We all know that new countertops can’t stay new forever. It is a shame when your new specially designed kitchen quickly starts looking old and withered with misuse, so it’d be nice to be able to keep them looking new for as long as possible.
No matter how many coasters you put out, or how often you wipe the countertop with a fresh clean sponge, there will be times when inconsiderate guests rest their coffee mugs on the naked countertop, or you forget to wipe up after a particularly marmite heavy toasty sandwich.
Through time and use, countertops tend to keep stains, and these stains can be tough to remove the longer they are left on there. But do not despair! There are countless home remedies and professional advice online for getting stains out of countertops.
Here we have compiled a couple of solutions for successfully removing those pesky stains that will leave your countertops sparkling clean.
Baking Soda
If a standard household cleaner won’t do the job, mix a paste using baking soda and water and cover the stain with the mixture. For added moisture, cover the paste with a wet cloth or paper towel. Leave the paste on the top for an hour or two, and then gently wipe off the paste with a soft sponge. Be aware that baking soda can leave fine scratches if not wiped off carefully.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice coupled with baking soda is also a great way to remove ground in stains. Squeeze lemon juice over the stain, fresh lemon juice normally works better. Then add baking soda and wait a few minutes for the fizzing to stop. Then gently wipe it off with a clean rag or cloth. Test this method with a small section of the countertop first, as it may not be suitable for all surfaces.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great all purpose cleaner for removing stains. Applying white vinegar to a clean cloth or sponge and rubbing quickly in small circles can help to remove both stains and lime scale from kitchen countertops and around sinks. Be sure to wash the counter with warm water and soap afterwards as the acidic content of the vinegar can be harmful if left for too long.
Nail Polish Remover
For stains like ink and pen from errand colouring adventures, wet a white rag or a plain cloth with nail polish remover and gently rub away at the stain until it is gone. Make sure to only use white cloths as the nail polish remover can stain the countertop even more if you use coloured fabric.
All of these are easy to find around the house, and can help with most household stains. Lemon juice and baking soda also work wonders on rusted gas hobs as well, just be sure to properly wipe everything down afterwards!
If you’d like to read up on further home cleaning tips then be sure to check out this handy article on the Channel 4 website.
Carrie Matlin is a proud housewife who loves sharing her tips on achiving domestic bliss. She has contributed this post on behalf of Price Kitchens, designers and suppliers of a a wide range of both contemporary and traditional styled fitted kitchens
Photo Credit
Coffee Stains by trophygeek Flicker Creative Commons