No other place in the house gets wiped, swiped, sprayed, and cleaned more than the kitchen countertop. Removing food, grease, spills, and crumbs regularly is necessary for cleanliness and to prevent them from becoming breeding areas for bacteria and germs. Avoid these cleaning mistakes to keep your countertop safe and in good condition.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Most countertops are sensitive to harsh chemicals. They can make countertops dull or stained or etch the finish. Some of this damage cannot be repaired without completely refinishing the countertop. Read the container carefully before using a cleaner. If you are still not sure, try it in an unobtrusive location before spraying the entire countertop.
Using Abrasive Cleaners
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads usually provide a quick clean. They also scratch, dull, and damage almost all countertops. Use cleaners that are specifically made for your countertop material and clean soft sponges or microfiber cloths.
Too Much Bleach
Bleach effectively cleans, disinfects, and kills mold and bacteria. If you use it too often it also damages countertops. Undiluted bleach takes the color out of clothing and will discolor countertops if used too often.
Skipping the Degreaser
Grease splatters onto countertops from frying pans, and drips off china, cutlery, and cooking utensils. Dust and dirt adhere to it, mold and diseases can grow on it, and it makes everything it touches feel slimy. Make sure your favorite cleaner contains degreasing agents.
Wiping Too Soon
One of the most common counter-cleaning mistakes is “spray and wipe”. Most antibacterial cleaning products need a few minutes to do their work properly. If you spray the countertop and then wipe the cleaner off immediately, you are likely wasting time and cleaner without getting the desired results. Spray the countertop, leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, and then wipe it off. If you are concerned you will forget to wipe it off–set a timer.
Using Cleaning Sponges and Dish Cloths Too Long
Cleaning sponges should be replaced every two weeks. They should be disinfected in the dishwasher or microwave every couple of days. Otherwise, you are spreading germs, bacteria, and dirt around the countertop–not removing it.
Dishcloths often alternate from washing dishes to wiping spills off the floor to cleaning countertops. They should be replaced and sanitized regularly.
Not Rinsing and Drying
Not rinsing after cleaning leaves cleaner residue on the countertop. Which can turn milky and produce streaks. Rinsing with a clean sponge or cloth leaves a clean counter. Drying removes any water spots.
Not Knowing Your Countertop Material
Make sure you know your countertop material and choose the appropriate cleaner. You can damage countertop surfaces by using the wrong cleaning product. Acid-based cleaners like vinegar and lemon etch porous soft stone countertops like marble, limestone, and even granite. Some cleaning products leave laminates dull and scratched.
