Different types of countertops require different methods of care.

With these easy cleaning tricks, keeping your kitchen spotless is simple.

For disinfecting, you could also use a mild bleach solution.

large white kitchen with island and wood flooring

Credit: Anthony Masterson

Don’t use an abrasive cleanser or scrub pads because they could scratch the surface.

How to Remove Stains from Granite:Makea paste of baking sodaand water.

Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush.

kitchen’s copper features Granite Countertop

Credit: Anthony Masterson

Several applications might be necessary to remove stains from granite countertops.

How to Seal Granite:Seal granite countertopswith an appropriate sealer formulated for stone.

This will help prevent stains and make it easier to keep clean.

Laminate countertops blue cabinets

Credit: Kim Cornelison

Don’t use abrasive cleaning pads or stiff-bristled brushes, which can scratch the surface.

Use a soft toothbrush along seams or along metal edging.

Take care when using bleach solutions: They could alter the countertop color or cause other surface damage.

dark green tiled kitchen with larch-wood cabinets with cutout handles

Credit: Kim Cornelison

Test first in an inconspicuous spot.

If the surface feels tacky, rub with a paste of baking soda and water, then rinse.

No sealing is necessary for laminate countertops.

small white kitchen with open shelves on gold brackets

Credit: David Tsay

A mild bleach solution can also be used.

Don’t use an abrasive cleaner or scrub pads because they could scratch the surface.

How to Remove Stone Countertop Stains:Make a paste of baking soda and water.

Polished Kitchen Concrete Countertop

Credit: Shaun Sullivan

Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush.

Several applications may be necessary to lift the stain on your stone counters.

Dry the wood with a soft cloth.

marble counter kitchen sink with blue cabinets and decorative bowls on wood shelves

Credit: Anthony Masterson

Then wash and dry with mild dishwashing liquid, as directed above.

If you’re dealing with a light butcher-block stain, try sprinkling on salt.

Then scrub with the cut side of half a lemon.

Kitchen counter with white tile

Credit: Rett Peek Photography Inc

Let it sit overnight before rinsing with water and drying with a clean cloth.

If the stain seems permanent, you’re free to always sand and refinish the butcher block.

Sop up oil that does not soak in.

glass countertops stainless steel farm sink

Credit: Tim Lee

Do not use excess oil because the surface can become tacky and attract dirt.

Don’t use linseed or vegetable oil for this purpose because they can become rancid.

Adding white vinegar to the water can alleviate this problem while cleaningtile countertops.

kitchen sink subway tile backsplash

Credit: Emily Followill

Do not use abrasive cleaners or pads.

How to Remove Tile Countertop Stains:Although tile doesn’t stain easily, grout does.

It’s also the area most likely to harbor bacteria.Scrub the groutwith a mild bleach solution and a toothbrush.

black and white kitchen with stainless steel island

Credit: Werner Straube

Then seal it with a commercial grout sealer.

How to Seal Ceramic Tile Counters:Glazed ceramic tile does not need to be sealed.

Grout, on the other hand, should besealed with a grout sealantto help it become stain-resistant.

Kitchen with dark blue cabinets and wooden countertops

Credit: Stacy Goldberg

Unglazed tilecountertops should be sealedwith a penetrating sealer for protection and stain resistance.

you might also use a mild bleach solution.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrub pads because they could scratch the surface.

remodeled kitchen sink marble countertop with three windows

How to Remove Stains from Concrete Counters:Make a paste of baking soda and water.

Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush.

You might need to repeat several times to remove the stain.

Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Never let it air dry because marble is prone to water spots.

For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water.

Rinse thoroughly to get rid of any residue and wipe completely dry.

Deep-seated stains might require calling in a professional.

How to Seal Marble Countertops:Use a product formulated especiallyfor marble’s porous surface.

A mild bleach solution can also be used.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrub pads because they could scratch the surface.

How to Remove Stains from Cultured-Stone Countertops:Make a paste of baking soda and water.

Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush.

You might need several applications to lift the stain.

Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners and scratchy cleaning tools.

Glass countertops are stain-resistant.

No sealing is necessary.

Rinse thoroughly, then wipe dry.

How to Remove Stains from Solid-Surfacing Countertops:Solid-surfacing countertops are stain-resistant.

Wipe away virtually all stains with soap and water.

For scorch marks, scratches, or persistent stains, consult with your countertop fabricator about renewing the surface.

Solid surfacing does not need to be sealed.

For wet cleaning, use a soft cloth dipped into a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid.

Rinse the surface with clean water and dry with a clean, soft towel.

Look for commercial stainless-steel cleaners to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Stainless-steel countertopsare stain-resistant and do not need to be sealed.

Dry with a soft clean cloth.

If you’re dealing with a light stain, try sprinkling on salt.

Then scrub with the cut side of half a lemon.

Let it sit overnight before rinsing with water and drying with a clean cloth.

If the stain seems permanent, you might always sand and refinish a wood countertop.

Do not use excess oil because the surface can become tacky and attract dirt.

Don’t use linseed or vegetable oil.

A mild bleach solution can also be used when cleaning marble countertops.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrub pads because they could scratch the surface.

How to Remove Stains from Cultured-Marble Countertops:Make a paste of baking soda and water.

Gently scrub the spot with the paste and a soft brush.

How to Seal Cultured-Marble Countertops:Seal with an appropriate sealer formulated for cultured marble to help prevent stains.