How to Keep Countertops, Flooring and Cabinets in Top Shape: A Care Guide

High-quality hard surfaces are a worthwhile investment, but many materials need specific care to look their best. The good news is that it isn't difficult. It's mostly a matter of using the right cleaners and habits.

Here's our guide to caring for your countertops, tile, flooring and cabinets so your investment lasts for many years.

1. Countertops

Most countertops are durable and heat resistant, but a few habits go a long way for every surface:

• Use coasters for drinks and trivets or pot holders for hot pans.
• Always use a cutting board to prevent knife scratches.
• Skip abrasive cleaners, solvents and scouring sponges, which can weaken sealants.
• Dry the surface with a clean microfiber cloth after cleaning to prevent water spots.

Quartz

Clean with a damp cloth, mild dish soap and warm water, or a cleaner made for quartz, then dry with a microfiber cloth. Because quartz is non-porous, it never needs to be resealed. Learn more in our quartz countertop guide.

Granite

Granite is porous, so wipe up spills quickly to avoid stains. Clean with mild soap and warm water or a granite cleaner, then dry. For stains, try a paste of baking soda and water (oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (water-based stains). Apply it, cover with plastic wrap, tape the edges and let it sit overnight before rinsing. Always spot test first. Granite typically benefits from resealing about once or twice a year.

Butcher block

Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals. Clean with mild soap and a damp cloth or a butcher block cleaner. If the wood becomes badly stained or worn, it can be sanded and refinished.

Wood needs regular oiling to keep from drying and splitting. Apply a generous coat of food-safe mineral oil or butcher block conditioner with a soft rag, let it sit 10 to 15 minutes, wipe off the excess and leave it overnight to absorb. Avoid vegetable oils like olive or sunflower, which can turn rancid.

2. Tile

Porcelain and ceramic

Sweep or vacuum tile floors at least weekly. A quick squeegee after each shower helps prevent water spots. Clean with water, mild soap or a tile-specific cleaner. Baking soda and water removes soap residue, and water with distilled vinegar handles water spots on ceramic and porcelain.

Avoid ammonia, bleach, acidic or oil-based cleaners, wax cleaners and products with dyes, which can discolor tile or stain grout. Skip steel wool, which can leave rust stains, and stiff scrub brushes that can scratch.

Natural stone (travertine, slate, marble)

Most natural stone should be sealed after installation and resealed periodically as the sealer wears. Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild soap and water. Never use acidic cleaners like lemon juice or vinegar, or bleach and ammonia. Squeegee shower walls after use and keep the bathroom well ventilated so stone can dry and resist mildew.

3. Wood, Vinyl and Laminate Floors

• Keep pet nails trimmed and paws clean.
• Use window coverings to limit UV and heat exposure, and rotate rugs and furniture so floors age evenly.
• Wipe up spills promptly and use mats in high-traffic areas.
• Put protective pads under heavy furniture.

For wood floors, harden gum or wax with ice and gently lift it with a plastic scraper. Dust mop, sweep with a soft broom or use a suction-only vacuum regularly to remove grit. For laminate and vinyl, use a cleaner made for that surface, a damp (not wet) mop, and dry any wet spots.

After years of wear, solid hardwood can be refinished several times and engineered wood once or twice. Laminate and vinyl cannot be refinished. Compare flooring types in our post on the pros and cons of wood floors.

4. Cabinets

Most cabinets, including laminate, painted, stained wood and MDF, can be cleaned with dish soap and warm water. This mild solution cuts grease and removes food smudges and dust. Don't forget the edges, sides and interiors.

Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly, since standing water can discolor and damage finishes. Test any stronger cleaner in a hidden spot first, and avoid magic erasers, steel wool, bleach, ammonia and solvents like nail polish remover.

Heat and sunlight can also take a toll. Consider removing doors and drawers nearest the oven before running a self-clean cycle, and use blinds or drapes to limit direct sun. For glass doors, spray ammonia-free glass cleaner onto a microfiber cloth rather than directly on the glass.

Ready for an Upgrade?

Simple maintenance keeps your surfaces in great shape for years. If your countertops, floors or cabinets are past their prime, our team can help you choose durable new materials. See our kitchen remodels for ideas, and find more tips in keep your counters in top shape.

Thinking about updating your surfaces? Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us today.