How to Clean Every Type of Kitchen Countertop

If you feel like you wipe down your kitchen countertops more than any other surface in your home, you aren't alone. They get a once-over before you prepare a meal, after all the dishes are done, and many other times throughout the day. But every once in a while, they require a more detailed cleaning; this is when you should put in some elbow grease and tackle your countertop from corner to corner.

Whether you're performing a quick or deep clean, it's important to use the appropriate cleaning supplies for your countertop's material, since not every product is universal. For example, the approach you'd take with marble is different from how you clean butcher block—and the same goes for marble, laminate, and tiles. Keep reading to learn how to clean the countertop in your kitchen.

How to Clean Granite and Marble Countertops 

First things first: You can't use citrus ingredients on granite or marble. Since many kitchen cleaners are powered by citrus extracts (a form of these acids), carefully check the ingredient list to prevent a costly mistake. A product that's formulated specifically for stone won't cause these issues. If you don't have one handy, you can use mild dish soap and warm water, instead. 

Materials Needed

• Granite and stone cleaning spray (or mild dish soap and water)
• Microfiber cloth 

Steps

1. If you have one of these heavy stone countertops, triple-check your cleaner and the spritz it everywhere. "Acids, such as vinegar and citrus, should never be used to clean granite or marble, as they can etch the porous stone, causing dulling or discoloration," says Morgan Brashear, senior scientist with P&G Home Care. 
2. Wipe down the countertops with a clean microfiber cloth. 
3. Either rinse the cloth or use another clean, damp microfiber towel to wipe the surface down again. Make sure to remove all cleaning residue. 

Granite and Marble Cleaning Tips 

• Use gentle materials: "Avoid rough tools like scouring pads that could damage the surface," says Jessica Ek, a cleaning expert with The American Cleaning Institute.  
• Wipe spills and spots immediately: It's important to wipe up stains or spills as soon as they happen. Stone materials are naturally porous, so stains tend to sink in and become stubborn to remove. A paste of baking soda and water can help soak up the stain before it sets.
• Reseal when needed: Resealing helps prevent stains on granite and marble countertops. "The frequency at which this needs to be done depends on the type of sealant used," Ek says. "To reseal, first clean the surface and let it dry completely. Choose a sealer designed for that type of surface and follow the product directions."

How to Clean Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are usually made of compressed papers, woods, and plastics that are then placed over particleboard or other woods. Because of this, Brashear says to be cautious of using an abrasive formula that could remove the shine from the surface by eating through the plastic—or anything that will break through the surface coating and get into the layers below, causing it to crack and swell. 

Materials Needed

• Gentle dish soap  
• 2 microfiber cloths 

Steps

1. "Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water in a bucket or clean sink," says Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional with Two Maids. "Dip the microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring out excess water."
2. Wipe down the countertops with your soapy cloth. Spend any extra time you need on stubborn spots, and re-dip into the solution as needed.
3. Wet a clean microfiber cloth and wring out excess liquid. Go back over the laminate countertops to remove any soap residue. 

Laminate Cleaning Tips 

• Use gentle materials: Avoid bleach or other abrasive cleaners, since these will damage the finish of the laminate and make countertops look dull. 
• Treat stains with baking soda: "To treat stains, form a paste with warm water and a sprinkle of baking soda," Cohoon says. "Apply a thin layer of the paste to the stain and allow it to set for three to five minutes." Wipe the paste away and clean as usual. Repeat as needed.

How to Clean Butcher Block Countertops 

Nothing compares to the rustic beauty of butcher block, but it has very specific cleaning needs. "Because butcher block countertops are usually buffed, unfinished wood—and because people typically conduct food prep directly on them—it is best to use a gentle cleaner that is also safe for use on dishes and cooking utensils," Brashear says. 

Materials Needed

• Dish soap
• Damp cloth 

Steps

1. Place a drop or two of dish cloth onto a damp cloth and then wipe down the surface, Ek says. 
2. Rinse the cloth and wipe down the butcher block counters again. Make sure to remove any and all soap residue. 
3. Allow the counters to completely air dry before using them again.  

Butcher Block Cleaning Tips 

• Sanitize as needed: Use a highly diluted bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach to 1 quart of water) and spray onto the surface. Let it set for five minutes before rinsing and drying. Do this only as needed.
• Season monthly: "Regularly season the surface with mineral oil to prevent the absorption of stains," Ek says. Apply with a soft cloth, allow it to soak for an hour, then repeat one to two more times. 
• Clean spills stat: Address any spills immediately. If stains are set, apply a baking soda paste to absorb the stain. 

How to Clean Quartz Countertops 

Quartz is a type of engineered countertop made with crushed quartz; it's bound with a polymer resin. It might also include other materials, such as shells, glass, or metal to create different visual effects. 

Materials Needed

• Quartz-approved cleaner (or mild dish soap and water)
• Non-abrasive scrub pad
• Soft cloth 

Steps

1. Choose a quartz-approved cleaning spray and apply directly to your countertops. If you don't have a spray handy, a solution of mild dish soap and warm water will suffice.
2. Use a gentle scrubber to address any areas that need a little extra attention. 
3. Wipe up the cleaning solution with a damp soft cloth or paper towel. Allow the countertops to dry. 

Quartz Cleaning Tips 

• Use baking soda on stains: To tackle stubborn stains, mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrub, rinse, and dry. 
• Avoid heat: Quartz countertops aren't heat-resistant. For this reason, it's important to use hot pads or trivets whenever placing hot items down. 
• Use gentle cleaners: Quartz is prone to scratching and dulling. Always use gentle, quartz-approved cleaners and scrubbing materials. 

How to Clean Soapstone Countertops 

Soapstone is a beautiful option for kitchen countertops. It lends a minimalist-meets-industrial feel. While stunning, this natural stone is softer than other types of countertops and requires a gentle cleaning approach. 

Materials Needed

• Mild dish soap
• Soft scrub sponge
• Microfiber cloth

Steps

1. Fill your sink or small bucket with soap and water, says Kaylie Hill, cleaning professional and brand ambassador for Scotch-Brite.  
2. Grab a gentle scrubber or scrub sponge to gently buff your countertops. Don't press too hard, but do make sure to address any stubborn spots. 
3. Finally, use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe up any excess soap and water. You can go back in with a dry cloth to soak up any excess liquid.

Cleaning Pro Tips: 

• Use gentle materials: Never use any harsh chemicals to clean soapstone. This can damage the surface or cause staining. 
• Fix scratches: "You can use 80-grit sandpaper to remove most scratches and stains on soapstone," Hill says.
• Add oil to restore shine: "Soapstone is non-porous and does not need to be sealed," Hill says. "However you can use a special soapstone oil to coat it and add shine."

How to Clean Tile Countertops 

While tile isn't necessarily the go-to choice for countertops today, it was a more common option in homes in the '60s through the '90s. They offer a nostalgic vibe and a touch of maximalism, but do require a bit of extra care when cleaning. 

Materials Needed

• Non-abrasive tile cleaner
• Soft bristle brush 
• Damp cloth 

Steps 

1. Spray a tile-approved cleaner directly onto the tiles. Follow the on-label instructions; dilute if directed.
2. Most tile products require you to wait a few minutes for the cleaner to work its magic. Wait the allotted time indicated on the label.
3. Scrub the tiles with a gentle, soft-bristle brush. Make sure to clean the grout, as well. 
4. Using a clean, damp cloth, buff the tiles dry in order to prevent water spots, says Ek. 

Tile Cleaning Tips 

• Cleaning the grout: Take extra care to clean the grout. A small scrubber tool or repurposed toothbrush works well for this. "For stained grout, a solution of liquid household bleach—3/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon water—or a mildew stain remover applied carefully with a brush can help clean it," Ek says. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners: "Avoid using powdered abrasive cleansers that could scratch the surface," Ek says. 

How to Clean Stainless Steel Countertops 

Stainless steel countertops often show up in more industrial settings or professional kitchens (where they are cleaned and sanitized all day long). Cleaning them is straightforward, but there are some caveats. 

Materials Needed

• Stainless steel cleaner 
• Scrubber 
• Microfiber cloth 

Steps

1. Apply a stainless steel cleaner to the countertops. "Make sure there is no debris on your cloth before cleaning stainless steel," Hill says. This can lead to scratches. 
2. Use a gentle scrubber tool or sponge to tackle stubborn spots. Avoid harsh scrubbing tools since they can scratch the surface and cause dulling. 
3. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution. 
4. Hill says to dry the stainless steel completely with a cloth in order to achieve a streak-free finish. 

Stainless Steel Cleaning Tips 

• Avoid harsh cleaners: "Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners on stainless steel," says Hill. This can damage the surface. 
• Treat rust: Baking soda can remove small areas of rust. Apply a water-baking soda past and gently scrub in a circular motion. Allow the paste to set for one hour before wiping away.
• Use a sealer: "Apply a stainless steel sealer to protect your stainless steel from stains and erosion," Hill says.