Wiping Counters & Tables

Today’s Lesson is 334 words, a 1 min & 20-second read. Sign up here. 📍 Introduction You’ll use countertops more than any other surface in the house, so you’ll want to clean them more, too. Use these tips to find your rhythm & keep those surfaces crumb-free. *Note - Since ~80% of US homes have Granite or Quartz countertops, the instructions below are geared towards those materials. 🧹 Gear: * Sponge (or microfiber/bar mop) * Towel for rinsing or drying * Dish soap or mild all-purpose spray 🔢 Instructions: * Survey the scene; identify the messiest areas * Clear clutter from countertops * Dry-wipe to remove debris (e.g., crumbs), sweep into hand & dump in the sink * Wash counters using a warm, wet cloth or sponge with a bit of dish soap or all-purpose spray; add spray or soap as needed * Wipe down with warm water * Dry using a clean kitchen towel 📝 Notes, Tips, Tricks: * Don't over-soap or over-spray. This makes rinsing much harder. * Thoroughly remove soap off countertops. If not properly rinsed, a film will accumulate, creating a new kind of mess! * Use a fresh cloth for rinsing if possible. It's hard to get all the soap out of your cleaning cloth. * Scanning countertops at eye level helps you see missed spots & crumbs 👀 * Dilute some dish soap or all-purpose cleaner in a bowl of warm water for easier access while washing. * For tougher stains or messes, try a paste of baking soda & water. * Wipe up spills right away to avoid scrubbing later. * To disinfect now & then, spray with 70% alcohol, let sit 3-5 min. Rinse & dry. * Working in an S-shaped pattern from back to front will help ensure you don’t miss spots. 📝 Variations/Unique Needs * Granite: if using an all-purpose cleaner, check that it’s compatible with granite * Marble: avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice. * Tile: use a scouring powder & bleach to remove food from grout. * Wood: spray cleaner on a damp cloth, not directly on the wood. 🎓 Further Studies: * [Statista] Kitchen countertop materials in the U.S. * [The Kitchn] How To Clean & Disinfect Granite Countertops * [Consumer Reports]How to Clean Countertops & Keep Them Looking Their Best 📚 Want to learn more? Check out our Table of Contents. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com