All You Should Know About Cleaning Your Counters With Bleach

Cleaning the kitchen is one of the most dreaded chores. Grease and food debris in the oven, dirty tiles and grout, a lot of counters and cupboards are some of the tasks you need to tackle if you want a truly spotless kitchen. Many people opt to hire an oven cleaning service to deep clean their oven for them. For most of the other tasks bleach is a popular solution that a lot of individuals use. You can make your white clothes sparkling clean again, you can remove stubborn stains, and restore dirty fabrics. But is bleach a useful substance that you can use for your counters at home too or are there hidden risks that you may not be aware of?

In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about using bleach to clean your counters. We’ll share some of the risks and will offer you an alternative. While some prefer to call a cleaning professional, those of you who prefer to tackle partial cleaning tasks alone will need to be equipped with all the relevant information on the topic. 

Is bleach harmful to counters?

In short, yes, bleach could be dangerous for counters. Bleach is an extremely strong disinfectant and an abrasive and aggressive cleaner. The majority of materials used to create countertops will be harmed and damaged when exposed to bleach. Granite and concrete, for instance, are protected with sealants that bleach will eat away. You’ll have to reseal the countertops and even then – they could still be damaged if you don’t react on time. 

Is there an alternative that you can use?

You can discover a wide array of cleaning products on the market that may be more suitable. Always use a cleaner that is non-abrasive. Additionally, there are plenty of homemade solutions you can create by yourself. For instance, use warm water and a few drops of distilled white vinegar. You can also sprinkle salt on any stains on the countertops and use a lemon cut in half to rub the surface. Wash the treated area with water and vinegar and let it dry. 

The cleaning process and solutions used will depend on the type of countertop. For instance, granite is more exposed to damage and requires washing with mild dish soap and water. Dry using a microfiber cloth and stay away from acidic products. For laminate countertops, you can use baking soda and water to create a cleaning paste. Apply on any stains or dirty areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse off and dry using a dry towel.

Are there any other risks for your countertops?

Any other cleaning products that contain ammonia can damage your countertops too, leading to unsightly, irreversible effects. Furthermore, placing hot appliances on the countertop directly can lead to some materials cracking and breaking. In addition, water can also damage countertops, especially if it stays on the surface for longer. 

How can you restore a damaged countertop after using bleach?

You can reseal the countertop if it has been damaged by bleach. Again, the repair would depend on the material used. For instance, you can sand any bleach marks with sandpaper if they’re on laminate. 

Bleach is a powerful and useful substance but it should be used with caution, especially when it comes to cleaning countertops. If possible, find a less aggressive solution that will ensure your surfaces are sanitised yet won’t pose a threat to the materials. We hope this information will come in handy for your next countertop cleaning task.