by There are lots of curious people who want to know how to clean porcelain countertops properly, first, they need special care and attention. You can’t just use your regular products like you would on granite or wood. That’s why there are specific cleaners for porcelain available. Follow along as I discuss tips for cleaning and maintaining your high-end countertop surfaces.
Getting rid of those dreaded stains on your porcelain countertops can be a hassle. However, there are a few steps you can take to make them easier to remove.
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Why need to clean porcelain countertops?
It is common to wonder why you even need to clean them in the first place. They are, after all, a very expensive investment. But cleaning and maintaining your porcelain countertops are easy if you follow these steps.
Even though porcelain countertops are more resistant to stains and marks than other types of surfaces, they still need some care on occasion. Wiping them down daily with a soft cloth will keep grime and grease from building up in the first place. This will also keep hard water stains from developing.
How to clean porcelain countertops step by step?
Cleaning your porcelain countertops will always be the same. You will, however, notice some differences depending on the product you use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining your high-end countertop surfaces:
- Choose a cleaner that is recommended for your particular type of porcelain surface.
- Apply the cleaner directly to the cloth.
- Apply the cleaner directly to a dry cloth.
- Buff the surface with your clean cloth.
- Continue cleaning for ten minutes, until the surface is completely dry and ready for use again.
Which products are the most effective for cleaning porcelain countertops?
The first thing you’ll notice when choosing a cleaner is whether or not it is specifically designed for porcelain surfaces. While some are harder on your surface than others, you need to choose one that’s safe for your countertop. You don’t want to accidentally damage your expensive countertops when using the wrong product.
It can be difficult to tell which cleaners are safe and which ones are dangerous for personal use. Luckily, some companies are more than happy to help you figure out which products work best for your countertop type. The following table shows which ones are best for porcelain, lacquer, and granite surfaces:
- Product Acid Cleaner (pH 7-8) is safe to use on porcelain because it’s based on vinegar.
- Ammonia-Free Cleaners (pH 5) are designed specifically for porcelain surfaces. Fumes of any kind will damage your system and can cause headaches or ear infections if inhaled.
- Detergents, liquid or powder, can damage the surface. Washing your hands with separate washcloths and keeping them clean is also important.
- Baking Soda or Volatile Oils, in general, should not be scrubbed on any surface if you want it to hold up over time. The chemicals used in these products are harmful to porcelain surfaces and will eventually wear them down. It is important that you always follow the instructions for cleaning your porcelain.
- Using a toothpick to lift dried dirt or food particles can be done by soaking the surface in hot water for 10 minutes and then rinsing with a toilet brush.
Remember that regular cleaning is critical to keeping your countertops looking new, so it is recommended that you clean and maintain your countertops according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
To know everything about Porcelain Countertops watch the video till the end.
credit: Garden State Tile.
How to clean porcelain with spray cleaners?
Using a spray cleaner is an effective way to make your porcelain countertops shine again quickly. Cleaners designed for cleaning porcelain tend to be effective against grease and grime but not stains. However, there are many commercial products that can clean porcelain without damaging its natural surface.
Quebrarro is a spray cleaner you can use on your counters. It’s a safe and simple solution that doesn’t leave behind any residues or odors.
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How to clean porcelain with a toothbrush?
A cup filled with warm water and a few drops of dish soap is another effective way to clean porcelain. It is an easy solution that you can take in the car on your commute.
You’ll want to use very warm water and make sure the soap you choose is specifically designed for cleaning porcelain. If you don’t get this part right, it could strip your countertops of their protective coating or leave behind residue that may damage them.
How do you get porcelain countertops shiny?
It’s very important to keep your porcelain countertops shining. The process of shining your counters is not hard at all. However, you do need the right materials to get the job done. For example, you can use a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar to clean and shine them up.
All you need is a sponge or rag and a container for cleaning with non-abrasive ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice. To buff and shine your counters, mix as much vinegar as you think is necessary.
The more you use, the more gleaming you will get with your porcelain countertops. With this method, don’t forget to rinse with water and dry them with a soft cloth before using them again.
How to use Windex on porcelain countertops?
You can use Windex on porcelain. It’s an effective way to get stains off of your countertops. However, cleaning your countertops with Windex will reduce their shine and make them dull instead of shiny.
To remove stains with Windex, you’ll need a spray bottle and some paper towels. Make sure to use the glass cleaner spray and not the window cleaner spray.
Spray your countertop directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a paper towel.
Can you put hot pans on porcelain countertops?
You don’t want to put hot pans on your porcelain countertops. The rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t do it to a plastic surface, you shouldn’t do it to your porcelain countertops. It’s not just hot things that can damage the surface of your countertops.
Anything that is too cold or too hot can make the surface crack or become cloudy over time. If there is any moisture on your countertop, the temperature could damage the paint coating underneath it as well as the material itself.
It’s a bad idea to put hot pans on your countertops because of the risk of damage and the fact that you probably won’t be able to show off your shining new countertops if they are covered in burns. Be careful with your countertops and follow all manufacturer’s instructions.
Do you get porcelain countertops chips easily?
Your porcelain countertops will chip if you don’t use the right cleaner. For example, the wrong cleaning products can leave behind a film that damages your countertops. They can also cause scratching and dulling of their surfaces.
Porcelain countertops are sturdy, but they aren’t indestructible. Make sure you take extra care when cleaning them to keep them from chipping.
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How do porcelain countertops stain?
Most of the stains on your counters are hard to remove since there are so many different types of surfaces and finishes. The two most common porcelain stains are coffee and tea.
To get rid of stains on porcelain, you’ll want to use a white vinegar solution using a sponge or soft cloth. You can also use Windex if your countertops are very dirty. If you don’t want to use vinegar, you can use lemon.
How to remove scratches from porcelain countertops?
Scratches are some of the hardest things to clean off your countertops. To get rid of scratches, you’ll need a solution that is abrasive and as strong as possible.
You’re going to want to start by rinsing the scratched surface with hot water and drying it off with a soft cloth.
Once you’ve dried the surface, you’ll want to get out your strongest tool for cleaning. This can be an electric toothbrush, a nail file, or a small piece of sandpaper.
If you aren’t using anything abrasive like this, start with a nonabrasive cleaner like white vinegar. Once the surface is clean again and dry, you’ll want to finish with an abrasive cleaner like rubbing alcohol.
Frequently asked some questions about how to clean porcelain countertops.
Do porcelain countertops stain easily?
All counter surfaces are easy to stain. However, staining your porcelain countertop will be a tough problem to tackle.
The porcelain surface is very porous and dark. These two factors make it harder for stains on your counters to show up, but they will still be there.
How to remove stains from ceramic countertops?
The steps to clean your porcelain countertops have already been outlined in this article. To remove stains from porcelain, you’ll want to use a solution that is mild and non-abrasive.
You don’t want to use strong cleaning solutions or abrasives because they can damage the surface of your counters or make them very dull.
Does white porcelain countertops stain?
Stains on your porcelain countertops can be difficult to identify, but it’s a pretty safe bet that if your countertops are white, they will stain.
Before trying to get stains out of porcelain, you should use mild detergents and non-abrasive cleaners. Make sure to test the surface of your countertops first to make sure you aren’t damaging them.
How do you clean porcelain?
If you try to clean your porcelain countertops with the wrong cleaners, you’ll remove the paint and damage your porcelain surface by scratching the smooth surface.
When cleaning porcelain surfaces, you’ll want to use non-abrasive products that are used for flooring and furniture. Strong cleaners like bleach can also damage your counters.
Wash your counters before you attempt to scrub them as well. This will get rid of any dust or dirt that may be covering them and make scrubbing easier.
Can you put hot pans on porcelain countertops?
You shouldn’t put hot pans on your counters. Porcelain is a fragile material that can crack or become damaged by items that are too cold or hot. If there is any moisture underneath your countertops, you could get water damage as well.
While you don’t want to use very cold or very hot items on your counters, hot items will cause the porcelain to heat up and cool off quickly. This could lead to cracking and it could also make your counters dull instead of shiny.
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Is porcelain countertop better than quartz?
The two are very similar and it’s not a matter of which is better. Both materials are strong, durable, and can withstand stains. There are some differences though. Common porcelain countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
The variety is endless and there are options for almost any style or theme you can think of. Quartz counters are white in color so they reflect light well.
What is the best way to clean granite countertops?
The common household cleaners shouldn’t be used on your granite countertops because they are abrasive and can damage the surface of your counters. Certain types of cleaners may also be too harsh for the surface and could dull it. To clean your quartz or porcelain, start by using a mild soap and water solution. Never scrub or use any type of abrasive tool.
Which is best to use in cleaning porcelain sink?
You’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals in your cleaning process. Strong chemicals can damage the surface of your sinks and that’s the last thing you’ll want. This will also make the cleaning process more difficult and time-consuming.
You’ll want to stick with a mild cleaner like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice to clean your sink. Make sure to be careful when cleaning porous surfaces like this so you don’t damage them.
Conclusion:
To clean your countertops, start by mixing up a solution of hot water and vinegar. Next, pour it on the countertop and use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any of the stains if you so choose. If you have any particularly strong stains (or if you desire a streak-free finish), go down the counter again and then generously apply baking soda to the area with a damp sponge. Once you’re satisfied, rinse the counter with cold water.
