How to Clean Countertops and Surfaces – Best Practices for Different Materials 

Keeping countertops and surfaces clean is important to maintain hygiene in your kitchen. After all, it’s where we prepare meals, handle groceries, and organize our everyday equipment. However, cleaning different countertop surfaces needs special techniques and materials. If not done well, you might just end up damaging the countertop surfaces.

Through this detailed guide, we will help you understand each type of countertop and how they have to be cleaned. We also cover how to keep your counters spotless and preserve their natural beauty for a long time.

General Tips to Clean Countertops

When in regular use, countertops go through messy spills and crumbs. This leads to the buildup and growth of bacteria and germs. Wiping down surfaces after each use ensures that doesn’t happen. Now, harsh chemicals and scrubbing can dull out your surfaces and corrode stones like granite and marble over time. To keep your countertops shiny and clean, it is crucial to use non-abrasive and non-toxic surface cleaners like the Seventh Generation Dish Soap. 

Cleaning and Polishing Tips for Each Type of Countertop

To ensure that your countertop material doesn’t get damaged over time, it is necessary to understand the material that your countertop is built of and practice material-specific cleaning tips. Here are some safe methods to ensure an easy stain removal process to keep that surface as bright as possible.

Granite Countertops

Granite is a common, durable, and beautiful stone that adds a natural elegance to your home. For daily cleaning, we suggest a non-abrasive, pH-balanced cleaner. Apply a small amount with a microfibre cloth to prevent scratching. Avoid using any alkaline or acidic product. It can strip off the sealant. In addition to daily cleaning, granite countertops also need to be polished with a granite-specific countertop polish. We advise polishing once a month to help keep the surface smooth and shiny.

Marble Countertops

A timeless, elegant stone decorating the house of many, marble is used quite commonly for a variety of surfaces and countertops. But marble is also particularly sensitive to acidic and harsh chemical substances. Instead of a vinegar or lemon-based cleaner, opt for a pH-balanced cleaner. It cleans the surface gently. To prevent staining, wipe any spill immediately — especially if it’s an acidic spill like tomatoes or lemon juice. Marble is also very porous, hence sealing it every 6-12 months is great to create a barrier against any spills.

Stain Removing and Polishing Tips for Granite and Marble Countertops 

Since these stones are porous, any stain needs to be immediately wiped off the surface. If the stain is light, gently scrub with a mixture of water and baking soda and cover with cling film. After a while, wipe it off and the stain should be gone. For tougher stains, carefully apply a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Clean it off after a while with a mild, pH-balanced cleaner like Bon Ami. 

Pro tip: To polish granite and marble, use a stone-specific polish that is pH-neutral and safe for sealed surfaces. Apply the polish to a clean, soft cloth and rub it in circular motions to buff the surface. Polishing every few months or when the stone gets a little sull helps maintain the natural shine.

Quartz Countertops

A popular choice amongst many due to its durability and low maintenance, quartz is ideal for daily use surfaces. For daily cleaning, wipe down the surface with a microfibre cloth and a non-toxic surface cleaner. Quartz can maintain its shine quite well, however, if you like an extra polished look, use a quartz-specific polish. A non-toxic polish would be ideal as they don’t leave any residue or unpleasant odor after polishing.

Quartz is usually non-porous and generally stain-resistant. However, if you do end up with a stain, wipe it off with a mixture of water and vinegar. Remember to let it sit for a while before wiping it off. 

Pro tip: Avoid harsh scrubbing pads. They can scratch and ruin the surface. Alternatively, you can either use a quartz-specific polish or a non-toxic polish spray. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff lightly. Excessive buffing and product can make the surface look duller over time. 

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are highly versatile and a common budget-friendly option. However, it does require a decent amount of maintenance and care to maintain its look and durability. For daily cleaning, opt for a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and wipe down the surface with a soft cloth. Laminates are sensitive to water – it can seep into seams and swell up the material. So avoid placing any hot cookware directly on the surface. Laminate is also quite sensitive to harsh chemicals.   Our advice is to stick to gentle cleaners to help the countertop look fresh and clean. 

Laminate countertops are very sensitive and can be heavily stained if you don’t clean spills right away. Use a paste of gentle dish soap and baking soda to lightly scrub the stained surface. If the stain persists, use a mix of water and vinegar. But avoid using this trick often – it can wear down your countertops quickly. 

Although laminate-safe polishes are available, our advice is just to wipe the surface lightly with a soft piece of cloth or kitchen wipes. Remember, excessive usage of polishes can leave a sticky residue – very hard to clean!

Wood Countertops

Wooden countertops add a cozy touch to your kitchen. If you are a cottage-core girl, you probably opted for this rustic feel in your kitchen. But it isn’t easy to maintain the quality of wooden countertops. For starters, wipe down the surface with a mild, wood-friendly cleaner, and make sure to wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth to avoid mold growth. Conditioning the wood periodically is also necessary to maintain its natural luster and avoid moisture seepage. 

Stains on wooden countertops can be a bit challenging to remove due to their porous nature. If it is a mild stain, wipe it off with a cloth and dish soap. For tougher stains, use a mix of water and baking soda. It can remove stains efficiently without damaging the wood too much. 

Pro tip: Use a food-safe mineral oil or a butcher block oil. The oil helps keep the moisture out and protects the natural luster of the wood. Apply some oil on a soft cloth and wipe it along the grain for a smooth even finish. This prevents any moisture seepage and also the drying of the surfaces.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless steel provides a sleek, modern look to your kitchen. However, it is prone to smudges and fingerprint marks – a point to keep in mind if you have little kids running around the house. The best part of using stainless steel as a countertop surface is that it is low maintenance. For daily cleaning, use a non-abrasive surface cleaner with a soft cloth. Wipe it down and give it that brand-new polished look. 

For any stubborn stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water and apply in the direction of the grain. Wipe it off with a damp cloth. Also, any polishing spray intended to polish metal works great for stainless steel. Just apply a small amount on a soft cloth and work it in the direction of the grain. Regular polishing maintains a clean, shiny look and reduces the appearance of any smudges or fingerprints.

Pro tip: To avoid wiping streaks, wipe down in the direction of the grain and periodically use a stainless-steel polish to keep the surface shiny and looking brand new!

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Countertops

Regular maintenance ensures the beauty of your kitchen and prevents you from breaking the bank on costly repairs – you know, due to poor maintenance. Here are some tips to maintain the life of your countertops.

• Always use cutting boards to prevent scratches from sharp objects. The ease of not having to wash the cutting board later isn’t worth running the shine of your kitchen surfaces. 
• Use a trident or a stand to place your hot cookware on the countertops. 
• Wipe any spills as soon as possible. This prevents the stain from seeping through the material making it more stubborn.
• Use non-toxic, non-abrasive cleaners to prevent the wearing of the surface and avoid buildup.
• Reseal porous stone countertops in regular intervals to maintain their condition.
• Consider professional cleaning every once in a while for an in-depth cleaning with proper polishing. Professional housekeepers – like us at Vella –  always ensure that your countertops are squeaky clean and are maintained properly.

Conclusion

Cleaning and maintaining countertops and surfaces are essential to preserve the beauty of your hard-earned home. Any material, when the needs of the surface are met, shines bright and stays long. Following our simple instructions with the proper products can go a long way in preserving the lifespan of your countertops.

Vella offers professional housekeepers who understand the nuances and are trained in the specialized knowledge required to maintain your countertops. So, what are you waiting for? Book one of our specialized, customizable services today.

Moving into a new home or leaving an old one can be exciting, but the process is also exhausting. Packing, organizing, and scheduling are already overwhelming—why add cleaning to the mix? That’s where professional move-in and move-out cleaning services like Vella step in. With expert housekeepers  on your side, you can focus on settling into your new space while we handle the mess.

Why Choose Professional Cleaning Services for Your Move?

Professional housekeepers bring the tools and the expertise needed to make every corner of your home shine.

• Save Time: Focus on saying goodbye to neighbors or double-checking your movers, instead of scrubbing floors.
• Spotless Results: Professionals tackle hard-to-reach spots, stubborn stains, and hidden grime you might miss.
• Reduce Stress: They handle the dirt while you handle the move.

What to Expect From a Thorough Move-In Cleaning Service

When you book a move-in cleaning service, you’re not just getting a quick wipe-down—you’re setting the stage for a fresh start! With years of experience as housekeepers, cleaning professionals are aware of the areas in your new home that require thorough scrub and places where a quick wipe would do.

For instance, high-touch places, like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops receive a thorough disinfecting. The kitchen and bathrooms require VIP treatment. That is, scrubbing all the usual suspects of grout, sanitizing appliances, and polishing fixtures. 

Moving out leaves a bunch of trash behind, especially if the previous owners of the home weren’t considerate like you and didn’t bother to get a move-out clean done. Professional housekeepers make sure your home is free of trash and dirt. They also deodorize the entire property. They hit the reset button on your new place, making it a clean, safe space for your crew to thrive.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Essentials That Are Covered

Move-out cleaning is a detailed process that demands a checklist. (Even more so if you are a renter who hopes to get your deposit back)

It involves cleaning your former place from top to bottom, ensuring every tile is scrubbed and every pillow fluffed. Here’s what a typical move-out cleaning checklist includes:

• Deep Floor and Carpet Cleans: The carpets are vacuumed and the hard floors are mopped, making sure dust, stains, and dirt have been removed leaving the floors sparkling and pleasant-smelling for the next occupant.

• Wall and Surface Cleaning: Scuff marks, fingerprints, and other minor damages to the walls are hard to remove. Sometimes the scrubbing can damage wall color. Professional housekeepers, equipped with the best products like Bon Ami make sure to get the gunk on your wall out without compromising on your deposit check.

• Kitchen and Bathroom Focus: Kitchens and bathrooms are given special attention. Sinks, cabinets, and other hidden areas are cleaned and disinfected to ensure that these critical areas are free of grease and germs.

A move-out cleaning leaves the place spotless and makes it easier for the next renters or property owners.

Prepping for Move-In Cleaning: What You Need To Know

Looking to make the most of your move-in cleaning service? Well, here are some things to keep in mind before scheduling a professional cleaning:

Time it right

Schedule your cleaning when the previous occupant has moved out, and before any of your furniture comes in. This allows the housekeepers to access hidden areas without risking damage to your belongings.

Customized to your needs

No matter whether you require a simple clean or deep scrub for those “well-loved” areas, most services offer flexible options. Choose the level of detail that matches your home’s condition and your specific needs. For instance, moving houses requires a moving clean, end-of-summer annual cleaning requires a deep clean, and one in a month refresh requires just a basic clean. 

A clean slate for unpacking

There’s no feeling better than unloading your stuff into a sparkling, germ-free space. Knowing everything is clean gives you one less thing to worry about and makes settling in feel like a breeze. Professional cleaning helps you kickstart your new chapter with a home that’s fresh, clean, and ready for you to make your own!

How Move-Out Cleaning Benefits Both Renters and Homeowners

Move-out cleaning is a necessity for both homeowners and tenants. For renters, professional cleaning helps ensure that the security deposit is returned. Most leases require a high standard of cleanliness. Cleaning services help meet these requirements and save renters from costly deductions.

To the homeowner, it makes the property more attractive by making it more appealing to the potential buyers. A clean, freshly cleaned home is easier to sell. 

Post-move-in cleaning makes it easier for the new occupant to settle in. This service is not just about cleanliness but also about leaving a good impression and ensuring that everything goes smoothly for everyone involved.

Why Hire Professionals for Move-In and Move-Out Cleaning?

Professional housekeepers bring unique advantages to the moving process. For starters, they have high-grade equipment and products that are better than the ones in your cleaning closet. This high-grade equipment and carefully curated products help them clean efficiently and effectively – even reaching areas impossible to reach with household tools.

Additionally, hiring professionals saves time and takes away some amount of stress during busy moving periods. A moving cleaning service is not a luxury, it is an investment for a smooth transition into a new space. 

Choosing the Right Move-In and Move-Out Cleaning Service in Austin

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right move-in or move-out cleaning service for your needs. These include reliability, local experience, the quality of products used to clean, and a proven track record. Local housekeepers know the specific features of Austin houses. They are also well aware of how to clean homes according to the standards set in Austin.

Vella is the best Austin-based cleaning services. We offer flexible, high-quality move-in and move-out cleaning services suited to all your unique cleaning needs. We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to using eco-friendly cleaning products and delivering excellent customer service. By prioritizing high-quality work and customer satisfaction, we make the moving process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

If you are planning a smooth move-in or move-out cleaning experience, book Vella and enjoy a 20% discount on a non-toxic and natural cleaning session! 

Make the Move-In or Move-Out Experience Smoother with Professional Cleaning

A change of address is a new beginning. ​​When it’s time to move, let professionals handle the cleaning to ensure your old or new home is ready for your next chapter!