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📍 Introduction
You’ll use countertops more than any other surface in the house, so you’ll want to clean them more, too. Use these tips to find your rhythm & keep those surfaces crumb-free.
*Note - Since ~80% of US homes have Granite or Quartz countertops, the instructions below are geared towards those materials.
🧹 Gear:
Sponge (or microfiber/bar mop)
Towel for rinsing or drying
Dish soap or mild all-purpose spray
🔢 Instructions:
Survey the scene; identify the messiest areas
Clear clutter from countertops
Dry-wipe to remove debris (e.g., crumbs), sweep into hand & dump in the sink
Wash counters using a warm, wet cloth or sponge with a bit of dish soap or all-purpose spray; add spray or soap as needed
Wipe down with warm water
Dry using a clean kitchen towel
📝 Notes, Tips, Tricks:
Don't over-soap or over-spray. This makes rinsing much harder.
Thoroughly remove soap off countertops. If not properly rinsed, a film will accumulate, creating a new kind of mess!
Use a fresh cloth for rinsing if possible. It's hard to get all the soap out of your cleaning cloth.
Scanning countertops at eye level helps you see missed spots & crumbs 👀
Dilute some dish soap or all-purpose cleaner in a bowl of warm water for easier access while washing.
For tougher stains or messes, try a paste of baking soda & water.
Wipe up spills right away to avoid scrubbing later.
To disinfect now & then, spray with 70% alcohol, let sit 3-5 min. Rinse & dry.
Working in an S-shaped pattern from back to front will help ensure you don’t miss spots.
📝 Variations/Unique Needs
Granite: if using an all-purpose cleaner, check that it’s compatible with granite
Marble: avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice.
Tile: use a scouring powder & bleach to remove food from grout.
Wood: spray cleaner on a damp cloth, not directly on the wood.
🎓 Further Studies:
[Statista] Kitchen countertop materials in the U.S.
[The Kitchn] How To Clean & Disinfect Granite Countertops
[Consumer Reports]How to Clean Countertops & Keep Them Looking Their Best
📚 Want to learn more? Check out our Table of Contents.
Wiping Counters & Tables