What is The Effect of Oven Cleaner on Kitchen Countertops?

Cleaning the kitchen countertops is a daily task. Because they get easily greasy from oils and food slop. Sometimes, you can’t wipe out the stubborn stains only by water. So, people often use oven cleaner to clean their kitchen countertops. But have you ever thought of the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops? If you are unsure of the consequences, you have clicked on the right page.

Oven cleaner is one of the most available and effective cleaners. It contains some chemicals to grease off even the hardest stains. Some people don’t know the effect of using oven cleaner on kitchen countertops and end up damaging them.

Thus, I will try to throw light on “What is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops.” Besides, you will be familiar with answers to some common questions. So, let’s start.

Why is Oven Cleaner Dangerous?

Oven cleaners use various strong chemicals. These chemicals are very active and thus, toxic and caustic. Some of the key components of oven cleaner are mentioned below:

• Foaming agents
• Degreasers
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Monoethanolamine
• Turpentine
• Butane
• Monobutyl ether
• Crystallization agents
• Diethylene Glycol

In contrast, kitchen countertops are made up of wood, marble, granite, Stainless Steel. These elements become more fragile in contact with these strong chemicals. If you want to know more about kitchen countertops, visit kitchenrated. So, one may get the kitchen countertops fully discolored and damaged after using oven cleaner on them instead of cleaning.

What is the Effect of Oven Cleaner on Kitchen Countertops?

The effect of using oven cleaner on kitchen countertops depends on the material of the countertop. Because chemicals respond differently when you change the material. So, I will explain the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops made of different materials.

1. Effect of Oven Cleaner on Stone kitchen Countertops

Stone countertops have become a new trend in modern kitchen style. The shine, color, and natural look of the countertop can change the outlook of your entire kitchen. Marbles and granites are natural stones. Here natural stones mean stones that the earth contains naturally.

Natural stones are stronger than others to survive harsh chemicals. But it doesn’t mean one can use oven cleaner on it blindly. These stones are holey. So, manufacturers use a polyurethane layer to seal the holes. If you frequently clean the granite or marble countertop with an oven cleaner, sodium hydroxide of the oven cleaner will ruin the seal. It will make the countertop more bacteria and water absorbent. Besides, it will gradually take away the color and gloss of the countertop.

In contrast, quartz countertops are more vulnerable to discoloration. Because they are artificial and use pigmented colors. So, an oven cleaner can entirely damage your quartz countertops.

Tips for Cleaning Stone Countertop:

• One can use regular dish soap and water to clean a stone countertop.
• You will find cleaners individually made for granite, marble, and quartz kitchen countertops. So, know the materials first and buy cleaners.

2. Effect of Oven Cleaner on Tile kitchen Countertops

It is difficult to clean the joining line of the tile countertops. So, people prefer oven cleaner to clean their Tile Countertops. Oven cleaner may clean the countertop and those joining lines. But it will ruin the glaze of the tile and damage the grout that holds tiles together. So, if you don’t want to repair your tile countertop, don’t use an oven cleaner on it.

Instead, you can follow the process below:

• Make a solution with warm water and dish soap
• Spray it on the countertop
• leave it for 10 minutes
• Rub it with a soft sponge
• Use an unused toothbrush to clean the grout

3. Effect of Oven Cleaner on Stainless Steel Countertops

Sodium hydroxide is the most common element of any oven cleaner. There is rarely any oven cleaner that doesn’t contain sodium hydroxide. Steel, aluminum, and sodium hydroxide are strong reactors. So, if you use oven cleaner on Stainless Steel Countertops, it can permanently ruin the glaze and color of the surface. Besides, the reaction can generate combustible gasses. This gas not only irritates your eyes but also poses a risk of fire.

Proper deep-cleaning process for Stainless Steel Countertops:

• Make a liquid solution with hot water and vinegar
• Put the liquid in a spray bottle and spray on the surface
• After a few minutes, clean the Countertops with a soft sponge or microfiber cotton

For regular cleaning, one can use dish soap.

4. Effect of Oven Cleaner on Wooden Kitchen Countertops

Any wooden materials are porous. Thus, manufacturers put a thin layer of lamination on the wooden surface. The layer also enhances the shine and makes the surface water-resistant. But when you put the oven cleaner on it, the chemicals react and dissolve this layer of lamination. As a result, the holes of the wood get filled with water, and bacteria grow up.

One may see a gummy paste on the surface while rubbing the surface with an oven cleaner. This paste indicates that the lamination is dissolving. If this paste dries up on the surface, it can create a permanent stain on your wooden countertops.

Cleaning Tips for Wooden Countertops:

• Use a mild soap for regular cleaning.
• If the countertops get stained, then cut a lemon into two pieces. Rub the inner part of the lemon on the stain. The mild acid will remove the stain without damaging the wooden countertops.
• One can also use 120-grit sandpaper to remove the stains from wooden countertops.

FAQ:

1. How can you get rid of the stains left by oven cleansers on your kitchen countertops?

If your kitchen countertops get stained because of oven cleaner, you can use any of the following things to remove the stains:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda and water
• Baking soda and dishwashing soap
• Beeswax

2. What to do if one has used oven cleaner on kitchen countertops?

If you have used oven cleaner on kitchen countertops without knowing the effects, don’t worry. You can polish or oil up the countertop. It will protect the upper layer and you will get the shine back. Besides, the pores of the materials will be locked again.

Conclusion

If you read this article, then I am sure you know the effects of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops. Oven cleaner can not only discolor but also internally damage the materials of the countertop. Thus, it is wise to use appropriate cleaner based on the material to clean the kitchen countertops.