Since we use our kitchens several times a day, the countertops and surfaces in our kitchen are something that should be cleaned multiple times a day. All of the preparation and meal planning that goes on there makes it an important step in keeping kitchens sanitary. Sometimes, however, it can feel as though there’s always a few spots and crumbs we’ve missed— no matter how often or thoroughly we’ve wiped down those surfaces.
How do we get consistently clean, kitchen countertops? It’s not something we have to compromise; there’s an effective (and efficient) way to clean these surfaces and wipe up every single crumb, too. It is also great for preventing build up from coming into our kitchen.
The Best Wipe Down for Your Countertops
The following are the tools and steps you can take to routinely and effectively clean your kitchen countertops. Before beginning, be sure to gather the following tools:
- Multiple, clean rags
- An all purpose cleaner
- A scrubbie
- A clean microfiber cloth
Once you’ve gathered all of your tools, go to the first section of counter you plan on cleaning. Clear off the section, and put everything on the counter to the side. Removing everything from the section you are cleaning allows you to clean the countertop thoroughly, without missing crumbs or spots.
Once you’ve removed everything from the section of the counter, spray down the surface (from back to front) with your all purpose cleaner. If there is any sticky spots, build up, or grime, use your scrubbie to work them up. Begin in the back, rubbing the scrubbie in circular motions, from one side to the other, and then work your way from back to front. Gently scrubbing the entire surface area will work up any grime, dirt, or sticky spots that would have been on the surface.
Next, take one of your clean rags, and fold it up neatly into a square. Begin at the back once again, and firmly wipe (from back to front) any of the crumbs or debris that got worked up from being scrubbed. Your wiping motions should be fluid and firm. Pull the rag from the back of the counter to the edge, pulling any crumbs into your hand. Continue this pattern from one side of the other, and try not to miss any part of the counter. Wiping it down like this will dry the counter.
All that is left, now, is to buff out the surface with a clean microfiber. Folding the cloth into a neat square, buff out the surface. Work the cloth in a circular motion from one side to the other, from back to front. Once you’ve buffed out your counter, you can replace the items you removed, and move on to the next section of counter. Be sure that you don’t over extend yourself and clean too much of the surface at once. It’s better to clean a smaller section at a time.
With these easy, helpful tips, wiping down the surfaces of your kitchen every day will be a breeze! And you won’t have to wonder if you left any crumbs behind.