When it comes to keeping kitchen countertops hygienically clean and looking fresh, there are a few tips that it helps to follow...
1. Clean regularly
Cleaning countertops regularly prevents food or dirt from having time to build up. If you leave it too long between cleaning, it can be much harder work to remove stains. A quick clean more frequently is hygienically better, and takes a lot of the effort away from cleaning.
2. Clean before and after use
Most of us clean our kitchen countertops after we've used them, but we often forget to give them a quick wipe before use. The reason for cleaning the countertops before using them is to remove any dirt or bacteria that may have accumulated since the last time they were used.
3. Clean up liquids straight away
Liquid spills can often stain the countertop surface if left there to soak in, or react chemically. To avoid lasting stains, simply mop up any liquid spills as soon as you can, particularly if you have wooden countertops or other absorbent materials.
4. Use an old toothbrush to clean grouting
If you have ceramic countertops, the grouting between the tiles can quite quickly become a magnet for stubborn stains. A great way to remove dirt and stains from the grouting is to scrub it using an old toothbrush dipped into a mild bleach solution.
5. Use washing-up liquid
If you've run out of antibacterial spray, or simply forgot to pop it in the basket at the shops, then normal washing-up liquid with warm water can be just as effective to clean your kitchen countertops.
6. Remove finger marks with a dab of baby oil
If you have stainless steel, or other metallic countertops, you should avoid using any abrasive chemicals or materials when cleaning the surface, as they can cause scratching. A dab of baby oil on a clean cloth is a brilliant way to remove finger marks from metallic countertops, or you can find special micro fibre cloths that do an equally good job.
7. Oil wooden countertops regularly
Most woods will absorb water and other liquid stains, so oiling them every six months is recommended to prevent this absorption occurring. The key to keeping wooden countertops clean is to deal with any spillages straight away, and not give time for the likes of tomato, or curry sauce, to stain the wood.
8. Keep cats off your countertops with citrus sprays
As much as we love our pets, it isn't hygienic to have them walking around on the surfaces that we use to prepare our food. Some cats in particular, love to jump up on the countertops and sniff around or have a sneaky drink from the kitchen tap. Cats aren't big fans of citrus smells, so if you have a cat that just can't help jumping onto the countertops, use a citrus-based kitchen cleaning spray on those surfaces and it'll be enough to put them off.
9. Clean the entire area around your countertops
When cleaning your kitchen countertops, don't forget to clean any walls, tiling or backsplashes in the surrounding area. Bits of food and dirt can otherwise fall from elsewhere onto your countertops, which is a real pain, as you'll end up having to clean them all over again.
10. Clean as you go
It's the oldest trick in the book, but for good reason. Cleaning your countertops as you go along makes it far easier to stay on top of things, and ensures that your surfaces are hygienically ready for whenever you, or anyone else in your household wants to use them.
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