How can I get my Countertops to Shine again?

1. Marble countertops

  • Clean: Wipe with a damp soft cloth, then dry with a clean cloth to prevent streaking and water spots from forming. Use pH-neutral dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water for deeper cleans.
  • Remove stains: Immediately blot acidic liquids such as orange juice, tomatoes or soft drinks, as they can permanently etch marble surfaces. Etched marble may require professional buffing.
  • Seal: Use the water droplet test described for granite. If it fails, use a product formulated for marble’s porous surface.

2. Granite countertops

  • Clean: Wipe and rinse with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleansers that may cause scratches.
  • Remove stains: Apply a baking soda paste, cover it with plastic wrap, then let it sit overnight. Wipe up with warm water and a soft cloth.
  • Seal: Use the water droplet test to determine when to reseal. Leave a few drops of water on your counter. If the droplet stays on the surface after 15 minutes, no resealing is needed. If the drops spread and leave a dark mark on the stone after you blot off the excess, apply a product formulated for stone.

3. Laminate countertops

  • Clean: Wipe with warm soapy water, a mild bleach solution or a non-abrasive kitchen cleaner. Test bleach in an inconspicuous spot first, as it may stain or cause surface damage.
  • Remove stains: Let a baking soda paste sit on a surface stain for a few minutes, then wipe it up and rinse with water. To remove grease buildup, use a kitchen cleaner or a vinegar and water solution.
  • Seal: No sealing is needed.

4. Travertine countertops

  • Clean: Clean surfaces using a sponge or soft cloth. The only cleaning agents you should use on a regular basis are hot water to wipe up crumbs and small messes and then a stone cleaner once daily (or as needed for bigger messes).
  • Remove stains: Clean the stained area with warm water and a mild dish soap. Then apply a commercially-available cleaner especially designed for travertine. Finally pour hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and cover it with a piece of plastic wrap.
  • Seal: Perform the water test for sealing travertine to determine if a sealer is needed. Use a top quality penetrating sealer to protect your investment when sealing is indicated by testing.

5. Quartz countertops

  • Clean: Wet a washcloth with warm, soapy water. To keep your quartz countertops clean, you usually won’t need anything more sophisticated than a gentle soap solution. Wipe down the affected area. Rinse the countertop with fresh water
  • Remove stains: Quartz is stain resistant, but not stain proof. If you do not wipe up staining agents, such as fruit juices, tea, coffee or wine, it could settle in. To remove stubborn stains, use a paste of baking soda and water and rub in with a soft cloth.
  • Seal: No sealing is needed.

6. Corian countertops

  • Clean: For most residues, all you need to clean your Corian countertops is warm soapy water, ammonia-based household cleaner, or a dedicated countertop cleaner. Do avoid window cleaners, however, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface. Always clean using a circular motion.
  • Remove stains: Use a damp microfiber cloth used with a standard household kitchen spray should remove most stains.
  • Seal: No sealing is needed.