How to remove stains on the solid surface countertop? With the right treatment, the beauty and attractive appearance of your countertop will last. Depending on the material and manufacturer, a kitchen countertop may already be resinated or impregnated ex-works. If your countertop has not yet been treated, you must do it before installation at the latest from the start of the operation.
Daily cleaning and care of the granite countertop
Despite impregnation, granite should not be neglected. For daily cleaning your granite countertop, it is best to use a plain cloth or sponge and clear water. Dissolve only a small amount of detergent in clean water and moisten the cloth with the mixture.
Avoid acidic cleaners (citrus, vinegar) or strong alkaline cleaners (oven spray) that can attack and damage the stone. Immediately remove any spillages such as red wine, oil, ketchup, etc. with a paper towel or a soft cloth. It is best to dab and not wipe so that the buried is not spread.
Remove difficult stains only with cleaning agents suitable for stone and dirt. Oils and greases, for example, penetrate quickly into the granite, settle there and can only be removed with a special deep cleaner oil and wax stain remover.
There are also color-enhancing impregnants, this strong grain, and texture of the stone and it creates a nice wet-effect -Wetlook. This treatment is suitable for dark countertops or when a wet look is desired, for example on the ground and natural surfaces. With decreasing effect, an occasional repetition is required every few years to regain the color intensity.
An impregnation is just as suitable for polished surfaces as it is for rough surfaces. The durability of a stone protection treatment will last approximately one to three years, depending on usage and cleaning frequency. However, at the latest, when you see that the plate can absorb water again, new care should be done.
How to remove stains on the solid surface countertop?
It is used for plucking salad, tapping meat, and preparing daily meals: the kitchen countertop is constantly used. Through food and kitchen tools, the practical surface comes into contact with various substances. To ensure that the countertop shines for a long time, it should be cleaned regularly. We give tips on what to look for.
Cleaning after every cooking
The work surface should be wiped wet after each use: splashes, leftovers, and co. Are best removed immediately so that they do not dry and afterward with aggressive cleaners must be removed. A simple squeegee and a commercial detergent are sufficient to remove the superficial dirt.
The kitchen rag absorbs germs and bacteria that can not be completely washed out with every use. Therefore, the flap should be replaced at the latest after three days. Use special cloths for cleaning surfaces. If necessary, less sensitive materials may also be wiped off with a sponge.
Basic cleaning of the work surface: that’s how it works
In addition to the daily care, the work surface must undergo a basic cleaning at least once a week. Warm water and detergent are sufficient to clear the surface of all residues. The underside of the countertop must not be forgotten.
For example, fat splashes or fingerprints accumulate under the plate and must be removed. An old toothbrush helps maintain cracks and borders. In particular, sink and stove must be cleaned carefully because here accumulate, particularly many germs. Afterward, the spot only has to be wiped off with a damp cloth and carefully dried.
Disinfect twice a week
The kitchen countertop must be disinfected with every cleaning. Depending on which foods are processed, this may be necessary daily or every two to three days. If raw fish or raw meat is repeatedly processed on the plate, a disinfectant spray can be used immediately after cooking.
The disinfection of the plate takes only a few seconds and prevents Salmonella and other pests from spreading. Because then threaten not only infections but also gastrointestinal complaints and other health problems.
Home remedies as supportive measures
Various home remedies help with heavy soiling and deep-seated contaminants. The fat splash of the last three-course meal does not want to disappear? A little washing soda is enough to remove it without residue and to restore the plate to its original shine.
Alternatively, offer lemon juice, vinegar, and cleaner from specialist retailers. Because some materials are sensitive to chemicals, it is important to test the cleaner of choice in an inconspicuous place.
Remove stains – Procedure for plastic, stone, and wooden boards.
Kitchen countertops need to be cleaned regularly. However, Depending on the material, there are differences in care and care products. While materials such as plastic are comparatively easy to clean, natural materials such as wood or natural stone must be carefully cared for to preserve their beauty. In addition to the cleaning, certain materials also require impregnation.
Wood
Delicate woods must be disinfected; otherwise, germs can accumulate in the wood. For wood: wipe away liquids immediately so that they do not even penetrate the wood. In the worst case, the plate may warp, and the surface may lose its dullness.
The same applies to stone countertops. Maintain these materials regularly and carefully to prevent dirt and cleaning agents from settling. Because then quickly speckled stains and other residues can form, which can not be easily removed.
Stone
Artificial stone is particularly easy to clean. It is sufficient to wipe the kitchen countertop two to three times a week and occasionally clean. The surface does not necessarily have to be sealed because the pores are already tightly closed. For quartz materials, impregnation can even damage the material.
Therefore, only mild cleaners should be used during care. Hot water and detergents from the drugstore remove stains without residue. Instead of corrosive cleaners, there are natural products from the household – lemon juice or vinegar, which must then be carefully washed off to avoid odors.
Plastic
A plastic kitchen countertop is best maintained with warm water and dish soap. For stubborn dirt, glass cleaner or spirit supplement the care products. It is important to avoid harsh detergents because they can attack the surface.
Kitchen countertops made of wood are also cared for with mild cleaners. A soft sponge and a commercial detergent: more is not needed to remove stains. Only with stubborn residues, a hand brush may be used. Scratches can be sanded in case of doubt.
Natural stone
A kitchen countertop made of natural stone (granite, marble, or e.g., slate) is best cleaned immediately, as it is susceptible to acids. Clearwater and possibly a mild care product (at best, especially for natural stone) are sufficient. Again, do not use overly aggressive cleaners! Once a year, you should treat the plate with a suitable impregnating agent.
When aggressive cleaners are okay
Care-intensive work surfaces may be cleaned at irregular intervals with a strong cleaner. First, the product should be tested in an inconspicuous place. Otherwise, stains or damage may occur.
In the kitchen, hygiene is essential. Daily wiping helps to remove coarse dirt and prevent the spread of bacteria. The weekly basic cleaning makes the plate completely clean again. Crumbs or splashes are a thing of the past. Then the food can be processed safely again.