How to Clean Different Countertop Materials
Different countertop materials require different cleaning methods. Using the wrong cleaner can damage expensive surfaces. Learn the right way to clean and maintain each type.
Why Material Matters
For Homemakers
Need to preserve countertops from daily wear and cooking stains
For New Cooks/Renters
Don't know which cleaners are safe for rental property countertops
For Efficiency Seekers
Want quick, effective cleaning without damaging expensive surfaces
Cleaning Guide by Material
Granite Countertops
Daily: Warm water and mild dish soap with soft cloth.Deep clean: Use pH-neutral stone cleaner. Always dry completely to prevent water spots.
DON'T use: Vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or abrasive cleaners - they damage sealant.
Pro Tip:
Reseal granite every 1-2 years. Test by sprinkling water - if it doesn't bead up, time to reseal
Quartz Countertops
Daily: Mild soap and water with soft cloth or sponge.Stains: Make paste with baking soda and water, gently rub stain.
DON'T use: Harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers. Avoid heat - use trivets.
Pro Tip:
Quartz doesn't need sealing but avoid leaving spills (especially wine, coffee) to prevent staining
Marble Countertops
Daily: pH-neutral stone cleaner only - marble is very sensitive to acids. Blot spills immediately, especially citrus, wine, tomato.
DON'T use: Vinegar, lemon, ammonia, or acidic cleaners - they etch marble permanently.
Pro Tip:
Marble requires the most maintenance. Use cutting boards and coasters religiously
Laminate Countertops
Daily: All-purpose cleaner or dish soap and water.Stains: Baking soda paste for tough stains. Safe to use mild abrasives.
DON'T use: Steel wool, abrasive pads (can dull finish), or excessive water on seams.
Pro Tip:
Most forgiving countertop material - can handle most cleaners except harsh abrasives
Butcher Block/Wood
Daily: Warm soapy water, wipe dry immediately.Deep clean: Scrub with coarse salt and lemon half, rinse, dry, oil monthly.
DON'T: Soak in water, use harsh chemicals, let water sit (causes warping/staining).
Pro Tip:
Oil with food-grade mineral oil monthly to prevent drying and cracking
Stainless Steel
Daily: Dish soap and water, wipe with grain.Shine: Use stainless steel cleaner or few drops olive oil on microfiber cloth.
DON'T use: Abrasive scrubbers (scratch surface), or cleaners with chlorides.
Pro Tip:
Always wipe in direction of the grain to avoid visible streaks
Universal Countertop Care Rules
- • Always use cutting boards - never cut directly on countertops
- • Use trivets and hot pads for hot pots and pans
- • Wipe up spills immediately, especially acids (citrus, wine, tomato)
- • Test any new cleaner on hidden area first
- • Use coasters under glasses to prevent water rings
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- ✓Microfiber cloths (multiple)
- ✓Mild dish soap
- ✓Baking soda (for most materials)
- ✓pH-neutral stone cleaner (for natural stone)
- ✓Food-grade mineral oil (for wood)
- ✓Soft sponges (non-abrasive)