Timeless and sleek, black countertops are always a great way to transform your kitchen from basic to chic in no time.
With black interior décor making a comeback in 2022, many homeowners wonder if black countertops are harder to clean and maintain than their lighter counterparts.
Black countertops require some extra care in order to keep them clean, but it’s nothing too bad. The best way to keep a black countertop clean is to use a microfiber cloth, along with warm water and a safe cleaning agent.
Keep on reading to find out the best cleaning methods to keep them spot-free at all times!
Black Countertops Show Flaws More
Many people believe black countertops are more difficult to clean because any crumbs, dust, spilled water, or flour can stand out more against a black background.
This means that a bit of spillage can be quite obvious from a distance, giving the appearance that the counter is dirtier than it might really be.
A white or light-colored countertop camouflages these stains very well, making them difficult to spot at a distance.
Scratches and Fingerprints
If your kitchen island is centrally located, chances are it is a high activity center throughout the day.
Members of your household keep putting their keys, laptops, cell phones, food, drinks, and other items on the counter as the day progresses, which can lead to scratches on the counter.
If your counter is black granite, the small white scratches can stand out and sometimes ruin the glossy, sleek outlook.
And as people constantly put and take things on and off the counter’s surface, any fingerprints left behind will also be glaringly obvious.
Liquid Stains On Black Counters
It’s natural to spill some water, juices, oil, or food on your counter and then wipe it off with a soapy dishcloth after a long day of cooking.
However, on a black counter, the soapy water can sometimes leave behind a stain, which can be quite tough to remove.
These watermarks, although not damaging, can take away from the shiny, sleek beauty of your black countertop.
Polished Vs. Matte Finishes
Black countertops are of many different types, and the kind of finish a counter has can also determine whether it is easier or more challenging to maintain.
If you live in a busy, high-activity household and cannot afford to be scrubbing away at your counter all day long, you should opt for installing a black matte soapstone counter.
This will give you all the glory and sophistication of a stunning black countertop but will show dirt less and can be easier to clean.
But if you are a fan of the glossy counter finish, remember that these counters showcase any fingerprint, dust, and spillages more.
If you want to spice up your kitchen with a beautiful, reflective black counter, you will have to put in some additional effort to keep it looking its best.
How To Clean Your Black Countertop
Despite being slightly more difficult to clean, black countertops are still a homeowner favorite because of the elegant touch they can bring to an ordinary kitchen.
So if you’re a black counter enthusiast, don’t fret! Below are some simple tips on cleaning your black countertop to keep it looking spotless and new.
- The best way to wipe off any spillage or crumbs is using a simple cleaning solution of mild detergent diluted with warm water. To elongate your counter’s lifespan, try cleaning as soon as you spill something, so the liquid does not stain your counter.
- Stay away from all sorts of harsh chemical cleaners or detergents. Do not use any lemon juice, vinegar, or strong acidic solutions, as these can damage your countertop’s surface in no time. If you want to disinfect your counter, mix in mild disinfectant with warm water and gently wipe over the surface.
- Use a soft, absorbent microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any residue. Do not use abrasive sponges or metal scrubbers, as these can damage your counter’s polish and leave unsightly scratches and marks.
- If you eat off your kitchen counter, try not to put hot pans or pots directly on the counter’s surface. Use trivets to prevent the heat from directly reaching the surface, as this can cause heat damage and quickly wear out your countertop.
- At least once every week, remove all appliances and items off the counter and give it a thorough wipe-down with detergent and warm water. Regularly cleaning your counter is the best way to enjoy it for a long time.
Summing Up Cleaning Black Countertops
It is said that black never goes out of style, and that certainly holds true for black countertops.
They are a great way to bring some personality and flair to your home and can look great in any kitchen.
Although they do require a little extra care, as long as you follow the tips above, there is no reason why you should shy away from installing the glossy black countertop of your dreams!
