How to Clean Your Counters: Quick Guide by Type

Kitchen counters come in such a huge assortment now, you might find that what works to clean one type doesn't work as well on others. Experienced maid services know how to tackle every type of counter, and now you can have a better idea of how to keep your counters clean, too!

The key is to clean based on the type of counter you have. Here, then, is a type-by-type description of how to clean your counters:

Laminate: Laminate's an extremely common counter type. It's affordable, available in a huge variety of colors and patterns, and pretty easy to keep clean. When it comes to cleaning laminate, your best bet is either dish soap and water or vinegar and water. Don't use bleach or abrasive chemicals or sponges—laminate has a coating that keeps it smooth, and abrasives can scratch that seal.

Acrylic: Another popular choice because of its ability to look like stone countertops, acrylics do best with gentle cleansers. Dish soap, warm water, and a sponge or microfiber cloth are going to be your go-to cleaning items for your acrylic counters.

Ceramic Tile: Ceramic is a piece of cake to clean as long as you keep it clean. Let it sit for too long and you'll get dirt, mold, and germs in the grout of your tile. Vinegar and water will keep the ceramic clean, and if you've already got some grime in your grout, use the same mixture and scrub with a toothbrush.

Granite: Granite's tricky, depending on the type and the seal. Your absolute best bet is to choose from the soaps created specifically for stone counters. If you have your doubts about what to use and how to clean, check with the manufacturer.

Wood: Wood is so simple and classic, there's really not much to keeping it clean. Dish soap and water work just fine—one note, though: drying is extremely important. Don't let excess water sit on your wood countertops.