How To Clean & Sanitize Your Countertops

Keeping a clean home has always been important, but now it’s more important than ever. When cleaning your countertops, it’s essential to use the right cleaning method. Knowing how to clean countertops prevents the spread of food-borne illnesses while protecting your counters. 

Use of improper methods could lead to the spread of germs or countertop damage. Here’s what you need to know about the safest and most effective way to clean your laminate, granite and quartz countertops.

Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid. Wipe your counters after every use. Switch out microfiber cloths often to prevent the spread of germs through the microfiber cloth. All countertop materials should be able to withstand this type of regular cleaning.

Do not leave spills to sit on your counters, as some liquids may stain or etch the surface, especially if your counters are made of granite. Dark liquids like red wine and acidic liquids like lemon juice are especially damaging to natural stone, as these liquids can etch the surface and lead to staining.

Sanitizing your countertops kills the germs and bacteria that can lead to illnesses. According to the CDC, isopropyl rubbing alcohol at a concentration of at least 70% can be used to disinfect certain surfaces. Diluting rubbing alcohol to a concentration below 70% could negatively impact its effectiveness, so don’t mix your rubbing alcohol with water. 

How To Sanitize Countertops:

• Spray your counters with isopropyl rubbing alcohol (at least 70%).
• Wipe them down with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Dry your counters with a dry microfiber cloth.

Don’t spray counters with rubbing alcohol if they’ve been painted or shellacked. 

Old counters can have cracks and gouges that trap germs and make the surface harder to clean. Replace your counters to keep a cleaner kitchen. Contact Von Tobel for a free design consultation and to learn more about our countertop options for your home.