Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Countertops Shiny

If you’re looking for the perfect kitchen look, cleanliness and organization should be top priority. While it’s easy to keep the contents clean, ensuring that the surfaces in your kitchen are smooth and shiny is a whole different ball game. Luckily, there are some things you can do to maintain the brand new look of your kitchen countertops.

Here are nine tips and tricks for keeping your countertops shiny:

1. Dust your countertops at least once a week.
2. Wipe your countertops with non-acidic solvents.
3. Polish surfaces with wax or homemade solutions.
4. Avoid using products that leave residue or stains.
5. Remove hardened grout with paste or homemade emulsions.
6. Remove stains with cleaning fluids.
7. Clean and disinfect your kitchen surfaces.
8. Polish scratches or dents gently with abrasives.
9. Protect your countertops from wear and tear.

In this article, I will unveil the details of these tips and tricks so you can achieve the shiny countertops of your dreams. Read on for more details.

1. Dust your countertops at least once a week

Before you start using flashy cleaning agents and doing an extensive deep clean, you must begin with dusting. It’s a small act, but it’s crucial if you want to get the best shine out of your countertops.

You see, the majority of the dirt and grime that messes up your kitchen comes from dust buildup. And if you don’t regularly sweep away that dust, nothing in your kitchen can stay shiny for long.

Take it from Hallie Levine at MarthaStewart.com, who says that “the best way to prevent the spread of lint is to dust at least once a week.” This activity eliminates the risk of dust buildup and makes the other tips in this article shine tenfold.

The ideal method for frequent dusting is to use a microfiber cloth. This ultra-soft cleaning cloth won’t leave any marks on scratch-sensitive surfaces like granite or linoleum.

If you’re in the market for a top-notch choice, I recommend these Mr. Siga microfiber cleaning cloths from Amazon.com. They are sleek, easy to use, and available in a twelve-pack at a very affordable price.

2. Wipe your countertops with non-acidic solvents

Next, it’s time to focus on the basics of wiping and cleaning your kitchen countertops. This might be the most important step in creating the best foundation for a shiny surface.

Once again, you should aim for quality products to get the most out of this step of the cleaning process.

This 30-pack of MiracleWipes for Granite & Stone is one of the best options on Amazon.com. It comes at a reasonable price and excellent quality for non-abrasive cleaning. This pack includes a microfiber cloth if you’re looking for a temporary replacement for the previous tip.

While using a high-quality cleaning agent is essential, achieving the best results lies in the solution you use.

You might read online that vinegar or baking soda mixtures are ideal for keeping countertops shiny. However, these mixtures contain acidic components that can damage your kitchen surface, so I would advise staying away from them.

Instead, consider using warm water and dish soap or detergent. Combining it with a soft cleaning cloth guarantees a practically seamless cleaning experience that doesn’t leave any streaks or marks.

Another important point is that the ideal cleaning combination depends on the material of your countertop. Consider reading this thorough guide from Architectural Digest to confirm that the products you choose are suitable.

Lastly, make sure to scrape off any food residues or leftovers with a spatula or a pan scraper. Be careful and avoid accidentally scratching the surface with metal edges.

3. Polish surfaces with wax or homemade solutions

Now onto the finer points of making sure those kitchen surfaces shine well and for a long time.

Using wax or homemade polish is critical if you’re looking for a glossy finish. The best way to do this is by purchasing a professional polish and cleaning spray or making your own.

I recommend both Weiman Quartz Cleaner and Weiman Disinfectant Granite. They are easy to use and do an excellent job of giving your countertops a natural shine.

If you’d like to make your own polish, Pro Housekeepers.com says all you need is one part warm water and three parts baking soda to make your polish mixture. Mix it until you get a fine paste. This mixture can go a long way in maintaining the shine of your kitchen.

The application for both methods is practically the same:

1. Apply the polish to the desired surface.
2. Gently but firmly polish your countertop using a wiping or cleaning cloth.
3. Take a damp towel or cloth and wipe off any residue from the mixture.
4. Take your time to let your countertop dry using a rag or microfiber cloth.

Doing this polishing process correctly will give you a shiny kitchen.

4. Avoid using products that leave residue or stains

Make sure to avoid using products and solutions that can leave any stains on your surfaces.

Streaking is a problem you might face when trying to clean your kitchen without the proper know-how. Unfortunately, cleanliness and shine are significantly compromised when residue and streaks are left on the countertop.

Make sure to use high-quality, streak-free towels and wipes like the ones mentioned earlier. It’s an investment worth making to see the improved look of your countertops without the unsightly leftover stains resulting from wiping and polishing.

According to this article from Sunflower Maids, using acidic or chemical solutions like bleach or vinegar can cause discoloration and affect the texture of your countertops.

Also, stay away from sharp utensils during cleaning, as they can leave marks and scratches on an otherwise pristine surface.

If you’re faced with this issue, don’t stress; I’ll address later in this article how to eliminate cuts and scratches in your kitchen countertops.

5. Remove hardened grout with paste or homemade emulsions

Another problem you might encounter when revitalizing your kitchen countertop is the accumulation of grout at the edges. This issue commonly occurs in tiled and straight countertops.

Grout builds up over time when residual dirt, dust, and debris accumulate in the exposed areas of your kitchen counters. Eventually, it hardens, becomes difficult to remove, and looks unsightly dirty.

Fortunately, there are methods that make removing these deposits much easier. And most of them involve using items from your own home.

DIY Doctor provides a valuable list of solutions you can mix to get rid of the grout in your kitchen. It includes the following:

• Sugar water: This consists of about 1 part white sugar and ten parts water.
• Vinegar: This should be used with caution and diluted with plenty of water.
• Masonry and patio cleaner: These are suitable for removing grout and should be used with caution.

To apply these solutions, apply the required amount to the target area, then wait for a short while before proceeding to scrape off the dirt.

Be cautious with acid-based cleaning solutions and only apply them where necessary, as prolonged exposure to these liquids can damage most countertops.

6. Remove stains with cleaning fluids

While ensuring your countertop stays clean, you’re likely to come across a few stains. This can be a big issue as stains can significantly affect the shine of your kitchen surfaces. To combat and efficiently remove food and beverage stains, you can also use everyday items.

However, avoid using bleach to remove impurities on your countertop. In doing so, you risk discoloring and deteriorating the integrity of your countertopsurface. If necessary, I recommend diluting it with plenty of water and using it in moderation.

One helpful thing you can use to quickly rid these nasty stains is nail polish remover. The Family Handyman suggests this as an excellent method, as it’s a solvent that removes all stains without compromising the integrity of your countertop.

Additionally, you can use the previously mentioned baking soda paste (three parts baking soda, one part water) to achieve a similar solution. Be careful and avoid scrubbing, as pressing down the paste could scratch the countertop.

7. Clean and disinfect your kitchen surfaces

After achieving that shiny countertop style, it’s especially important nowadays to keep it hygienic. You might as well emphasize disinfecting your kitchen surfaces. This helps ensure you don’t focus so much on making it shine while neglecting to keep it safe.

Using a simple cleaning agent while wiping your countertops can help, but using a disinfectant alone can go a long way.

AVAP helpfully lists some solutions to avoid when disinfecting your countertops. These include:

• Vinegar
• Bleach
• Lysol

That’s because they contain harsh chemicals or acidic fluids and will significantly damage your countertopsurface if used at all or too often. Using these solutions can also be hazardous.

Instead, I recommend using gentle and diluted solvents. Consumer Reports suggests a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water. Spray the surface with a spray bottle, let it sit, and wipe it with a streak-free microfiber cloth.

8. Polish scratches or dents gently with abrasives

This tip is somewhat advanced but crucial if you want to achieve that flawless shiny countertop look. Removing scratches and dents might seem discouraging, but with the right know-how, you can get the job done with finesse.

You should use a super-fine abrasive like sandpaper or fine steel wool to polish out minor nicks. After that, I recommend going back and polishing the countertop to regain its glossy appearance.

Check out this video below from Northwood Manufacturing to get a more practical explanation:

Note that if the scratch is large or deep, you should call a professional mason to repair it. Additionally, to create a more scratch-resistant surface, consider sealing your countertop with a spray or paste.

Watch this video by Stone Care International, where Dr. Fred Hueston demonstrates how to properly seal a countertop:

If you’re unsure about what to go with, I recommend this Simple Coat Sealing Spray from Amazon.com. It’s a reliable product that helps enhance the quality of your sealed countertops.

9. Protect your countertops from wear and tear

A final quick tip is to ensure that you maintain the safety and shine of your countertops. Here’s the thing, it makes no sense to go through all that effort; polishing, cleaning, and shining your kitchen surfaces, only to exhaust that flawless look rapidly.

This article from Merry Maids does an excellent job listing the items that need to be used to sufficiently protect your kitchen and its shiny countertops. These include:

• Placemats
• Cutting boards
• Butcher blocks
• Coasters

Using the above items will significantly preserve the integrity of your shiny kitchen surfaces. It protects the countertopsurface from unwanted stains, unsightly blemishes, and dirt.

Important Notes

Your kitchen countertops deserve a lot of care and maintenance. By following the tips in this article, you can fortunately preserve the pristine look and lasting shine.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Dust your countertops weekly with a microfiber cloth.
• Wipe and polish your kitchen surfaces using suitable liquid products.
• Avoid products that leave residue or streaks.
• Watch out for stains, grout, and scratches on your countertops.
• Keep your countertops hygienic and clean at all times.
• Keep your countertops safe with mats and boards when in use.