You’ve been spending more time in your home over the past year, and maybe you’re considering some updates. If kitchen countertops are on your list of a refresh or remodel, we’ve got some countertop care and cleaning tips for you! 

How do you care for butcher block countertops?

Daily cleaning of butcher block countertops is quick and easy, but you must act quickly when there is a spill. If liquid or other staining materials isn’t wiped up quickly, the wood grain could absorb the stain and become discolored. Wood absorbs moisture quickly, so in addition to wiping up spills, avoid leaving damp cloths on your butcher block countertops, as well.

Sticky messes can be scraped from your butcher block countertop with a smooth, flat spatula, then wiped with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth using mild dish soap.

How do you sanitize butcher block countertops?

Want to disinfect your butcher block? Undiluted white vinegar gets the job done so you can be at ease knowing there are no dangerous germs on it. To keep it looking beautiful, apply mineral oil monthly.

How to clean granite countertops?

Granite continues to be one of the most popular kitchen countertop surfaces and it is no wonder why. It is beautiful and resists both heat and everyday scratches that can happen on kitchen surfaces.

But granite is porous and can accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria that can dim that beautiful shine. As with all the other stone surfaces, avoid cleaners with acid and alkaline ingredients, as well as anything abrasive that could scratch the surface.

What cleaners are not safe for granite?

How do you care for butcher block countertopsHere’s what can ruin granite countertops:

  • Vinegar

  • Lemon, lime, or citrus juices

  • Ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners (like most window cleaners),

  • Bleach

  • Steel wool

  • Scrubby abrasive sponges

  • Abrasive cleansers

What’s a good granite kitchen countertop cleaner?

The best granite countertop cleaner is mild dish soap diluted with water used with a microfiber cloth. Here is our suggestion. Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of mild dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into a spray bottle; shake well and spray generously on the granite surface and wipe down with microfiber cloth. Wipe quickly, as letting any cleaner sit on granite can result in streaks.

A note on granite countertops. If installed by a professional, your granite should already be sealed. To test if your granite is adequately sealed, splash some water on the surface. If, after 10 to 15 minutes, the water is still beaded up, your granite is well sealed. If the water has been absorbed, the granite needs to be resealed.

Watch for part two of this article in the coming weeks, where we’ll cover both engineered and true quartz, marble, and soapstone countertops.

Where can I get thorough professional countertop cleaning?

Since their hygiene is so important for preserving your family’s health and preventing food poisoning, it’s vital that you have reliable experts to help you with the maintenance of your countertops. Castle Keepers has the expertise and equipment to make your countertops look as good as new. 

We’ll also take great care of the other parts of your home, making sure that the products we use are completely harmless to your surfaces. Our experts treat your belongings with care and respect. They’re trustworthy and trained individuals who’ll carefully go over your cleaning checklist.

You can count on us for these and many other tasks:

Partner up with the leading experts in residential cleaning in Atlanta, GA, Charleston, SC, and Greenville, SC. Contact us now!