What is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops? Oven cleaners are excellent at removing tough stains and grease from your oven, but they are in no way intended to be used as general kitchen cleaners. You shouldn’t use oven cleaners on kitchen surfaces since they contain potentially strong, harmful, and corrosive chemicals.
Why not?
However, applying oven cleaner on kitchen counters can damage the material of your countertop, causing it to erode, discolor, lose color, or simply become completely ineffective. But there’s more than just that, and in this article, we will talk about it all and provide you with some different techniques to clean a kitchen shelf. You will see the different kitchen countertops materials and the effects of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops.
Does oven cleaner stain countertops in the kitchen?
Oil, food particles, and other debris may be left behind after using an oven cleaner on your kitchen countertop. Quartz countertops are non-porous, which greatly increases their stain resistance, but they are not completely stain-proof.
What are the different kitchen countertop materials?
There are many different countertop options available for kitchen countertops; however, the majority of countertops in domestic kitchens are made of 10 different materials. They include quartz, marble, granite, and other materials. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. For example, some are quite durable while others are easily scratched or damaged. Also, certain materials are far more expensive than others.
1 Granite
When there were no financial considerations, granite has long been the countertop material of choice. A kitchen’s magnificence is defined by granite. When granite worktops are present, even basic kitchens appear to be luxurious rooms.
Granite has a reputation for being pricey, but as supplies have grown and engineered stone has gained popularity, its price has started to decline.
Pros
• It is resistant to heat
• Very robust and long-lasting
• Increases a home’s real estate worth
• Numerous varieties and colors in the thousands
• When sealed with more recent sealants, nearly maintenance-free
Disadvantages
• Expensive material
• Unfit for do-it-yourself installation
• There may be flaws in the slabs.
• Can break if under stress or place incorrectly.
• Cutting on granite quickly dulls knives
• Stone needs to be sealed because it is porous to prevent discoloration.
2 Soapstone
Another natural stone is soapstone, which has a smooth, silky feel and a typical color of dark gray. As a replacement for granite, it has recently had a renaissance. In addition to being utilized as a countertop and sink material in contemporary residences, soapstone is frequently found in older structures. In some kitchen designs, soapstone’s antique-like patina that develops over time can be really beautiful.
Pros
• Rich, deep color
• A little stain resistance
• Fairly heat-resistant
• Damage can be removed by sanding
• Gives a kitchen an aged, historic appearance.
Cons
• Color may darken over time
• Not able to install yourself
• Mineral oil must be used as a treatment.
• Surfaces can be dented and scratched, but this can give them a charming antique appearance.
3 Marble
Marble is an additional natural stone that is frequently utilized for kitchen surfaces. Each marble countertop will be unique because no two marble sheets are identical.
Marble is rarely found covering the entire area of most kitchen shelves or counters due to its incredibly high price. Its opulent appearance is typically restricted to use on an island or portion of the countertop designated as a baking center.
Although marble is highly valued, due to its propensity for staining and scratching, it might not be the greatest choice for kitchens. Marble is a far more fickle stone than granite or soapstone, however, newer sealers might lessen maintenance requirements.
Pros
• Heat- and water-resistant
• increases a home’s real estate worth
• A stunning stone with distinctive veining
Cons
• It is expensive
• Not able to install yourself
• Scratches are possible; repairs are challenging.
• Stone is porous and readily becomes stained if not sealed.
4 Quartz (engineered stone)
The so-called “quartz” countertop material is an engineered stone product made of slabs that are bound with resins and up to 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals. These are not quarry-produced slabs of solid quartz.
Quartz is offered by businesses like DuPont Zodiaq, LG Viatera, Cambria, and Silestone. It was developed as a more versatile and effective substitute for granite and marble. Compared to granite, it comes in a wider variety of hues and has a nonporous surface that is scratch- and stain-resistant. Some varieties are convincing imitations of real marble, having similar veining. Engineered quartz doesn’t need to be sealed annually as genuine stone does.
Advantages
• DIY installation is possible
• Simple to maintain, no need for sealing
• The slabs are consistent and flawless.
• Can be made to order in any size and shape
• Resists stains and is resistant to acid and heat
• Believable and natural-looking than the solid surface material
Cons
• It is expensive
• Countertops weigh a lot.
5 Solid-surface material
A mixture of acrylic particles and resins are pressed into sheets and other shapes to create solid-surface material, which is marketed under the names Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone. Solid-surface sinks and countertops have been used for close to 50 years, but when they were first introduced, they were seen as futuristic substitutes for the real stone that they aimed to imitate.
Solid-surface material once thought of as premium, luxurious worktops, is now seen as rather mid-tier, but it is still a great option for mid-range kitchens. With upscale kitchens with large countertops that would be too expensive to cover in granite or quartz, it can also be a good material.
Advantages
• Prevents stains
• Seams are essentially undetectable.
• Damage is easily removed by sanding.
• Available in a huge variety of patterns and colors
• There are available integrated sink/countertop systems.
Cons
• Moderately costly
• Perhaps damaged by hot pans
• No do-it-yourself assembly; professionals must fabricate
6 Ceramic tile
For DIYers who are ready to do their work, ceramic tile is far less expensive than solid-surface worktops and is also more enduring and easy to keep clean than natural stone, quartz, or other countertop materials.
More design alternatives than ever before are available because of recent advancements in porcelain tile, including tiles that mimic leather, cork, wood, and marble. More design options are available with ceramic and porcelain tiles than almost any other type of tabletop material.
Pros
• Simple to clean
• It is affordable
• Simple enough for DIYers to build
• Unaffected by heat from hot pans
• A huge variety of colors and styles are offered.
Cons
• Custom tiles can get quite pricey.
• Because they are brittle, tile may break when struck.
• Grout lines are challenging to clean and might discolor.
• has less esteem than quartz or granite
7 Laminates
Trademarks like Wilsonart, Nevamar, and Formica are found on laminate countertops. The laminates are smooth, synthetic materials with a plastic coating that are simple to clean. The laminate sheets are adhered to a particleboard (MDF) core to create countertops. Laminate countertops can be ordered as pre-formed pieces (known as “post-form countertops”) or can be specially made to order on-site or at a fabrication shop.
Cons
• Not difficult to maintain
• There are thousands of options.
• DIY installation is not that difficult.
• Very affordable countertop choice
Cons
• Always noticeable seams
• Potential house buyers could consider it to be too average.
• Custom backsplash and edging treatments might increase costs.
• Surfaces are susceptible to scuffing and chipping, and damage is almost irreparable.
8 Wood or butcher block
Wood countertops come in a variety of hues and finishes and offer a lovely warm appearance. The kind of trees that are most frequently utilized as countertop timbers are hardwoods like maple and oak.
Pros
• Comparatively simple to clean
• Extremely durable if properly maintained
• Can be resealed and sanded as necessary.
• Offers most kitchens a quaint country vibe.
Cons
• Comparatively pricey countertop material
• Knives may cut and damage surfaces.
• Over time, stains and water damage are possible.
• If not kept in check, bacteria can become a concern.
• If not maintained, wood is prone to cracking; it needs to be constantly oiled and sealed.
9 Stainless steel
Stainless steel is an excellent option if you want to give your kitchen a modern, industrial style. Countertops made of stainless steel are sturdy and resistant to heat. You can have a seamless countertop because they are made to your requirements.
Advantages
• Resistant to heat damage
• Excellent for kitchens in modern styles
• The countertop material with the easiest maintenance
• seen as a “luxury” countertop; increases the value of a real estate
Cons
• It is noisy
• Extremely pricey to produce
• Not a cutting surface; easily scratchable
10 Concrete
Concrete countertops might be a wonderful option if your countertops come in strange shapes or if you want a genuinely distinctive kitchen. Concrete countertops are typically cast in forms directly in your kitchen due to their heavy weight. These concrete slabs, which may even be textured or stained with acid to give color, are not the same as the sidewalk concrete slabs that are typically used.
Despite the possibility of cracking, innovative treatments can lessen this propensity. Concrete’s porosity can be lessened by adding chemicals.
Advantages
• May be colored
• Resistant to heat and scratches
• gives off a unique and classy appearance
• Possible textures and hues for decoration
Cons
• There is no DIY installation option.
• Cracking could develop over time.
• Custom work drives up costs.
• If a surface is not regularly sealed, it is porous.
• Future homeowners might find the appearance to be too “industrial.”
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What are the harmful effects of oven cleaner?
Below are some of the effects of an oven cleaner on a countertop:
1 Corrosion
Many oven cleaners include powerful cleaning agents. Manufacturers will clearly state in huge, bold letters that these chemicals are corrosive, and any overspray of these substances can even harm the skin.
Why is it okay to use these things in ovens? The majority of ovens are normally made of stainless steel with an acrylic enamel covering. A strong coat of enamel forms over the metal, adding a layer of defense against chemical spills and pollutants.
Not completely fragile is your quartz countertop. Because it is a mineral, quartz is incredibly resistant to chemicals and does not react with the majority of acids at room temperature. Quartz countertops are artificial stones, though. Heat or severe chemicals may cause the polymers that hold quartz together to react.
So what effects do countertops does oven cleaner have? There may be a little amount of reaction between the resins and polymers used to make quartz and the ingredients in oven cleaners. Check the warning label on the back of the bottle before purchasing an oven cleaner. Goo Gone Oven and Grill’s warning label makes it quite apparent that any overspray on painted walls, marble, or aluminum should be immediately cleaned off.
2 Discoloration
An oven cleaner needs to seep into the surface for three to ten minutes to cut through the grease. This gives the oven cleaner more than enough time to interact with the polymers in the quartz.
On light-colored quartz countertops, chemical reactions may leave behind white stains, blotches, and dull patches that can be very noticeable. It might be challenging to eliminate the effects of a long-lasting chemical reaction with stain removers or rubbing alcohol.
3 Streaks
Oil, food particles, and other debris may be left behind after using an oven cleaner on your kitchen countertop.
4 Fading and staining
Because quartz countertops are non-porous, they are highly stain-resistant but not completely stain-proof.
The first time you use an oven cleaner for a quick wipe-down, you might not notice any changes in the quartz surface. However, frequent use of harsh cleaners may eventually remove the surface and could cause fading or stains.
What is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops?
What effects do oven cleaners have on different kitchen countertops materials? What impact does oven cleaner have on kitchen counters, then?
Well, that depends on the type of countertop material that we are using. Depending on the material your surface is constructed of, oven cleansers may cause degradation or leave it relatively unscathed because they contain components that react differently with various materials.
Wooden kitchen countertops
Wooden kitchen countertops with a clear or varnish layer are especially susceptible to damage from oven cleaners. The top protective layer of the kitchen countertop is easily penetrated by the chemicals in the oven cleaner. It will get softer, as a result, becoming gummy and sticky. Some hardwood kitchen countertops might harden once more, but some won’t, therefore you’ll need to refinish the surface.
Cleaning kitchen countertops made of wood
Consider using a non-abrasive cleaning or preparing your own with white vinegar and warm water. After washing, wipe the counters dry fully to prevent water stains.
Rub the affected region with salt and a half lemon if a slight discoloration appears. After that, remove with a mix of water and vinegar.
Tiled kitchen countertops
It’s not a good idea to use oven cleaner to clean a tile countertop in the kitchen. Don’t let the dangerous oven cleaner chemicals out for too long. This is because they will eat away at the grout and top finish, reducing the tile countertop’s aesthetic appeal.
Make warm water and mild soap solution in a spray bottle or small mixing bowl instead to clean a tiled kitchen countertop. Use a sponge or rag to scrub the tiles until they are spotless.
Stone kitchen countertops
Granite and marble countertops made of natural stone may last longer in the kitchen. Compared to other materials, they can survive the potent chemicals in oven cleaners. It is not advised to use oven cleaner chemicals to clean natural stone kitchen countertops.
These kitchen counters might not sustain significant harm from the use of oven cleaning. But eventually, the finish will lose its luster and turn drab and spotted.
To clean a stone kitchen countertop:
One benefit of natural stone is that it is long-lasting and simple to maintain. The only things needed are a microfiber cloth, soap, and water. On this kind of surface, never use vinegar since it will dull the sheen.
Stainless steel countertops
In contemporary kitchens and kitchens in restaurants, stainless steel surfaces are common. The chemicals in oven cleaners typically discolor stainless steel, though this varies on the formulation.
The risk is not worth it, though some steel counters might be able to survive the spray. Food prepared on the surface could later become contaminated by the pollutants.
To clean a stainless steel countertop:
Use soap, water, and a microfiber cloth to clean stainless steel kitchen surfaces and keep them spotless. To help get rid of tough smudges, stainless steel cleaners are readily available.
Formica kitchen countertops
Melamine resin used to make Formica countertops has been thermally fused, painted, or laminated to resemble wood or stone. Like countertops made of natural stone, Formica countertops are not susceptible to corrosion or deterioration. Only if you quickly wash and rinse the oven cleaning after use will this happen.
Oven cleaners include lye, which will eat away at the finish if you use them to clean Formica counters. Additionally, this will cause long-lasting stains and discoloration.
Additionally, it weakens the substance, making it more prone to chipping. It’s not worth putting this pricey countertop’s appearance in jeopardy.
To clean a Formica kitchen countertop:
In most cases, all-purpose kitchen cleaners and the tried-and-true combination of mild dish soap and water are effective.
The Formica firm offers different cleansers that can get rid of tough stains. One of these is Pine-Sol Original Formula Windex Formula 409 Liquid Dish Soap.
The best oven cleaners for the different countertop materials
1 hardwood cabinets
The finest cleaning solution for wood cabinets is one that doesn’t include any dangerous chemicals. It can be tempting to begin cleaning your cabinets with whatever you happen to have under the sink when researching how to clean wood cabinets. However, you risk inadvertently causing significant harm to your cabinet doors. Strong chemicals used in the formulation of typical kitchen cleansers are intended to cut through stains on surfaces like tile, granite, or steel. Your cabinets and cabinet doors are constructed of wood, regardless of the finish. Your cabinets need to be treated with care, just like any other wood furniture, whether you’re dealing with damage like water stains or just keeping them looking their best. You can use any of these products below to clean your wood cabinets:
• Dish soap
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
2 Granite countertops
Bacteria are largely unaffected by a properly sealed granite surface. For daily sanitizing, hot water and dish soap can be sufficient. However, grab a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol if you want to disinfect your granite countertops. Spray it on the granite, let it sit for three to five minutes, then rinse it off, dry it with a fresh microfiber cloth, and repeat as necessary. Avoid using cleansers with ammonia or bleach. To disinfect your granite countertops you will need:
• Warm water
• Mild/ gentle dish wash
• A dishcloth
• A clean microfiber cloth
• Isopropyl alcohol
• A spray bottle
3 Laminate countertops
Given that they don’t require any chemicals for cleaning, laminate countertops are the greatest type of worktops. They are easily cleaned with water, other liquids, and various detergents.
Any cleansers with a lot of acids should be avoided because they will darken your skin.
4 Quartz worktop
Quartz countertops are excellent at withstanding stains and scratches. You must take care not to harm the resin in this situation.
You can easily clean it with water and soap, but if you’re considering using powerful chemicals, make sure their pH levels are balanced.
5 Steel countertops
You can easily clean a steel countertop with just water and soap if you have one. Purchase cleaners designed specifically for cleaning steel if you intend to use them.
Wrapping up + FAQs
The bottom line is your natural stone or engineered quartz countertop will last longer if you take care of it. When using oven cleaners, abrasive cleaners, acidic cleaners, or even dry cleaning detergents, exercise extreme caution. If spills are removed as soon as possible and mild cleaning techniques are applied, quartz doesn’t require much care. Oven cleaners can harm both your health and your kitchen counters. Look for more effective ways to clean your countertops.
Does oven cleaner lighten granite?
Using abrasive cleaners, bleach, or other similar treatments won’t help. Oven cleaners can nonetheless cause harm, damaging the surface to a greater extent than you might have thought, even though they may have little effect on stone worktops made of exquisite marble, splendid granite, or brilliant quartz.
Is it okay to use oven cleaners on granite countertops?
Granite is a natural stone, not quartz. There are no resins made of polymers that could react with strong chemicals. However, because granite has a thin coat of sealer on the surface, it is not recommended to use an oven cleaner on it.
The layer could be removed over time and the stone could become tarnished. Granite could begin to absorb liquids and develop stains.
Can an oven cleaner be used to clean marble countertops?
Marble countertops frequently have a protective layer applied, which also gives them a distinctive gloss. The coating may be harmed by the oven cleaner’s strong chemicals. This advice also holds for various types of countertops, such as painted wooden countertops or tiles with glaze layers.
Why does oven cleaner damaged kitchen countertops?
Alcohol and lye make up kitchen cleansers. These are things that can be harmful to both your health and your counter. Alcohol on the other hand liquefies, varnishes, and polishes.
The most frequent component found in oven cleaners is lye, which is sodium hydroxide. Additionally, it helps in the decomposition of animal carcasses. This is to make you know how much strength it has. Since lye can be used to remove paint, it should never be used on painted or sealed countertops. When lye and other compounds come into contact, it corrodes them.
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