Cleaning countertops and removing stains

Key Steps:

• Consult your kitchen manufacturer to determine what cleaning methods are suitable for your worktops

• Regularly disinfect your surfaces with an anti-bacterial spray like Cif Anti-bacterial Original to keep them clean and hygienic

• Use baking soda to help eliminate tough stains

Spills, splashes, stains – your kitchen worktops go through a lot in just a day. So it’s inevitable that stains will build up and leave them looking a little worse for wear. But don’t worry! Maintaining clean, hygienic countertops is easy with the right techniques. 

To make cleaning countertops easy and hassle-free we’ve complied this handy guide to cleaning different types of kitchen worktops, which also provides advice on how to remove stains from countertop surfaces.

Clean countertops are easy to achieve if you clean as you go along. Wipe up spills and splatters as they happen to reduce your workload later on. Do the same for any surface where you prepare or handle food - our article on cleaning chopping boards and washing the fridge will help with this!

How to Clean Kitchen Worktops

Before using any of the following methods be sure to check with your kitchen manufacturer to see what your countertops are made of and if there are any specific guidelines you need to follow when cleaning them.

Daily cleaning – As you prepare food throughout the day, be sure to wipe up spills as they happen; this will help to prevent stains. At the end of each day, once you’ve finished all the cooking, prep for lunches the next day, and done the washing up, spray all the countertops with a multi-purpose cleaning spray like Cif Actifizz Lemon and wipe with a clean cloth. This will help to remove any dirt and food residues that have built up. Just be sure to follow the instructions on your product’s label.

Disinfecting – When it’s time for your weekly kitchen clean (check out our handy kitchen cleaning checklist for tips), then you should give your countertops a thorough clean. Spray all worktops with an anti-bacterial spray like Cif Anti-bacterial Original and wipe with a clean cloth (remember to follow the instructions on the product’s label). Rinse your cloth regularly with hot water to ensure you’re not spreading germs. A spray like this helps to kill bacteria, as well as lift food residues, light grease, and everyday dirt. Achieving sparkling, hygienic surfaces is easy!

Not all worktops can be cleaned in the same way. The materials they’re made of can sometimes mean that they need special care. Make sure you always consult the manufacturer and read on for advice on cleaning specialist surfaces, plus tips on how to remove a stain from countertop materials found in your home.

How to Clean Granite Countertops

• Make sure your granite countertops are sealed. Unsealed granite won’t stay clean for long as it soaks up oils, spills, and stains. To check if your granite is sealed put a few drops of water on the surface and if after a few minutes the water has been absorbed then your granite is not sealed. To seal your surface, purchase a commercial granite sealer from your local hardware store and follow the instructions on the label.

• Granite can easily be damaged if you use the wrong products. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners, anything that contains acidic ingredients like vinegar, lime, or lemon, or anything with ammonia or bleach. These could dull the granite and weaken its seal.

• To clean granite countertops you should use warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent and wipe with a soft cloth.

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

How to Clean White Laminate Countertops

• Laminate is an affordable and durable choice for countertops and is easy to clean. Simply wipe clean with a soft cloth and a mixture of warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent.

• After cleaning be sure to rinse your laminate countertops. Any cleaning product residue could cause damage to the surface if left to set in.

• As laminate is particularly sensitive to excessive moisture, you should always dry your countertops after cleaning.

• Avoid using abrasive scouring pads and cleaners that contain strong chemicals to keep your laminate countertops in great condition.

• Top Trick. To keep your white countertops looking bright treat them with a paste of baking soda and water (ratio of 3:1). Spread the paste over any stains and leave to sit for 3-5 minutes. Then wipe away with a soft cloth and clean the rest of the countertop as recommended above.

How to Remove Stains from Countertops

Need to know how to remove tea stains from countertops or maybe you’ve got a grease stain that just won’t budge? Fortunately, many kitchen cleaners, like Cif Power & Shine Kitchen, are powerful enough to remove stains, tough grease, and food residues. 

With regular cleaning you shouldn’t have to worry about tackling stains but, as recommended for laminate countertops, baking soda is also great for eliminating particularly stubborn stains on other types of countertops (just be sure to test on an inconspicuous area first to check for adverse reactions).

If you need to know how to get tea stains off countertop surfaces after they’ve set in then mix together a small amount of baking soda and water so it forms a paste and apply to the stain. Then gently scrub the stain with a sponge and finish by wiping clean with a soft cloth.

Cleaning countertops and knowing how to remove stains from countertops shouldn’t be something you dread – keep our tips in mind to make the process as quick and easy as possible!