Cleaning the kitchen countertop from greasy stains
When you need to clean a kitchen countertop, it is important to consider the reaction of the material to cleaning agents. It is better not to expose delicate surfaces to aggressive substances - acids, alkalis, abrasives, solvents. Let's find out which products are suitable for countertops made of different materials.
Plastic
Plastic countertops are resistant to abrasives and hard brushes. However, do not rinse the plastic with hot water or place hot dishes on it. This will cause the surface to melt or swell.
Suitable for cleaning plastic countertops from dirt:
- washing powder;
- dish gel;
- baking soda;
- salt;
- vinegar;
- toothpaste.
Apply the selected substance to a damp sponge and wipe the contaminated areas. To add aroma, apply a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to a sponge. After cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and then dry with a paper towel.
To enhance the effect, mix baking soda with dish gel. This will help remove traces of grease from the white countertop.
Tree
Wood, unfortunately, absorbs liquids and dirt - they quickly eat into the wood fibers and change their color. It is not recommended to wash wooden countertops with large amounts of water - this will cause the wood to swell and become deformed. Dry abrasives and hard brushes leave scratches, so moisten the powders and use foam sponges for cleaning.After treatment, dry the wood thoroughly with dry rags and paper towels.
The table shows suitable folk remedies for wood:
Means | Recipe | Application |
---|---|---|
Oil mixture with soda | 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil | Apply to dirt, leave for a couple of minutes and rinse with a damp sponge |
Oil and vinegar mixture | 6% vinegar solution and vegetable oil 1:1 | Use as needed. The mixture erases minor scratches. Apply to a sponge and rub problem areas. |
Vinegar | Water and table vinegar 1:1 | Pour into a spray bottle and apply to dirty areas. Leave for half an hour and wipe with a damp sponge |
Vinegar and salt | 6% vinegar and salt (mix to a paste) | Helps against juice, chocolate, and ketchup stains. You need to dip a toothbrush into the mixture and rub the dirt. Wash off with a damp cloth. |
Starch | Potato starch and water | Mix to a paste, apply to the stain and rub. Remove any remaining product with a damp cloth. |
Mustard | Mustard powder, water | Dilute the mustard with water to a paste consistency. Rub into the stain and leave for a couple of minutes. Wash with a damp cloth. |
Lemon | Lemon wedge | Rub the dirt with lemon pulp. Wash off after a couple of minutes. |
Peroxide | One part hydrogen peroxide to two parts water | Used for mold removal only. You need to soak a cotton pad in the solution and treat problem areas or spray it over the surface with a spray bottle. |
Caring for a countertop made of laminated chipboard is much easier: wash the surface with soapy water. Add a few drops of dish gel or soap flakes to warm water. Wet the microfiber and wipe the dirty areas.
Heavy stains from chipboard are removed with alcohol or vodka.
Do not use abrasives, chlorine or hydrogen peroxide on laminated surfaces!
A natural stone
The stone surface of the table must be washed daily. Marble, granite, and limestone have a porous structure. Small holes and cracks quickly become clogged with food debris, which promotes the development of bacteria.
If the countertop is made of stone, the following are unacceptable:
- disinfection with chlorine bleaches;
- cleaning with acids or hard brushes;
- use of abrasives.
The surface of the stone is sensitive to aggressive agents and is easily destroyed.
To remove dust, crumbs and small dirt, simply wipe the countertop with microfiber dipped in a soapy solution.
To remove stubborn stains:
- Mix a couple of tablespoons of 9% vinegar with seven drops of tea tree essential oil
- Add five drops of geranium oil and two drops of lavender.
- Apply the liquid to the sponge and rub the problem areas.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
The liquid removes odors and destroys bacteria. Before use, test the effect of the mixture on an inconspicuous area.
Fake diamond
Countertops made of artificial stone are easier to clean than surfaces made of natural material. They can be cleaned with both abrasive and hard brushes.
Of the ready-made products, the gel-like product “Sif”, which does not leave scratches, is suitable.
To prepare a home remedy, take citric acid and baking soda:
- Add a tablespoon of soda and a teaspoon of acid to 500 ml of warm water.
- Stir until no grains remain.
- Wet the sponge and wipe the table.
- Wipe with a damp, clean cloth and wipe dry.
Alcohol-containing products will help clean glass and ceramic surfaces.Use a glass cleaner such as Mr. Muscle.
Stainless steel is wiped with a damp soft cloth and dishwashing gel.
Avoid cleaning glossy surfaces with powders or wire brushes. The abrasive erases the top protective layer of varnish or paint.
A paste of citric acid and soda perfectly cleans countertops made of artificial stone. Easy to do, the necessary components are almost always at hand.And as a bonus there is a pleasant lemon smell.