Your stovetop, grill, and burner pans need tough love from a heavy-duty tool like Brillo Steel Wool Soap Pads. But your dishes and countertops require a no-scratch solution like the Brillo Estracell Sponge with Wedge Edge.
“Dish soap and water along with a cleaning cloth will do the trick. If you are dealing with water stains or an extra greasy surface, try using a mixture of two parts water and one part vinegar. Spray the solution onto the mess, and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping clean.
"Just use a clean cotton cloth with water and a mild, non-chemical liquid detergent to wipe it down," says Gerri Chmiel, residential design lead at Formica. Stay away from harsh products with acid or alkali as well as steel wool or scouring pads. Stain Removal: Make a paste of baking soda and water.
Dishwashing liquid, warm water and a microfiber cloth will do the trick nicely. Be sure to frequently rinse your cloth out with clean water as you work so you're not just wiping dirty water around. After the water has dried, polish the counter with a dry microfiber cloth.
Steel wool and other abrasive pads will damage Laminate. Don't use them for cleaning and don't store steel wool pads on your countertop; the metal can rust and leave stains. Toilet bowl cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause permanent damage.
To clean laminate countertops on a daily basis, all you need is dishwashing liquid, warm water and a microfiber cloth. Apply a mixture of dish soap and water to your counters using the cloth. As you wipe the counter, rinse your cloth in clean water.
Remove hard water spots by rinsing the countertops with distilled water and drying them completely. Drying ensures that more water marks don't develop. Alternatively, rub a cloth dampened with white vinegar over the spots. The acidic cleaning solution will neutralize the alkaline stain.
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.
Cleaning laminate countertops is as simple as cleaning the dishes. Take a non-abrasive brush or sponge, and add warm water and a drop of dish soap. Scrub the countertops until the suds lift away the dirt and grime. Rinse your sponge with clean water, and wring out continually.
Another effective option is to make a DIY degreaser by mixing equal parts baking soda and dish liquid with 20 drops of orange essential oil. The d-limonene in the essential oil will help lift stubborn grease from the surface. Apply the mix to the surface, allow to sit for 10 minutes and scrub with a damp sponge.
Always use distilled water for cleaning glass, to avoid streaking. Vinegar also is a streak free cleaning solution, and an inexpensive alternative. For stains and spills, soap water and a soft cloth will do the trick! No need to rush since spills on glass won't stain, because glass is a non-porous medium.
Cleaning Instructions for Solid Surface Countertops
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the surfaces. For dirty or stained areas, use mild dish soap and water. Also acceptable are ammonia-based cleaners such as most glass or general purpose cleaners. Towel dry the surface to prevent water spots.
Pine-Sol cleans all kinds of counter tops and surfaces while disinfecting. Dilute ¼ cup of Pine-Sol® in one gallon of warm water. Dip a sponge in the mixture to wipe grease and grime away. Or for everyday mess control, keep the Pine-Sol® mixture in a spray bottle for quick cleaning spritzes.
It's essential to give the kitchen a deep clean each month, or at least four times a year, depending on how much dirt and grime accumulates.
Wiping Granite Countertops
It's so easy to use Clorox wipes in the kitchen to disinfect, pick up crumbs, and tackle tough cooking stains, but you may want to think twice before using them on granite countertops. Because granite is a porous material, it is typically sealed for protection.
Apply a layer of white toothpaste to the scorch mark and allow it to set for several minutes. Scrub the area lightly with either a scrub brush or toothbrush. Wipe the area clean with a soft cloth and water. If the stain remains, apply some Soft Scrub using the cloth and allow it to set for several minutes.
Simply clean up streak-prone countertops with warm water and a drop of pH balanced dishwashing soap. Put a drop on a clean dish cloth, agitate under warm water, and wipe down countertops. Makes sense since those streaks are caused by the same greases that the dishwashing soap breaks up on cookware and dishes.
Apply a Baking Soda Paste to the Stain
Stubborn stains on countertops can be frustrating, but they don't have to be permanent. Standard household spray cleaners will remove most of them. Check the label and make sure any product you use is recommended for laminate countertops.
Instead, simply use dish soap or a mixture of water (2 cups) and vinegar (one tablespoon). Leave the solution on the surface for 2 minutes before wiping it down. If the stains are especially stubborn, use a paste made of baking soda and water. Apply the paste with a nylon brush to reach any stains in deeper crevices.
Moisture on your laminate flooring can cause mold, which is not only unattractive, but can irritate allergies if left unattended. If you notice mold stains on your flooring, use nonabrasive, antimicrobial chemicals to clean the mold away without damaging the laminate floor.
Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces including laminate. That's why we always recommend using a protective barrier such as a trivet or a hot plate as a final resting place for oven- or stovetop-fresh pots and pans.