. You can remove the solution with an ordinary damp cloth.
Vodka is also good for fighting pollution. In this case, you can simply moisten the sponge in vodka and wipe the greasy surface, and then rinse with water.
Disinfection and cleaning with alcohol and vinegar
An excellent tool that not only fights grease and dirt, but also disinfects furniture from bacteria and germs.
To prepare the solution, mix table vinegar, alcohol and vodka in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. You can add a third of a teaspoon of any essential oil to the mixture.
The resulting mixture must be used to clean dirt with a spray gun. The solution should remain on contaminated areas for ten to fifteen minutes. Then you should wash off the solution with a napkin or sponge. After applying such a mixture, the aroma of essential oil will come from the furniture.
Essential oils for cleansing and pleasant smell
Essential oils with other components perfectly cope with the task of cleaning furniture.
In order to get rid of an unpleasant odor and effectively care for surfaces made of wood, you will need spruce or eucalyptus essential oil. Add a few drops of oil to a container of water, and then wipe the wooden surface with a sponge.
You can prepare a mixture of orange and eucalyptus oil with vinegar and vodka. You should take half a glass of vodka, half a glass of vinegar, half a teaspoon of orange oil and a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Mix the solution thoroughly and pour into a spray bottle. Apply the product on oily spots for 20 minutes. Rinse afterwards with a damp cloth.
Such a recipe is able to cope with dirt not only on wooden surfaces: it helps to fight limescale on metal surfaces and launders parts made of plastic and ceramics.
Lemon cleanser
Effectively and safely fights fat with a slice of lemon. In addition to headsets and other surfaces, you can clean tiles with lemon, remove scale and limescale.
It is necessary to wipe the furniture with lemon so that the juice flows from the surface. After ten minutes, the headset can be washed with warm water and wiped with a paper towel.
Citric acid from all types of pollution
A solution of citric acid is an excellent remedy for dirt on furniture. To prepare the solution, you will need one liter of water, 15 grams of citric acid and a little detergent. The liquid should be applied to problem areas, and then wipe them with a damp cloth.
Acid can be used as a descaler in kettles, to clean lime deposits on metal and ceramic surfaces.
Vegetable oil and soda for all types of headsets
Furniture will be clean if you use a product made from vegetable oil and soda.
The product is excellent for washing wooden surfaces, sets and furniture made of MDF and solid wood, cutlery, tables, chairs, shelves, doors, frames and dishes.
It is necessary to prepare a gruel, which in consistency will resemble sour cream. To do this, you need to take vegetable oil and soda in a ratio of 2: 1. Apply to areas with oily stains and treat them with a soft brush. Leave the cleaned surface for half an hour. Then remove lumps of fat with a rag. It may be necessary to re-process the headset, since the first time the greasy coating may not move away from the surface.
Using an oil and baking soda scrub to clean the kitchen, you can achieve a radiant cleanliness, as well as perfectly protect furniture from high humidity in the kitchen or overdrying from high temperatures.
This mixture should be applied once every two weeks.
A mixture of clay and vinegar
The resulting stains in the kitchen will be perfectly removed by a product made from clay and vinegar. The product is suitable for cleaning wood and solid furniture, floors, walls, tiled surfaces and pots.
To get a mass for cleaning, you need to add a little vinegar to the clay. The agent is applied to the sponge, and the surface of the headset is wiped with it. After the procedure, the surface should be washed with water.
The clay in the cleaner acts as an abrasive. You should choose clay without stones, as they can ruin furniture during cleaning.
Mustard powder for kitchen furniture
The product is suitable for cleaning any surfaces from dirt.
Mustard dissolves grease well, so after washing, dirt and grease will remain on the napkin.
In order to wash the surface of dirt and grease, you need to moisten it with water and sprinkle with mustard powder. Then wipe the furniture with a dry cloth. A damp cloth or sponge will help to completely remove the mustard powder.
You can clean with mustard kitchen sets with a protective surface, stoves, sinks, refrigerators. Do not use powder for wooden surfaces and MDF sets.
Salt for stains
Salt is great for cleaning wood surfaces. It effectively removes greasy plaque and prevents the spread of germs and bacteria.
For cleaning, it is necessary to wipe the places with dirt and grease with salt.
Once a week, you can use a saline solution to treat facades and countertops.
dish detergent
A regular dish detergent can also be used to clean tiles, appliances, kitchen sets and other furniture in the kitchen. It is enough to dilute a little of the product in water and get a foam. Treat all contaminated surfaces with it. It is advisable to wipe off stubborn stains and old grease with the abrasive side of the sponge.
This tool can be used after each cooking.
Conclusion
There are many cleaning products for kitchen sets, furniture, dishes, cutlery, various surfaces, floors and walls. All of them contain chemicals that can cause great harm to the human body. Many people are prone to allergic reactions, difficulty breathing while using such products. Therefore, the advice of mothers and grandmothers comes to the rescue, who used to use folk remedies to combat greasy deposits on various kitchen surfaces. They clean such products no worse than production ones. It is necessary to observe safety measures when processing the kitchen with one or another cleaner. Use gloves, ventilate the kitchen during and after cleaning, and keep children and animals away from substances.
Caring for countertops made of different materials is not the same - for some you can use potent agents, for others it is strictly forbidden to do so. Below are effective ways to clean stone and plastic countertops without using.
Effective maintenance of stone countertops
The beauty and durability of the kitchen is determined by the work surface. How you take care of your countertop will determine how long it will last. The surface of the workplace needs daily thorough cleaning, but without damaging the top layer. Therefore, when choosing how to wash the countertop, give preference only to non-abrasive natural products.
Although natural stone is quite attractive, it requires regular maintenance to keep its shiny appearance longer without stains and scratches. Effective care of a stone countertop includes wiping the surface daily with a microfiber cloth.
In other cases, when visible contamination appears, it is necessary to use natural detergents.
Recipe number 1.
You will need: 1.5 st. l. apple cider vinegar, 7 drops of tea tree essential oil, 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of geranium essential oil.
Cooking method. Before cleaning your kitchen countertop, mix tea tree, lavender, and geranium essential oils with apple cider vinegar.
Application. It is necessary to apply the resulting emulsion to a soft sponge, wipe the surface of the countertop. Then, with a cloth soaked in clean water, wipe it again. This composition has disinfectant properties and is able to neutralize unpleasant odors.
Caring for your stone countertop
Work surfaces made of artificial stone are more unpretentious in relation to external influences. To care for the countertop made of artificial stone, you can use abrasive detergents and hard sponges.
Recipe number 2.
You will need: 1 st. l. baking soda, 1 tsp. lemon juice.
Cooking method. In 400 ml of water, add baking soda and lemon juice, mix.
Application. Wet the sponge in the resulting solution, wipe the surface of the countertop. Then, with a sponge dipped in clean water, wipe it again.
How to care for and how to wash a plastic countertop
Plastic work surfaces are resistant to moisture, grease and odours. However, they can melt at high temperatures and stain from products. How to clean a plastic countertop in a kitchen? To clean such a surface, various types of products are suitable, including powder ones, for example, baking soda, table salt. They do not have to be dissolved in water, these substances can be applied directly to a damp sponge or cloth and rub the problem areas. In addition, liquid natural detergents are also effective.
Recipe number 3.
You will need: 1 st. l. table vinegar, 7 drops of tea tree essential oil, 5 drops of pine essential oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
Cooking method. Mix essential oils of tea tree, lavender and geranium with table vinegar.
Application. Apply the resulting emulsion to a soft sponge, wipe the surface of the countertop. Then, with a cloth soaked in clean water, wipe it again.
Recipe #4
You will need: 2 tbsp. l. wine vinegar, 1 tsp. baking soda.
Cooking method. In 100 ml of water, add wine vinegar and baking soda, mix.
Application. Moisten a soft sponge with the resulting solution, wipe the surface of the countertop. Then, with a cloth soaked in clean water, wipe it again.
Countertops and sinks made of artificial stone have long gained popularity, because they harmoniously combine attractive appearance, functionality and affordability. Such material is characterized by high strength and durability, resistance to moisture, wear and high temperatures, dense homogeneous structure and aesthetics.
In addition, it does not require complex maintenance. In this article, we will take a closer look at how and with what to wash an artificial stone countertop.
Features and benefits of artificial stone
Artificial stone is made on the basis of natural natural minerals in combination with coloring components and resin. Artificial stone products look luxurious, expensive and elegant, just like natural ones. At the same time, they are more practical and cheaper. In addition, such a countertop will last longer than wooden, metal or plastic counterparts.
Among the advantages of artificial stone are the following:
- High strength and long service life;
- Easy and quick care due to the smooth and even surface;
- Hygiene and lack of hygroscopicity prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria and organisms, dirt and microbes on the surface;
- Attractive and harmonious appearance;
- A variety of designs and a wide range of colors;
- Waterproof. Artificial stone does not rot and does not rust, does not become moldy and does not darken;
- Resistance to mechanical damage and shock loads. On an artificial stone countertop, you can easily cut food and beat meat without the risk of damaging or spoiling the material;
- Environmental friendliness and naturalness;
- Resistant to high temperatures, up to 200 degrees above zero;
- The absence of seams ensures easy installation and repair, care and maintenance. In addition, a smooth, seamless surface looks aesthetically pleasing and organic.
Like other materials, artificial stone requires periodic maintenance. Not every method and not every detergent is suitable for this procedure. Improper care of an artificial stone countertop can leave scratches and indelible stains on the surface, deform the product and spoil the presentable appearance.
To avoid this, it is important to choose the right detergents, follow the rules of care and cleaning technology. This is especially true for products with a bright, glossy and uneven color. Dust, scratches and wear marks are more clearly visible on dark and heavily painted surfaces.
Plain and evenly colored matt light countertops and sinks are easier to clean. In addition, they can withstand loads better. Let's look at how to properly care for a countertop made of artificial stone.
Rules for care and use
- Do not use aggressive compounds, solvents and acids, alkalis, products containing acetone and methylene chloride for cleaning. Despite the fact that the artificial stone can withstand the effects of chemistry, prolonged contact with such a cleaning agent gradually destroys the structure of the material;
- Compounds containing wax or oil are not suitable for cleaning stone products, as they form and leave a greasy film on the surface. This will worsen the appearance of the countertop. In addition, fingerprints and various objects will remain on the film;
- During general cleaning, once a month, fill the sink with a cleaning agent containing chlorine or a special anti-scale agent and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse with clean water and pat dry;
- It is better to clean the countertop or sink with special care products for artificial stone products or with non-abrasive detergents;
- For regular care of stone products, you can use ordinary soap, or rather a soap solution, dishwashing gel or detergent with a chlorine content of up to 5%;
- After wet cleaning and washing the sink or countertop, be sure to wipe the surface dry;
- Wipe off food and drink residues, grease and oil stains, various contaminants immediately after formation;
- Do not place hot dishes without a protective base on the countertop or sink, hot or connected heating electronic devices;
- In a stone sink, do not use sudden changes in hot and cold water temperatures. Do not pour boiling water into the sink without opening the cold water!;
- Despite the fact that artificial stone can withstand knife blows, use a cutting board when cutting food. An accidental strong and sharp blow with a sharp object will damage the surface, leading to cracks and chips;
- To avoid scratching the surface of the countertop, coat the material with a thin layer of wood varnish or wood care product. But they should not contain silicone and wax;
- Do not install kitchen appliances on the joints of the countertop, as they are decorative in nature and cannot withstand heavy loads;
- Do not leave tea brewing and peeling vegetables or fruits in a bright sink. In addition, it is not recommended to pour tea and coffee, carbonated drinks and juices of dark or bright poisonous colors into a sink of this color.
How to properly clean an artificial stone countertop
Wipe the surface regularly with a special detergent, dishwashing gel or soapy water. To prepare a soap solution, grate a bar of solid soap on a coarse grater and mix with water until foam forms.
Or mix water with liquid soap. Such treatment removes fresh traces of grease and dirt, stains from food and drinks, including those from wine and coffee, tea and juices, and oils in a matter of seconds.
To clean an artificial stone countertop, you can use a regular mild soap based on natural natural ingredients without wax. After each cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp, clean cloth and wipe dry. For care, use soft cloths and sponges.
Once a month, as a general cleaning, the countertop and the sink made of artificial stone can be washed with a dishwashing tablet in the dishwasher. Dilute the product in water and apply to the surface of the countertop and pour into the sink, leave for an hour. Rinse off with clean water and wipe dry. What means is better to choose for washing dishes in the dishwasher, read.
How to remove stains, plaque and scratches
Difficult and old stains, persistent dirt, lime and grease deposits, traces of dried water are removed with 5% white wine vinegar diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 1. In addition, you can use a number of folk remedies:
- Mustard powder for daily care removes dirt and degreases the surface;
- Lemon juice or citric acid eliminate rust and limescale, remove tea, coffee and wine stains;
- A 2.5% vinegar solution will remove traces of carbonated drinks, cope with accumulated lime and rust. Do not leave vinegar on the surface for more than two minutes!;
- A solution of baking soda with warm water disinfects the surface, removes stains and yellowness, fatty deposits;
- Gel toothpaste copes with various stains and dirt.
If improperly maintained, the surface of this material may be scratched. Therefore, many are interested in how to remove scratches on an artificial stone countertop.
To do this, take baking soda or a mild abrasive detergent and sandpaper. Apply the composition to the damaged area and lightly wipe with sandpaper. After that, wipe the entire surface to even out the color and rinse with water.
The glossy surface of the countertop can be painted with a special polishing agent for artificial stone. The solution should not contain silicones and citrus components. Competent polishing eliminates minor scratches, restores shine and gloss to the product.
