A good number of people tend to use oven cleaners to remove hard stains on their kitchen countertops. It’s quite unfortunate how people do not know the adverse effects of using an oven cleaner on kitchen countertops. There is no doubt that everyone always wants their kitchen to look dazzling clean. This isn’t only good for hygiene but also for aesthetic purposes. In the attempt to achieve this goal, some homeowners opt to use strong detergents such as oven cleaners to get the messy stains away from their countertops. We do understand how difficult it can be to get rid of stubborn stains. But, using oven cleaners isn’t the best option. In this article, we will discuss the effects of oven cleaners on the kitchen countertops.
What is An Oven Cleaner?
Before we dive into the specifics, it is best if we first familiarize ourselves with what an oven cleaner is. It is simply a detergent that is meant to clean grease, dirt, and other food particles in your oven. Oven cleaners come in quite handy since the messes in ovens can usually remain unnoticed for a long time. This is because the inside parts aren’t as visible as kitchen countertops. When used to clean an oven, it does a marvellous job. This is because it is designed to soften the stubborn stains inside your oven while still being gentle on the material used to manufacture the oven.
But, Is Your Countertop Safe?
One thing you should know is that the ingredients found in an oven cleaner are 100% safe for ovens. This, however, doesn’t apply to your kitchen countertop. Most kitchen countertops are made of marble, granite, and some are wood-furnished. Irrespective of the material used to design your kitchen countertop, they aren’t as sturdy as you think. If you wish to have them looking in perfect shape for a while, then you should embrace all safety measures such as keeping them away from oven cleaners.
Using an oven cleaner on kitchen countertops is not a great idea. It can heavily damage your countertop. This will depend on the material used to build your countertop as well as the strength of your oven cleaner. Some oven cleaners are too strong to the point that they can easily corrode or change the color of your kitchen countertop. It is advisable for homeowners to opt for other cleaning agents which are friendlier to their kitchen countertops.
List of Ingredients Found in Oven Cleaners that are Harsh on Kitchen Counters
Depending on the oven cleaner you use on your kitchen countertops, the effects may not be as immediate. But, if you continue using them, in time, you will begin seeing the damages. Moreover, you might think that the oven cleaner is best for removing grease and other stains in your kitchen. But, some of its ingredients are quite harmful to countertop surface materials. They include;
- Turpentine
- Sodium hydroxide
- Foaming agents
- Degreasers
- Alcohol
You should confirm if the oven cleaner you are using has any of the above chemicals. And if it does contain some, then you should stop using it with immediate effect.
What are The Effects of Oven Cleaners on Kitchen Countertops?
We have discussed much how terrible oven cleaners are on kitchen countertops. It’s now time to get into the critical effects of using an oven cleaner on kitchen countertops.
- Did you know that sodium hydroxide is one of the main ingredients found in paint strippers? Well, you can also find it in large amounts in oven cleaners. Applying this chemical on a kitchen countertop that has been painted or sealed could cause substantial damages. If you have a stone or tile counterpart, then keep off oven cleaners completely.
- Alcohol, on the other hand, can lead to discoloration of vinyl and synthetic materials. The reason behind this is that alcohol is a powerful solvent. And to make matters worse, it acts fast. Therefore, if you notice that your countertop has been losing its original color, then your oven cleaner could be to blame.
- Additionally, sodium hydroxide aids in the permanent discoloration of aluminum. If your countertop is stripped with aluminum, then also keep off oven cleaners.
- Other than damaging your kitchen countertops, these chemicals can also find their way into your body. Don’t forget that the countertops are where you cut or place foods while cooking. Ingesting these chemicals can lead to a couple of severe health complications. If you spill some oven cleaner on your countertop, it is advisable to clean it as soon as possible.
What Materials are Affected Most by Oven Cleaners?
The extent of the effects of oven cleaners on kitchen countertops depends on the material of the oven cleaner. There are some which are at more risk than others.
- Wood – It is the weakest type of wooden countertop material, and oven cleaners can eat away its finish in a small duration.
- Tile – It’s a bit stronger than wood but all in all, an oven cleaner can erode the top coating and grout in a matter of time.
- Stainless steel – Using an oven cleaner on this material will stain it and leave spots behind.
- Stone – Whether it’s marble or granite, stone countertops are the most durable material. This, however, doesn’t mean that it can withstand the harsh chemicals found in oven cleaners.
So, What Alternative Do You Have?
If you have been using oven cleaners to remove stains on your kitchen countertop. Right now, you are probably wondering if there are any alternatives. The good news is that there are other options you can explore when it comes to getting rid of tough stains.
Alternative 1: Use Kitchen Countertop Cleaners
If there is an oven cleaner, then there is a cleaner meant for your kitchen countertop. There are lots of them in the market. Ensure you get one suitable for your countertop material.
Alternative 2: Use another Type of Cleaner but Read the Ingredients First
In a home setting, there are probably different types of cleaners at your disposal. Before you proceed to use it, make sure that you check its ingredients. If it contains any of the ingredients highlighted above, then keep away from it.
Alternative 3: Create Your Cleaner
With ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda, you can easily create the perfect homemade cleaner for your countertop.
Alternative 4: Keep Off Oven Cleaners
No matter how desperate you are, try hard to keep off using oven cleaners.
The Bottom Line
Do you love cooking? Then, you can expect your kitchen countertop always to get messy from time to time. Cleaning it is mandatory but one thing that you should avoid is an oven cleaner. As you have seen above, there are lots of repercussions associated with using an oven cleaner on kitchen countertops. It is advisable if you stick to cleaners that will be gentle on your kitchen countertops.
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