Coronavirus Outbreak: How To Clean Your Countertops

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, it is important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. However, some cleaning products recommended by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can harm your marble countertops.

What You Should Use

Make sure to clean not only the countertop surfaces but also tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, use most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Whatever cleaning product you use, try it out on an extra piece first, to make sure it will not harm your countertop.

Don’t Use Bleach On Marble

Bleach and bleach-based cleaners have a high pH and can be very alkaline which isn’t safe for cleaning marble. The bleach can “etch” the marble causing a dull, light spots to form on your counter top. Marble is made of calcium carbonate, which reacts with acidic and alkaline substances like bleach.

Also, stay away from acidic cleaners such as vinegar and lemon juice. They can etch and dull marble surfaces as well. You can remove dirt, stains and soap scum with a diluted ammonia solution or a poultice. Ammonia rinses clean and will not harm the marble if it’s properly diluted and rinsed off.

Carr Stone & Tile

Contact Carr Stone to consult with our expert sales staff or our in-house design coordinators to help you determine which stone or tile is the best application for your project at (504) 835-8453. We are located at 3200 Andover Street in Jefferson, Louisiana. Our showroom and display area are open daily, Monday through Friday, by appointment. Samples are available upon request. Visit https://carrstone.com for some design ideas.