Countertop material has a huge impact on both the aesthetics and the practical functionality of your kitchen.

Each type of countertop carries its own specific cleaning dos and don'ts, but the most important thing is getting the job done without discoloring or damaging your surface.

Never use abrasive cleaners and avoid scouring pads when cleaning quartz countertops. Chemicals like nail polish remover, turpentine, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, and concentrated bleach can disintegrate the bonds between quartz and the resin that holds it together.

Certain household methods that would be ideal for other types of countertops may not be good for cleaning granite countertops. Over time, vinegar, ammonia, bleach, and steel wool can etch, dull, and weaken the surface sealant, ruining the gloss and protection.

Take similar precautions when cleaning marble countertops, as marble is sensitive to acidic solutions. Since it's composed mainly of calcium carbonate, acids can eat away at the surface and create dull spots known as etches.

Laminate countertops, on the other hand, are made of a mix of plastic, paper and board. Generally, the best way to clean laminate countertops is to wipe up any spills immediately and avoid cleaning with too much water.

Whether you have quartz, granite, marble or laminate counters, cleaning with mild dish soap and water can clean countertops but won't help much in the way of polishing. Every time you use a liquid soap, it leaves behind a thin layer of residue. Over time, this later gets thick enough to dull the surface of the counter. It can also seep below your sealant and cause unsightly darker areas, usually around faucets and over-mount sink edges.

Another popular home remedy is baking soda but cleaning too carelessly with an abrasive scratch up and dull your surface.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner removes grease and grime from countertops. The powerful degreaser also wipes away fingerprints and removes stains, leaving behind a streak-free surface.

We recommend that you clean countertops daily and disinfect them twice a week. Also, immediately spot-disinfect after any use of raw meat, eggs or dairy products. Learn how to disinfect countertops here.

Directions for Cleaning Kitchen Countertops:

1. Clear countertops. Move appliances, food, dishes, and other items onto a different surface.
2. Remove crumbs and debris. Wipe crumbs into your sink or trash can. You can use a plastic putty knife to scrape off any stuck-on food.
3. Mix your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of clean water in a spray bottle.
4. Apply Simple Green. Spray the solution onto the countertop. If you're cleaning a lot of counter space, spray section-by-section so the spray doesn't dry before you can wipe it up.
5. Scrub, if necessary. Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth for a clean surface without scratching your counters.
6. Wipe away. Thoroughly wipe down the counter with a damp sponge, microfiber cloth or paper towel to ensure a residue-free surface.
7. Air dry. Allow the surface to dry completely before replacing appliances, food, and dishes.

TIP: Make sure you're always using cutting boards, trivets and hot pads to protect your counters from dangers beyond stains.

TIP: Granite and marble surfaces need to be resealed regularly to help protect them from stains. Reseal granite once a year and marble every few months. Laminate and quartz counters do not require sealant.