How to remove grease from kitchen furniture using folk remedies. How and with what to clean countertops made of different materials? How to clean kitchen countertops from grease

Countertops and sinks made of artificial stone have long gained popularity, because they harmoniously combine attractive appearance, functionality and affordability. This material is characterized by high strength and durability, resistance to moisture, wear and high temperatures, dense uniform structure and aesthetics.

In addition, it does not require complex care. In this article we will look in detail at how and with what to wash artificial stone countertops.

Features and advantages of artificial stone

Artificial stone is made from natural minerals in combination with coloring components and resin. Products made from artificial stone look luxurious, expensive and elegant, just like those made from natural stone. At the same time, they are more practical and cheaper. In addition, such a countertop will last longer than wooden, metal or plastic counterparts.

Among the advantages of artificial stone are the following:

• High strength and long service life;
• Easy and quick care due to the smooth and even surface;
• Hygiene and lack of hygroscopicity prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria and organisms, dirt and germs on the surface;
• Attractive and harmonious appearance;
• Variety of designs and a wide selection of colors;
• Waterproof. Artificial stone does not rot or rust, does not become moldy or darken;
• Resistance to mechanical damage and shock loads. On a countertop made of artificial stone, you can easily cut food and beat meat without the risk of damaging or spoiling the material;
• Eco-friendly and natural;
• Resistance to high temperatures, up to 200 degrees above zero;
• The absence of seams ensures easy installation, repair, care and maintenance. In addition, the smooth, seamless surface looks aesthetically pleasing and organic.

Like other materials, artificial stone requires periodic maintenance. Not every method and not every detergent is suitable for this procedure. Improper care of an artificial stone countertop can leave scratches and permanent stains on the surface, deform the product and ruin its presentable appearance.

To avoid this, it is important to choose the right detergents, follow the rules of care and cleaning technology. This is especially true for products with bright, glossy and uneven coloring. On dark and heavily colored surfaces, dust, scratches and signs of wear are more clearly visible.

Plain and evenly colored matte light-colored countertops and sinks are easier to clean. In addition, they can withstand loads better. Let's look at how to properly care for an artificial stone countertop.

Rules for care and use

• Do not use aggressive compounds, solvents, acids, alkalis, or products containing acetone and methylene chloride for cleaning. Despite the fact that artificial stone can withstand the effects of chemicals, prolonged contact with such a cleaning agent gradually destroys the structure of the material;
• Wax or oil containing compounds are not suitable for cleaning stone products, as they form and leave a greasy film on the surface. This will worsen the appearance of the countertop. In addition, fingerprints and various objects will remain on the film;
• During general cleaning, once a month, fill the sink with a chlorine-containing cleaning agent or a special anti-scale agent and leave for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry;
• It is better to clean the countertop or sink with special care products for artificial stone products or using non-abrasive detergents;
• For regular care of stone products, you can use regular soap, or rather a soap solution, dishwashing gel or detergent containing up to 5% chlorine;
• After wet cleaning and washing the sink or countertop, be sure to wipe the surface dry;
• Wipe off food and drink residues, grease and oil stains, and various dirt immediately after formation;
• Do not place hot dishes without a protective stand, hot or connected heating electronic devices on the countertop or sink;
• In a stone sink, do not use sudden changes in hot and cold water temperatures. Do not pour boiling water into the sink without turning on the cold water!;
• Although artificial stone can withstand knife blows, use a cutting board when cutting food. An accidental strong and sharp blow with a sharp object will damage the surface, leading to cracks and chips;
• To avoid scratches on the surface of the countertop, coat the material with a thin layer of wood varnish or wood care product. But they should not contain silicone and wax;
• Do not install kitchen appliances at the joints of the countertop, as they are decorative in nature and cannot withstand heavy loads;
• Do not leave tea leaves or peel vegetables or fruits in a light sink. In addition, it is not recommended to pour tea and coffee, carbonated drinks and juices of dark or bright poisonous colors into a sink of this color.

How to properly wash an artificial stone countertop

Wipe the surface regularly using a special detergent, dishwashing gel or soap solution. To prepare a soap solution, grate a bar of solid soap on a coarse grater and mix with water until foam forms.

Or mix water with liquid soap. This treatment removes fresh traces of grease and dirt, food and drink stains, including wine and coffee, tea and juices, and oil in a matter of seconds.

To clean an artificial stone countertop, you can use regular mild soap based on natural ingredients without wax. After each cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp, clean cloth and wipe dry. For care, use soft cloths and sponges.

Once a month, as a general cleaning, the artificial stone countertop and sink can be washed with dishwashing tablets in the dishwasher. Dilute the product in water and apply to the surface of the countertop and pour into the sink, leave for an hour. Rinse off the composition with a cloth with clean water and wipe dry. Read what products are best for washing dishes in the dishwasher.

How to remove stains, plaque and scratches

Difficult and old stains, persistent stains, lime and grease deposits, traces of dried water are removed with 5% white wine vinegar diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 1. In addition, you can use a number of folk remedies:

• Mustard powder for daily care removes dirt and degreases the surface;
• Lemon juice or citric acid removes rust and limescale, removes tea, coffee and wine stains;
• A 2.5% vinegar solution will remove traces of carbonated drinks and deal with accumulated lime and rust. Do not leave vinegar on the surface for more than two minutes!;
• A solution of baking soda with warm water disinfects the surface, removes stains, yellowness, and grease deposits;
• Gel toothpaste copes with various stains and impurities.

If not properly cared for, scratches may form on the surface of this material. Therefore, many are interested in how to remove scratches on an artificial stone countertop.

To do this, take baking soda or a mild abrasive detergent and sandpaper. Apply the mixture to the damaged area and rub lightly with sandpaper. After this, wipe the entire surface to even out the color and rinse with water.

The glossy surface of the countertop can be painted with a special polishing agent for artificial stone. The solution should not contain silicones and citrus components. Proper polishing removes minor scratches and restores shine and gloss to the product.

Any surface needs care, it all depends on the material from which it is made. The most common kitchen countertops are made from materials such as plastic, wood, stainless steel or granite. They all have different levels of sensitivity. Frequently used surfaces need to be cleaned. So which countertop is better to maintain?

Cleaning and maintaining the countertop

In general, countertops should not be used as a cutting surface because knife cuts can leave marks on the hard laminate of the surface itself. Hot items such as pots and pans must not be placed without a stand. Laminate countertops are especially sensitive to hot objects and standing water. They must be carefully protected from scratches and water. Care should be taken to avoid direct exposure of panel edges and joints to heat and water. If you notice water on the surface, quickly remove with a dry cloth. The countertop can be cleaned with a soft cloth or soapy water. If necessary, if the surface is special, use a regular soap solution and a soft sponge. Heavily contaminated surfaces are rubbed with a soapy cup under slight pressure in the direction of the structure. Then wipe dry with a soft cloth. Water stains can be removed with regular table vinegar.

No material is used more often in kitchen countertops than plastic. Typically, pressed wood is coated with plastic. If you want to clean a plastic countertop, there are rare occasions when you'll need anything other than warm water and a little detergent. To remove stubborn stains, you don't have to be picky when choosing a detergent because plastic is quite resistant to such solutions. So you can use glass cleaner in emergency situations with alcohol.
Clean the surface with various means depending on the material
Avoid products that are abrasive, such as scouring powders. Acid or salt content in detergents can damage plastic countertops. Don’t forget to wipe the surface with a dry cloth after cleaning. Cut edges and transitions to the stove and sink require special attention. Due to excess moisture, chipboard may swell and there is a possibility of mold appearing.

Plastic table top

Wood countertops require special care

Wood countertops, while beautiful to look at, are also quite sensitive. Despite impregnation with wax or oil, wood is prone to discoloration, for example, from vegetables or fruits. If you have stained your work surface, the first commandment is to remove the stain as quickly as possible so that it cannot penetrate the wood.
For daily cleaning, we recommend a mild detergent and sponge. Wipe off difficult stains by hand. For wood countertops, it is especially important to dry them completely after cleaning. The wood absorbs water, as a result the plate is deformed and the surface becomes rough.

Cleaning stainless steel

Stainless steel countertops can look very stylish. Removing impurities from such a surface is as easy as from a plastic one. Very easy to clean with warm water and a little detergent. Then be sure to wipe dry to avoid limescale stains. Abrasives or sponges are taboo; they leave scratches and spoil the appearance. If limescale appears, it can be removed with vinegar.

Granite surface

Countertops made of stone, such as granite, marble chips (artificial stone) are also easy to clean. However, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions and use exactly what the characteristics of the stone allow. It is important that the stone is well soaked, otherwise dirt may accumulate in the pores. It is recommended to wash only with clean water for as long as possible.
When using detergent, there is a danger that it will penetrate into the pores and create the so-called greasy effect. There are traces of rings left on the stone from hot cups and other objects. Therefore, use cleaning agents as little as possible and remove stains immediately with clean water.

Yellow spots on a light-colored countertop can first be lightened using household products such as Fairy or Pemolux. After they turn pale, Domestos or Mister Muscle should be applied to the spots, but it is not advisable to use them often. Also, the stained surface of a light-colored countertop can be washed with regular soda. To do this, you need to lightly wet the countertop, sprinkle soda on the stains and wipe it off with a hard sponge after ten minutes.

In the kitchen, it is preferable to use natural cleaners because they do not contain chemicals - unlike household cleaners.

A product such as Cilit BANG, which should be applied to the contaminated surface and rinsed off after thirty minutes, has proven itself to be excellent for cleaning light-colored kitchen countertops. It easily removes stains from countertops, gas stoves, cabins and other utensils. The only disadvantages of Cilit BANG are its expensive cost and chemical composition - otherwise, it does its job quickly and effectively.

Housewives also often get rid of stains on light-colored countertops using lemon, vinegar, salt or ammonia, which are applied to the dirty area and wiped with a damp cloth. However, with old, stubborn stains, such methods will not give noticeable results.

Original ways to clean kitchen furniture

Unusual products can be used to clean and polish countertops with light surfaces. So, after washing them using traditional methods, you can apply “extra-virgin” or “auto-gloss” wax, which must be rubbed after drying. They will mask minor defects or scratches on the surface well, and will also help remove various contaminants and prevent the appearance of new ones.

For black stone countertops, black shoe polish can be used for cleaning and polishing.

When using products containing wax, you should remember that they may turn a light-colored stone yellow. To prevent this from happening, the remaining product must be removed using a special wax removal solution, washed with water and neutral soap, and then polished again.

An aerosol product designed for cleaning wood can also have a good effect, since it also contains various waxes. Glass washing liquid will also help get rid of stains and stains of various origins.

Countertops, cabinets, facades, internal shelves - all elements of the kitchen set are subject to frequent and intense contamination with fat, sweet, salty liquids, and small waste from cooking. All kitchen equipment must be washed regularly. How to make the cleaning process easier and achieve results? Basic Rules:

• After completing one task (for example, frying or cutting vegetables), immediately clean the work surface of at least large contaminants. It is enough to walk with a soft sponge and soap;
• When lunch or dinner is ready, wash off any visible stains or stains. When the dirt dries, in order to wash it off, you will have to clean it with a hard brush and an aggressive chemical. For furniture, especially wooden furniture, such an effect is detrimental;
• Wipe cabinets and kitchen furniture fronts daily with a cloth and a small amount of detergent. Wipe modern kitchen units with liquid products;
• Wash the sink after each use. If meat and fish were defrosted in it, vegetables and fruits were washed, greasy dishes stood in it;
• Clean the stove after cooking. There must have been liquid spilled on it and grease dripping on it. Don’t forget to clean the front and side areas - fat flies around and gets on everything around;
• Once a week, do a general cleaning of your kitchen unit. Wash the sink, stove, refrigerator and furniture: countertops, splashback and facades.

Kitchen furniture cleaning products

When buying a new product, look at its composition and instructions.

The “hypoallergenic” label is a must, especially if you have small children in the house.

Pay attention to the acidity level (pH) - no more than 5-10 units. It’s good if the manufacturer additionally added vitamins, glycerin, and plant extracts (for example, aloe). Then it will not only clean the kitchen cabinets, but also smell good.

There is no one universal cleaner for greasy stains if you have a wooden facade, a tiled splashback, a stone sink, a glass table and a ceramic stove. But the common features: environmental friendliness, hypoallergenicity, easy washability - ensure safety during use.

What types of detergents are there?

• Liquid - suitable for stone and wooden countertops in the kitchen, sinks;
• Creamy, gel-like- good for cleaning vertical surfaces: aprons, refrigerator walls, cabinets, facades. The composition is suitable for capricious materials - wood, stainless steel, glass;
• In the form of a spray - used on large, moderately dirty areas, on glass and mirror surfaces;
• Powdery. They are abrasive, so they are not suitable for all furniture. But they wash off almost any dirt perfectly.

Do-it-yourself folk remedies for cleaning

Stages of cleaning kitchen furniture

1. Before cleaning your kitchen cabinet with an unfamiliar product, apply it to a small area on the side. See the result: will it leave a bleached stain, will it remove grease, will it be washed off easily;

   You also need to look very carefully at the interior of Provençal kitchens when cleaning the furniture.

2. Apply to the surface, distributing it evenly;
3. Leave for 5–15 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination and the manufacturer’s instructions;
4. Using a soft sponge or rag soaked in water, remove the detergent along with dirt with light pressure;
5. If after the first cleaning the dirt is not completely removed, use a damp, clean sponge to rinse the contaminated areas more thoroughly. Do not use brushes, pumice, or wire sponges, especially on wooden furniture, tiles, artificial stone and stainless steel.;
6. After complete cleaning, rinse the cloth with water until the foam, grease and dirt are completely washed away, and wipe the surface. Dry with a towel.

Features of washing surfaces made of various materials

Let's sum it up

Do not forget the main rule of cleaning - regularity and timely cleaning of kitchen cabinets and the entire interior from grease. For each type of surface, select an individual product.

When choosing a cleanser, remember that environmental friendliness and quick rinsing are the main characteristics of any washing powder, gel, liquid or spray.

If you do not want to see chemicals in your kitchen, make your own cleaning products based on vinegar, soda, salt or mustard. They are suitable for any kitchen set.

Grease stains on kitchen surfaces are normal. During cooking, they can end up in the most unexpected places. Sometimes you even have to wash the ceiling. But you can’t use the first product that catches your eye. It is important to consider what material the surfaces are made of so as not to harm their appearance. Cleaning your kitchen of grease is very easy if you do it right.

As a rule, the parts closest to the cooking area suffer the most from fat. And this role is always occupied by kitchen furniture. It is made from several popular materials, each of which has its own characteristics. It is worth considering kitchens made of MDF, wood and plastic.

How and with what to wash kitchen facades - video:

How to work with MDF

MDF kitchens are distinguished by the beautiful and durable material from which the surfaces are made. They require a thorough approach to cleaning, as they can be easily damaged. There are three ways to wash them from fat.

Mustard

A specially hand-prepared paste will allow you to wash away old grease from your favorite kitchen furniture. This method can also be used for household appliances and stone coatings.

How to achieve the result:

1. Mix some mustard powder with water to form a thick mass.
2. Apply it to all problem areas for a few minutes.
3. Carefully remove any residue with a soft cloth soaked in warm water.

All the fat will remain on the rag. Therefore, you should only take fabric that can be thrown away.

A popular means of getting rid of contaminants since ancient times is ammonia. It can have a negative effect on some materials, but in this case it is harmless.

What to do:

1. Dilute a liter of water with a spoon of ammonia.
2. Fill a spray bottle with them.
3. Spray onto all stained areas.
4. Blot with a dry cloth.

This method cannot be used to clean a glossy kitchen, as this may cause unsightly liquid marks to form.

Alcohol, vinegar, lemon

An ideal option for modular kitchens with glossy finishes, which will suit the white color. It will not harm even low-quality materials, making it an almost universal means of removing dirt on kitchen cabinets and other surfaces.

How to proceed:

1. Mix equal parts of vinegar, alcohol and lemon juice or grated zest.
2. Blot with a soft cloth and wash off all dirty marks.
3. Wipe with a clean cloth.

How and with what to clean a wooden kitchen

Cleaning a kitchen made of wood is no more difficult than any other. You just need to use certain tools that are suitable specifically for it.

Oil, soda

The combination of vegetable oil and baking soda does an excellent job of removing various stains, ridding the kitchen of plaque or other contaminants.

How to wash:

1. Mix oil and soda in a ratio of 1 to 2.
2. Distribute throughout all contaminated areas.
3. Treat with a sponge without hard fibers.
4. Rinse off with a damp cloth after 10 minutes.

If cleaning a wooden kitchen with such actions does not work the first time, you can repeat it. Also, instead of this mixture, you can use lemon slices, which you need to wipe all the necessary places and wait ten minutes before rinsing.

Baking powder, known to all chefs, instantly cleans countertops and other furniture. You will need a volume of powder that is enough to cover all dirty spots.

Application:

1. Dilute the powder slightly with water to obtain a thick paste.
2. Rinse all areas with it.
3. Wipe with a napkin.

Classic medical alcohol can be used according to the same instructions.

How to wash a plastic kitchen

Removing grease from kitchen furniture made from plastic should be done with extreme caution. The top layer, as a rule, consists of “delicate” materials that can receive significant damage from many substances.

Soap

It's safest to use regular soap. It is advisable to give preference to the children's version, since it does not contain harmful additives that could damage plastic kitchen sets or other surfaces.

How to wash:

1. Dissolve enough soap in warm water until the mixture is fairly cloudy and fairly “soapy.”
2. Wash all surfaces with dirt using a soft cloth.
3. Wipe with a dry cloth.

This method will help to clean the kitchen not only from plastic, but also works great with acrylic or PVC.

Special means

There are a large number of specialized substances that are designed to clean plastic. They are also the most effective and safe for the kitchen.

How to use:

1. Moisten a soft sponge with the product.
2. Wash all dirty surfaces.

If the instructions provide for a different procedure, then you should rely on it.

Features of washing walls

Often, grease ends up not only on furniture located near the cooking area, but also on the walls. The process of cleaning them depends on what kind of coating they have:

• Tiles - almost any product that will not cause mechanical damage (scratches when washed) will do;
• Paint – all products that do not contain alcohol or solvents are acceptable;
• Wallpaper - only dry contact is allowed (with a regular rag or sponge) for paper, and for vinyl or non-woven wallpaper you can use “soft” products;
• Whitewashing – it is advisable to use dry cleaning only.

If the coating is made of other materials, then maximum care should be taken so as not to spoil the appearance of the kitchen using folk remedies.

Household appliances, flooring, and other surfaces

Other surfaces suffer just as often from the effects of cooking. Most of them are allowed to use any method, with the exception of rare materials that require a special approach. If you need to wash ordinary household appliances or the floor, then you can safely choose any method.

Paper towels

The best solution for absolutely any surface is a clean paper towel. It cannot harm any objects, with extremely rare exceptions.

How to use:

1. Prepare one towel.
2. Moisten it with warm water.
3. Wipe every contaminated area.

If you need to remove a fresh stain of grease or other dirt, then this is an ideal option that will instantly solve the problem.

Soap, soda

You can remove grease from most surfaces yourself using baking soda and soap. This is an ideal option for household appliances and dishes.

How to clean:

1. Rub the soap into small pieces and add a small amount of water.
2. Blot the sponge and wipe off all the dirt.
3. Pour baking soda onto a sponge and wipe the dirty surface.
4. After 20 minutes, rinse with a soft, damp cloth.

This product cannot be used when cleaning varnish or glossy coatings, as they can be scratched by soda granules.

Regular hydrogen peroxide, which is available in every pharmacy, will help remove grease, soot and other contaminants.

How to use:

1. Mix a small amount of peroxide with baking soda to form a thick mixture similar to sour cream.
2. Apply it to all areas that need to be washed for half an hour.
3. Use a brush to remove everything that has “moved away” from the surface.
4. Wipe with a damp cloth.

This method, like the previous one, is not applicable for varnish or glossy coatings due to the risk of damaging the top layer of the material.

Melamine sponge

A melamine sponge will help clean all surfaces without streaks. It is quite dangerous for some surfaces, because it is a rather hard material. Nevertheless, it is extremely effective.

What to do:

1. Moisten a sponge with a small amount of water and squeeze lightly.
2. Wipe off all traces of fat.
3. Remove grains with a soft cloth.

In cases where the stains are very small, it is best to cut off a corresponding piece from the sponge and use it to clean off the dirt.

Steam cleaners

This method is applicable to most surfaces. The only exceptions are those that cannot be wet. Steam cleaners not only allow you to easily clean any kind of kitchen dirt, but also disinfect the entire kitchen, making it as safe as possible for humans.

How to use:

1. Start the device.
2. Apply steam to problem areas one by one, while simultaneously cleaning them with a soft cloth.

After this, you can additionally apply any of the above methods. This will improve efficiency.

Household chemicals

Kitchen cleaning can be done using special chemical compounds. All of them are produced in factories, but are first carefully tested for effectiveness and safety. This is why many people prefer this method. Each product has a unique purpose, which depends on the type of material, the type of contamination requiring removal, the speed of exposure, as well as the effect on humans, for which the likelihood of allergic reactions is taken into account.

How to clean the kitchen:

1. Moisten a soft sponge with the product. If it requires dissolving, then do it.
2. Remove existing dirt.
3. Wipe items with a dry cloth.

When using such products, you should follow the instructions on the packaging. It is also very important to wear rubber gloves and a protective mask if necessary.

A great way to clean the kitchen from grease - video:

conclusions

Cleaning any kitchen from grease or other types of dirt is a completely simple task. You just need to approach the matter responsibly and do everything possible following the instructions. The result will be pleasantly surprising.