As the kitchen is the hub of the home for food prep and cooking, it’s important to keep surfaces clean to prevent food poisoning and other foodborne illnesses.
There are lots of different solutions and tools you can use for each surface, depending on what they’re made from. However, the most effective method to collect dirt, (rather than just moving it around) is to wipe in an ‘S’ motion. Use a cloth to scoop up debris and rinse your cloth regularly. To get the most of your cloth, fold it in half twice, then use a quarter at a time to clean, moving onto a fresh quarter, as the side you are using gets dirty.
Depending on how frequently you use each surface, determines how often you should clean it.
We recommend wiping down countertops after you prepare every meal with a damp microfibre cloth. If you want to avoid using chemicals around your food, the Marigold Let It Shine! Microfibre Cloths are a great option, as they remove over 99% of bacteria with just water*.
For floors and vertical surfaces such as tiles and cupboards, we recommend cleaning these weekly.
A basic test is to rub the surface with a light-coloured cloth, or even a white sock, to check for any dust or residue.
Another way to test the cleanliness of a surfaces is using the tape test. Simply place some tape on a surface and try to peel it off. If it sticks well and is difficult to peel off, then that tells you the surface is clean. (However, this method should be used with caution and should not be used on delicate surfaces or surfaces where the tape adhesive may cause damage).
Granite is generally a durable, hard-wearing surface. However acidic substances (such as citrus and vinegar) and harsh chemicals (such as bleach and disinfectants) can damage your granite worktops and make them more prone to stains.
Instead, we recommend cleaning your granite surfaces with warm water and a microfibre cloth. The Marigold Let It Shine! Microfibre Cloths, give great cleaning power due to the deep cleaning power of the tiny microfibres and can also remove over 99% of bacteria with just water*, so they’re a great option for chemical free cleaning/cleaning without acidic substances! You can even use these cloths when dry, to buff the surface, to remove any water marks or fingerprints for streak-free results. Don’t forget to clean your cloth after use. You can machine wash your Marigold cloths up to 60⁰C. Just make sure you don’t use fabric softener; as this can clog up the tiny fibres and make microfibre cloths less effective.
Wooden surfaces can have grooves where bacteria can thrive, so it’s important to clean them regularly and efficiently. Too much heat or water can also cause damage to wooden surfaces.
The best way to clean wood is with a microfibre cloth, such as the Marigold Let It Shine! Microfibre Cloths:
• Dusting – dampen your Marigold Let It Shine! Microfibre Cloth and wring well to remove excess moisture. Damp rather than dry dusting helps to capture dirt and dust, rather than just moving it around. Regularly rinse the cloth during this process to rinse off dirt and dust.
• To remove sticky dirt – try mixing 2 parts water, 1 part white vinegar** and spray it onto the surface. Wipe the cloth across the surface and rinse it regularly. Do not use this solution undiluted or on unsealed wood. If this solution doesn’t work, you can try a stronger solution, such as wood cleaning products. Always follow the manufacturers guidelines and test on an inconspicuous area first. Ensure you leave your wooden surface to fully dry .
• Prevent staining and water damage by immediately wiping up spills.
• Polish the wooden surface with a wood cleaner or a mixture of olive oil every few months to keep the wood hydrated and shiny. Apply with a soft cloth, let it absorb for a while, then wipe off any excess oil
You may decide to use a glass cleaner or window cloth… that’s if you haven’t tried the Marigold Squeaky Clean Flexi Microfibre Cloth. This cloth will leave your shiny surfaces streak-free and sparkling, thanks to its special, absorbent coating.
This cloth is effective with just water, however if you prefer to use a cleaning solution, you can make your own natural cleaning solutions using 2 parts water, 1 part white vinegar (the vinegar can also contribute to the streak-free results). For more details on how the clean glass surfaces, read our blog on best ways to clean glass without streaks.
Now you have lots of tips on how to clean different surfaces, how often and what methods, tools and solutions to use! Why not have a read of some more Marigold blogs and browse the full Marigold range on the Marigold website.
*Removes E. coli & S. aureus from laminate countertops & ceramic tile as tested at a 3rd party lab.
**If using white vinegar to clean, remember never to use on porous stone or ceramic surfaces. Do not use on unsealed wood.
