How to Get Your Countertops Clean and Sanitary

Countertops Clean and Sanitary

Cleaning your countertops can seem like a reasonably simple task. However, there’s a ton of contradictory advice out there. From using specialized cleaners to avoiding cleaners to using Windex to never using Windex, and much more.

Luckily, we’re here to clear the air a bit and get down to what matters, getting your countertops clean and sanitary.

Continue reading to see our tips and tricks on how to clean and disinfect your counters.

Before we get into step-by-step cleaning instruction, there are some things to remember before diving in.

Make Sure Porous Stone Countertops are Properly Sealed

If your countertops are made of porous stone, such as granite or marble, they need to be sealed, or cleaning them will not make a difference. Unsealed stone can soak up spills, oil, and grease, resulting in unsightly stains. 

If you’re unsure whether or not your counters are sealed, there’s an easy way to check. Drop a small amount of water on the surface of the stone, if it beads up, then your countertop’s sealer is still in place. However, if it soaks the water up, then you need to reseal the countertop. 

Avoid Using Acidic or Harsh Cleaners on Your Countertops

Using harsh cleaners, such as standard Windex, vinegar, lemon, bleach, or any cleaner containing ammonia, should be avoided. The chemicals in these cleaners can dull and deteriorate your counter’s sealer over time. 

The more harsh chemicals that you use, the faster your sealant will break down. This will lead to wasted money on resealing and damaged finishes on your countertops. 

It’s worth noting that ammonia-free Windex can be safely used to remove oil and grease from your countertops. 

Stick with Gentle Cloths and Mild Soaps

When you do go about cleaning and sanitizing your counters, invest in mild dish soaps and soft washcloths or microfiber towels. 

These tools will allow you to get your countertops clean without damaging the sealer or leaving streaks.

Utilizing Specialized Cleaners

There’s no shortage of specialized stone cleaners on the market. These cleaners are typically labeled safe for stone, like granite or marble, and they are formulated to not damage the stone. 

You can use these cleaners safely on your stone countertops if you prefer. However, this is purely a personal preference for some. You don’t have to use these cleaners to get your counters clean, but they do work.

Stone Countertops and Sanitization

Non-porous stone and properly sealed stone countertops are highly resistant to the growth of bacteria. Cleaning them with hot water and mild dish soap is more than enough for routine sanitizing. 

If you prefer a disinfectant, isopropyl alcohol works perfectly for disinfecting stone. Simply spray the alcohol on the stone and let it sit for around three to five minutes. After the time is up, rinse it with water and dry the area with a soft cloth.

Now that you know all the main points about stone surfaces, it’s time to get started on cleaning them!

Here’s what you need to get started:

Everything You Need

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Clean, soft dishcloth
• Clean microfiber towel
• 70% Isopropyl alcohol
• Spray bottle

Step-by-step Directions

1. Fill your clean sink with warm to hot water and add mild dish soap. Then wet the clean, soft dishcloth with the soapy water.
2. Now the simplest part. Simply use the soapy dishcloth to wipe up any spills, residue, or crumbs from the countertops.
3. Take the clean microfiber towel and dry your countertops. This will help to avoid any water streaks.
4. Spray the 70% isopropyl alcohol onto the countertops to disinfect them. Let it sit for roughly three to five minutes. Next, rinse with water when the time is up and dry with the microfiber towel. 
5. Enjoy your fresh, clean, sanitized stone countertops until it’s time to clean again!

Congratulations! You should have all the info that you need to get your stone countertops clean and sanitary without damaging them.

Remember to ensure that porous stone surfaces are sealed, avoid acidic or harsh cleaners, and use gentle cloths and mild soaps. If you choose to use specialized cleaners, that’s fine! Just remember that you don’t have to. 

Enjoy knowing just how simple cleaning stone countertops can be!