How To Clean and Care For The Different Hard Surfaces in Your Home 

Our homes are full of dozens of different surfaces from countertops to floors, painted walls to appliances. And with different surfaces come different cleaning techniques. The correct way to clean a marble floor looks a lot different than the right way to wash painted walls, and getting clean, streak-free mirrors is another process entirely. For the best results, always read and follow the directions on cleaning product labels. Labels will give specific instructions for the types of surfaces the cleaner should or shouldn’t be used on, how much product to use, and how to use it.

Also, read and follow the cleaning and care guidelines that come with household items such as fixtures, stainless steel appliances, ceramic cooktops, countertops, and different flooring types. In this article, we are going to discuss how to clean and care for the different hard surfaces in your home and how to keep them looking great for years to come: 

1). Ceramic Surfaces 

Ceramic glass cooktops 

• Routine care: Using a nonabrasive sponge, paper towel, or clean cloth and apply a cleaner formulated for ceramic glass or a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. 
• Special Instructions: Wait until the cooktop has cooled before cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners which can scratch the surface. Do not use cleaners containing ammonia or bleach as they may discolor the surface. Use only clean cloths/sponges as they can leave a film and cause discoloration.

Tiles (bathtubs, countertops, floors, showers, walls)

• Routine care: Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner (diluted or full strength); tub/tile/sink cleaner, or a liquid cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and buff tiles with a dry cloth to prevent water spots.
• Special instructions: The easiest way to keep tiled shower walls clean is to wipe them down with a towel after each use. This will keep soap scum and hard water deposits from accumulating. Avoid using powdered abrasive cleansers that could scratch the surface. Use a soft bristle brush to clean grout. A solution of 3/4 cup of bleach to 1-gallon water or a mildew stain remover applied carefully with a brush helps clean stained or mildewed grout. Rinse thoroughly.

2). Glass  

Doors, mirrors, shower doors, and windows

• Routine care: Use a glass or glass/multi-surface cleaner. Or, combine 1/2 cup of ammonia in a gallon of water. Wet a sponge or cloth with the ammonia solution. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a clean cloth, paper towels, or a squeegee.
• Special Instructions: Keep cleaning product away from the frame of a picture or mirror by spraying product on a clean cloth then cleaning the glass or mirror. Or, hold cardboard or cloth against the frame while spraying cleaner.

Shower doors and enclosures

• Routine care: Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner, glass and multi-surface cleaner or a tub/tile/sink cleaner.
  Special Instructions: Keep shower doors ajar and enclosures open so that air can circulate to reduce mildew growth.

3). Porcelain  

Appliances – exterior

• Routine care: Clean with a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner, using a sponge or cloth. Rinse with a sponge or cloth. Or apply a creamy liquid kitchen wax that cleans and protects the surface as it is applied. Apply wax to a pre dampened cloth and clean a small area (about a square foot) at a time. Buff with a clean, dry cloth while the wax is still moist.
• Special Instructions: Wipe up spills and splatters immediately to make cleaning easier and to prevent discoloration from acid-containing spills. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface. Use wax sparingly to prevent a wax buildup. Do not wipe a hot porcelain surface, e.g., range top, with a damp cloth as cracking and chipping can result.

Bathtubs and sinks 

• Routine care: Use a tub/tile/sink cleaner or a liquid abrasive or nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a damp sponge or directly to the surface. Allow the cleaner to penetrate the soil, then rub or scour. Rinse with clean water.
• Special Instructions: Specialty products are available to help remove soap scum, hard water mineral deposits, and rust. Follow label instructions.

Ovens – interior  

• Routine care: Use an oven cleaner for manually cleaned ovens. For cleaning continuous or self-cleaning ovens, follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
• Special Instructions: Do not use an oven cleaner on a self-cleaning or continuous cleaning oven. The cleaner may damage the surface.

Range Drip Bowls

• Routine care: Soak in a solution of hot water and hand dishwashing detergent. If necessary, use a liquid abrasive cleanser, soap scouring pad, or a plastic scouring pad. Porcelain drip bowls can be cleaned in an automatic dishwasher.
• Special Instructions: Clean frequently to prevent soils from building up. To clean difficult soils, remove drip bowl from range, place on newspapers, and use oven cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not cover drip bowls with aluminum foil.

4). Cork  

Flooring and wallcovering  

• Routine care: Wipe up spills with a damp sponge or cloth as soon as they occur. Use a floor wax regularly to protect the surface and a sealer to add a protective coating. Follow label directions.
• Special Instructions: Cork is porous and absorptive; a sealer or protective coating should be applied for resistance to spills and wear. Avoid using water.

5). Wallpaper 

Wallcovering 

• Routine care: Washable Wallpaper: Test the washability of the surface by first washing an inconspicuous area. Use a special liquid wallpaper cleaner or a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner.  
• Special Instructions: Start at the bottom of a wall and work up to the ceiling, overlapping areas as you clean and using a circular motion. In this way, any dirty streaks can be wiped off the clean areas and will not leave marks that are hard to remove. Clean frequently to avoid a buildup of hard-to-remove soil. For non-washable wallpaper, use a special product (ground art gum in a bag) or a dough wallpaper cleaner.

6). Painted  

Furniture, ceilings, walls, woodwork 

• Routine care: Test the washability of the surface by first washing an inconspicuous area. Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner or a wood cleaner.
• Special Instructions: For walls, start at the bottom of the wall and work up to the ceiling, overlapping areas as you clean and using a circular motion. In this way, any dirty streaks can be wiped off the clean area and will not leave marks that are hard to remove.

7). Stainless Steel  

Refrigerator and stove exterior, and sink 

• Routine care:  Wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in warm water. Towel-dry immediately to prevent spots caused by minerals in the water. If dirt remains, repeat, adding a mild dish detergent to the water. Rinse thoroughly before toweling dry.  
• Special Instructions: To brighten a dull sink: Polish with a cloth dipped in white vinegar or ammonia. For stubborn fingerprints: Use a spray glass cleaner. For stains or scratches: Use a paper towel and apply a stainless steel cleaner. For cooked-on foods and grease: Use a non-abrasive cleaning powder or a paste of baking soda and water. Rub gently, using a sponge or nonabrasive pad. Rinse and towel-dry. Never use harsh abrasives or steel wool. Always remember to check the label before using a cleanser to make sure it is safe for stainless steel. Test in an inconspicuous spot.  

8). Resilient Flooring  

Asphalt tile, linoleum, rubber tile, and vinyl  flooring

• Routine care: Mix a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner with warm water according to label directions. Clean the floor surface using a mop, sponge or cloth dipped in the solution and wring out. Change the cleaning solution as necessary. Three categories of floor cleaning products are also available; some that clean, clean, and add shine, or just add shine. Follow label directions.  
• Special Instructions: Check with the flooring manufacturer for any special care instructions. Read the cleaning product label for rinsing instructions; some products require rinsing and others do not.

No-wax vinyl (flooring) 

• Routine care: Mix a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner with warm water according to the package directions. Clean the floor surface using a mop, sponge or cloth dipped in the solution and wrung out. Change the cleaning solution as necessary. Read the cleaning product label for rinsing instructions – some products require rinsing and others do not.
• Special Instructions: Scratches caused by grinding dirt and grit into the flooring can dull the finish. After a period of time, it may be necessary to use some type of polish to help provide protection, fill in scratches and add shine. Use a floor cleaning product – one that cleans, cleans, and shines, or adds shine. Follow label directions for proper use.

9). Vitreous China  

Toilet bowls – inside 

• Routine care: Use a toilet bowl cleaner and scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush. Be sure to scrub under the rim of the bowl. Let the solution stand a few minutes; flush. In hard water areas, clean the toilet bowl more frequently. Use a long-handled toilet brush to clean the rim holes, and as far into the trap as possible, in order to prevent mineral deposits from forming
• Special Instructions: Do not mix different types of toilet bowl cleaners together. For example, remove an in-tank cleaner before using another type of toilet bowl cleaner in the bowl. Do not use a toilet bowl cleaner to clean any surface other than the inside of the toilet bowl.

Toilet bowls – exterior

• Routine care: Wash the outside of the bowl using a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant cleaner and a sponge or cloth. Rinse the sponge or cloth and wipe the surfaces.

10). Plastic

Appliances, accessories, and trim 

• Routine care: Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean, soft cloth.
• Special Instructions: Avoid using an abrasive cleaner that may scratch the plastic.

Bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks, and wall tile 

• Routine care: Use a tub/tile/sink cleaner; nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner; or a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the cleaner to the surface or on a damp sponge and rub gently. Rinse or wipe clean. Specialty products are available. Follow label directions.
• Special Instructions: Follow fixture/tile manufacturer’s care instructions. Some plastic surfaces are not compatible with some cleaners. If soil is heavy, allow the solution to set on the surface for at least 30 seconds to loosen the dirt.

Furniture

• Routine care: Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner; glass and multi-surface cleaner, or a cleaner polish. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean soft cloth.

Plastic laminates, cabinets, and countertops 

• Routine care: Clean with a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner using a sponge or cloth. Rinse with a sponge or cloth wrung from clean water; dry with a clean, soft cloth, Or, apply a creamy liquid kitchen wax that cleans and protects the surface as it is applied. Apply wax to a pre-dampened cloth and clean a small area (about a square foot) at a time. Buff with a clean, dry cloth while the wax is still moist.
• Special Instructions: A specially formulated cleaner can be used to renew countertop surfaces when they become dull and worn-looking. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could dull or bleach products or alter the color of the surface.

Portable appliances 

• Routine care: Use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean, soft cloth.
• Special Instructions: Unplug any appliance before cleaning.

Refrigerator/freezer – interior 

• Routine care: To clean the inside walls of a refrigerator or freezer, use a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. Or use a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda to a quart of warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Toilet seats/lids

• Routine care: Clean with a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner, using a sponge or cloth. Thoroughly rinse and dry hinge areas and bumpers.

Window blinds

• Routine care: Dust regularly with a clean, soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum. To clean, use water and scrub gently with a sponge or soft cloth. Dry with a clean, soft cloth. A furniture polish applied to the slats after cleaning will make dusting and cleaning easier.
• Special Instructions: Follow blind manufacturer’s care instructions. Use furniture polish sparingly to avoid a wax buildup.

11). Fiberglass 

Bathtubs, shower stalls, and sinks 

• Routine care: Use a tub/tile/sink cleaner; nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner, or baking soda on the surface.  Rub the surface gently, rinse or wipe clean.
• Special Instructions: Follow fixture manufacturer’s care instructions. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and pads that could scratch, discolor or dull a fiberglass fixture. An acid-base bathroom cleaner may be useful to help remove hard water deposits and rust scale. 

12). Wood 

Cabinets 

• Routine care: Use a product that cleans finished wood to remove fingerprints, smudges, and other soils. Polish or wax may be used if a shine is desired. Buff with a soft cloth.
• Special instructions: Be sure the wood is properly finished. Any substance, even water, used on unfinished or improperly finished wood can damage the surface.

Chopping block  

• Routine care: Wash and scour with an abrasive cleanser, using a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly with a sponge. Periodically apply a coating of salad or mineral oil to make the wood more stain-resistant.
• Special instructions: Avoid soaking with water so that the chopping block does not split or warp.

Floors  

• Routine care: Dust mop or clean with the floor brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. Use a wood cleaner or either a liquid or paste polish to clean and add a new wax coating.
• Special instructions:  Wipe up spills with a clean, damp sponge or cloth as soon as they occur. If using a water solution, wipe up any excess liquid. Liquids left standing on wood can damage the surface. Remove stubborn spots by rubbing with fine steel wool dipped in wax. Or use a paste of baking soda and water.

Furniture 

• Routine care: Use a dusting product to pick up and retain light dust and soil. The product can be sprayed onto the surface or onto a dusting cloth. Remove dust and stains and add shine and protection with a furniture cleaner, cleaner polish, or polish. Apply to the surface and wipe with a clean, soft cloth.
• Special instructions: For Redwood furniture, use a sealer or coating to protect the surface and prevent the wood from turning a mottled grey.

Wall paneling 

• Routine care: Use a wood cleaner and conditioner to clean and protect the finish.

Window blinds 

• Routine care: Dust when needed using a soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum. Use a creamy liquid wax to clean and wax at the same time. Apply furniture polish to the slats after cleaning to make dusting and cleaning easier.  
• Special instructions: Wear cleaning mitts to clean both sides of the slats at once. For bamboo binds, dust with a soft brush or the dusting attachment of the vacuum cleaner. Do not wash.

Woodwork 

• Routine care: Use a dusting product to pick up and retain light dust and soil. The product can be sprayed onto the surface or onto a dusting cloth. Remove dust and stains and add shine and protection with a furniture cleaner, cleaner polish, or polish. Apply to the surface and wipe with a clean soft cloth.

13). Marble 

Counters. floors, tabletops, and walls 

• Routine care: Wipe up spills and spots immediately. Use a product formulated for cleaning marble. 
• Special instructions: Avoid using acid-type cleaners or spilling acids on marble which can cause pitting and staining. 

Pinched for time and need help cleaning all the different surfaces in your home? No worries. Cleanstart has your back. We understand that your home is one of the biggest and most important investments that you will make, and you want a cleaning service that knows how to clean and care for it the right way.

We have over 25 years of experience in the cleaning industry and know how to clean all types of surfaces and flooring types. Whether you need a one-time deep cleaning or cleaning services on the regular, our team of professionals is ready to get your home super clean, just the way you like it!

Your household surfaces need Cleanstart

When you hire Cleanstart, your first cleaning will be a detailed deep clean. Our professional cleaners will touch every inch of your home from corner to corner. After that, you can choose the frequency of maintenance cleanings (weekly, bi-monthly, or once-a-month cleanings).

In addition to tackling any visible dirt and dust in your home, we will clean the hidden areas that often get missed such as baseboards, under furniture, and those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fans, hanging light fixtures, and behind the toilet. Our cleaners will bring to the job whatever cleaning supplies are needed to clean your home unless there is something specific you want us to use instead.

Our Worry-free services 

Each one of our cleaning crew members is vetted and background-checked before they are hired. Our cleaners are also  bonded and covered by worker’s compensation insurance. We train our team in all aspects of professional cleaning: the latest technologies, tools, products, equipment, safety, and quality standards.  We always strive to provide the best services possible  

Our customer satisfaction guarantee

We provide the following customer satisfaction guarantee: If you are not happy with any aspect of our cleaning service, please call us within 24 hours so we can resolve the issue at no additional cost to you. Simply put, we care about our customers. Our consistently high standards and attention to detail are what our customers appreciate most about our services.

✓ Over 25 years of experience in the commercial cleaning and janitorial industry
✓ Thoroughly trained and vetted cleaning professionals
✓ Commitment to the highest quality clean
✓ Local, licensed, insured, & bonded
✓ 24/7 cleaning options & support
✓ Customized cleaning solutions
✓ One-time deep cleaning & recurring house cleaning services 
✓ 100% satisfaction guarantee
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✓  A+ BBB-rating

If you would more information about our cleaning services or to schedule a cleaning, please give us a call at (253) 921-2593 or request a free online cleaning quote now! 

Cleanstart services the following Greater Puget Sound locations:

Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bonney Lake, Bremerton, Factoria, Fife, Gig Harbor, Kent, Lakewood, Olympia, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Thurston County.

 

5013 Pacific Hwy E unit 16 Fife, WA 98424 • Phone: 253.921.2593 • Email: Caleb @ thecleanstart.com

Sources:

• https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/
• https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-clean
• https://www.spraywayretail.com/cleaning-tips/how-to-clean-hard-surfaces/
• https://www.marthastewart.com/1051347/how-clean-floors-best-tips
• https://blog.meridianhomesinc.com/bethesda-custom-home-remodeling-blog/the-complete-guide-to-cleaning-every-surface-in-your-home
• https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/how-to-clean-surfaces