From bubbling casseroles to midnight snack sessions, your countertops have seen it all.
They’re not just worktops for chopping, stirring, and rolling out pastry — they’re also where the magic happens. With all that action, however, they can quickly go from sleek and shiny to stained and dull.
Don’t worry, though. We have some kitchen hacks that will make cleaning them easy and, dare we say, even enjoyable.
Let’s begin!
Choose the Right Cleaner
Countertops may look tough, but they’re surprisingly sensitive to what you clean them with. A granite slab, for instance, won’t forgive a splash of vinegar. It slowly eats away at the stone’s seal, leaving dull marks that no amount of polishing can hide.
Quartz, despite its glossy resilience, doesn’t take kindly to abrasive scrubs or heavy-duty chemicals. The surface can lose its sheen before you realise what’s happened.
Even laminate, the low-maintenance option, reacts badly if you use harsh powders that scratch the finish and make it look prematurely tired.
Work Carefully on Granite, Quartz, and Laminate
The trick is to work with the material, not against it. Mild dish soap diluted in warm water is often all you need for granite. Meanwhile, quartz does best with gentle, ready-made sprays designed specifically for engineered stone.
As for laminate, pro cleanup experts usually recommend keeping it simple with soft cloths and non-abrasive treatments to preserve that smooth finish. It’s less about finding a miracle product and more about respecting the quirks of each material.
Choose Sustainable Options
If you’d rather go green, there’s a growing line of plant-based cleaners that actually live up to their promises. They’re not only safer for the environment but also less worrying for children or pets.
That said, the green label isn’t a free pass. Some eco-friendly cleaners still contain ingredients that stain or streak certain surfaces.
Testing them on an inconspicuous corner before committing is always a wise move. Opening a window while cleaning is good too.
Follow a Daily Cleaning Routine
The secret to spotless countertops isn’t an all-day scrub but the small, almost automated rituals you repeat without thinking.
A quick wipe-down once or twice a day with a soft microfibre cloth and a gentle solution is enough to keep crumbs, smudges, and stray splashes from hardening into something more stubborn.
Neglect, on the other hand, tends to snowball quickly into negative results. A little spill that lingers overnight turns into a sticky patch by morning, then into a stain that wouldn’t budge.
That’s why it pays to catch messes early. Deal with them while they’re fresh, and you’ll save yourself the elbow grease or costly repairs later on.
Keep a small caddy of supplies tucked under the sink, and you’ll never have to hunt for what you need. When everything is within reach, quick clean-ups feel less like work and more like a natural activity in your day.
If the spills pile up faster than you can keep up with, it’s worth handing the task over to the professionals.
A pro clean service can rejuvenate your kitchen, tackling the build-up you don’t see, and restoring the shine you remember from the day you bought it. Once that’s done, your daily routine will feel lighter.
Use Cutting Boards and Trivets
Even the most meticulous cleaning efforts can only go so far in preserving your kitchen benchtops.
To avoid scratches or heat damage that could lead to costly repairs, adopting a few preventive measures is wise. After all, maintaining your kitchen’s pristine condition is far more appealing than replacing a benchtop.
When preparing meals, whether slicing vegetables for a summer salad or carving lamb for a family roast, always use a cutting board. This simple habit safeguards your benchtops from unsightly nicks and scratches.
A sturdy wooden cutting board, such as an acacia one from Kmart or a handcrafted piece from a Daylesford market, offers both durability and a touch of timeless style.
Heat damage is another overlooked risk. Placing a hot pot or kettle directly on your benchtop may seem harmless, but it can cause burn marks or cracks that detract from your kitchen’s appeal.
The solution is quite simple, and even economical. Invest in high-quality trivets. Non-slip silicone trivets, readily available at stores like Target or Big W, are practical, easy to clean, and ideal for safely resting a steaming casserole.
For a touch of local charm, consider ceramic trivets from a Fremantle artisan market. They will protect your surfaces while adding a touch of flair.
Seal Natural Stone Countertops Regularly
If you’ve chosen granite, marble, or another natural stone, you’ve also signed up for a little maintenance.
These surfaces are beautiful, but they’re porous, meaning the spills sink in and don’t just stay on top. That’s how you end up with the ghost of a red wine glass etched into your kitchen forever.
To keep your natural stone benchtops looking as dazzling as the day they were installed, a little TLC with a sealant goes a long way to fend off stains and water damage.
To see if your countertop needs it, you can try out a quick test. Splash a bit of water on the surface. If it soaks in and leaves a damp spot instead of beading like dewdrops, your benchtop is begging for a fresh coat.
Start by giving the counter a thorough clean with a stone-safe product to banish dirt and grease. Then, pick a top-notch sealant suited to your stone type. Selleys or Lithofin are pretty good options, and you can grab one easily from Bunnings.
Spread the sealant evenly, covering every inch like you’re icing a cake, and let it dry completely before whipping up your next culinary masterpiece.
Depending on how much action your benchtop sees, aim to reseal every six months. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines online for the perfect schedule. With this simple ritual, your benchtops will stay stunning, effortlessly shrugging off spills and keeping your kitchen in mint condition.
Conclusion
And that’s how you do it! Follow these tips and you’ll always keep your kitchen countertops looking new!
The truth is, no material is bulletproof. Even the toughest benchtops have their limits. What really makes a difference is how well you treat and maintain it. Do this and your kitchen will always look fresh, clean, and amazing!
