What is the effect of oven cleaners on countertops?
The worst beauty disruptors of kitchen countertops are slippery oil grease, food splashes, and persistent stains that are hard to remove. They spoil the countertops’ beauty, and removing them with plain water is challenging. To remove them, you need more than a simple wiping, and this deprives your countertop of the shiny and luxurious look it had before.
To facilitate the cleaning process, some people try to use cleaning products for ovens to help them win this battle with stains. But they need to think about what effect the cleaning agent for the oven has on the kitchen countertops, and eventually, damages their kitchen cabinets. You must keep the cleaning agent of the oven away from the kitchen cabinets; otherwise, be prepared to face the consequences. Read this article to discover What is the effect of oven cleaners on countertops?
What Do Oven Cleaners Contain?
You may believe the only way to remove stubborn stains and grease from the countertops is to use oven cleaners. However, some chemicals can cause more damage in the long run than anticipated.
Most oven cleaners contain aggressive and dangerous chemicals, such as:
- Sodium hydroxide or alkali
- Turpentine
- Degreaser
- Foaming agents
- Crystallization agents
- Soda ash (sodium carbonate) is an alkaline agent often added to swimming pools.
- MEA (monoethanolamine) is a substance composed of ethanol and ammonia.
Combining these cleaning ingredients is a foaming agent for cleaning ovens in the form of a spray. It softens the fat and dissolves fatty residues that stick to the walls and surface of the oven.
This makes it easy to scrape them off, turning the oven cleaning work into a light walk. Therefore, think twice before using oven cleaner on kitchen countertops.
How do the cleaning products of the oven affect the countertops?
Oven cleaning products will help you greatly clean your dirty and greasy oven and restore the brilliance it had when it was new. The reason for their effective cleaning is that they consist of aggressive chemicals. Not surprisingly, oven cleaners contain aggressive chemical detergents, such as salt hydroxide, butane, mono butyl ether diethylene glycol, or monoethanolamine (MEA), which are not only caustic enough for countertops, but also toxic and dangerous to your health.
People use a cleaner to clean kitchen countertops to terminate persistent stains, oils, and grease from kitchen countertops. But in this process, the toxic chemicals in the oven’s cleaning agent cause the countertop’s surface such damage that you cannot even imagine.
Strong corrosive chemicals react with paint and varnish countertops and can dismantle the top layer of your kitchen countertop, making it more prone to damage by moisture and other factors.
In addition, harmful toxins from the oven detergent can remain on the surface and get into pieces of food. This will cause many other chemical reactions, and chemicals can leak deep inside the countertop, causing holes to appear on the work surface and distorting it.
What is the effect of oven cleaners on countertops?
Different types of countertops react differently to the chemicals in oven cleaning products. It also largely depends on the material’s quality and structure. Some countertops are more prone to damage compared to others. The following is the effect of cleaning products on different countertop materials:
Effect of oven cleaners on countertops?
The powerful chemical components of oven cleaners respond differently relying on the fabrics they come into contact with. Therefore, the exact result will depend on the fabric of your kitchen countertop.
Stone Countertops
The cleaner of the ovens can etch and discolor countertops made of natural stone, such as marble and granite, leaving them irrevocably damaged.
For countertops made of natural stone, such as granite or marble, you should use a pH-neutral agent specially designed for stone surfaces. Avoid acid or abrasive products that scratch or etch the stone’s surface. You can use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the product, rinse it off with water and wipe it with a clean towel. You may also want to periodically seal the countertop to protect it from stains or damage.
Tiled Countertops
Well, natural stone countertops are more standard than tiled countertops. But people still choose them for their kitchen because of their attractive appearance. Using the cleaning agent on the dirty trowel of the countertops is safe. But I am not.
If you do, the cleaner will certainly damage the top layer of the tiles. Moreover, because of the highly toxic ingredients of the product, the tile itself can also collapse.
It is undoubtedly tough to clean the dirty tile and grout. But you can still use expensive chemicals on the shelves. If you do, be prepared for unexpected damage.
Instead of using a tile and grout cleaner, you can use a natural mixture of dishwashing soap, vinegar, and water to clean them properly.
Quartz countertops
Using a cleaning agent on quartz countertops is a common problem, as many homeowners decide to use it to clean their quartz countertops without knowing it is forbidden.
Using too many may cause irreparable damage to your quartz countertops. What happens when you clean the countertops with a means for ovens?
Quartz crystals are naturally porous. This means they can absorb oil and fat from your hands and food.
When you clean them with an abrasive detergent, for example, a means for ovens, you remove the outer layer of the crystals and open the inner crystals for all these substances.
Stainless Steel Countertops
In modern kitchens and professional catering establishments, stainless steel countertops are popular. Since they resemble the inside of the oven, you may be tempted to try to clean them with a cleaning agent for the oven. However, this can lead to stains on the surface. Depending on the ingredients, some stainless steel counters can withstand a cleaning agent, but it is better to be safe than sorry. In addition, the surface can contain harmful chemicals, transfer them to food and create a health hazard.
Granite Countertops
Granite – porous material. Liquids can fall on the surface of the countertop and damage it. However, granite does not react too quickly and is considered safe against aggressive liquids. However, you do not want your kitchen countertop exposed to harmful chemicals.
Oven cleaners may be dangerous to your health.
The potent chemicals contained in the oven cleaner from evaporation. Now manufacturers produce smokeless cleaning products for ovens, but some consumers still feel the presence of fumes. Regular use of effective cleaning products on kitchen countertops can adversely affect the air quality in the room.
Alternatives to oven cleaner
If you are looking for a safe and effective way to clean your kitchen countertops, here are some alternative oven cleaners that you can try:
White vinegar and water
A mixture of white vinegar and water is another safe and natural means of cleaning kitchen countertops. Combine white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to the countertop. Leave for a few minutes, and then swab with a damp cloth.
Baking soda and water
A combination of baking soda and water can be an effective means of cleaning many countertop materials. Mix three parts of baking soda with one piece of water and apply the paste to the countertop. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then wipe with a wet cloth.
Lemon juice and salt
A mixture of lemon juice and salt can effectively clean persistent stains on the countertops. Mix lemon juice and salt in equal parts and apply the solution to the color. Leave for a few minutes, and then clean the stain with a soft bristle brush.
Conclusion: What is the effect of oven cleaners on countertops?
Contact an experienced contractor if your kitchen countertop is injured by chemicals contained in the oven cleaner. It is best to contact a professional contractor for an estimate of the cost of repairs after you have exhausted all other options.
Cleaning kitchen countertops can be difficult, and everyone can make a mistake. If in doubt, use a more eco-friendly cleaning method. You can contact the inspection company if you have damaged the kitchen countertops due to the aggressive chemicals contained in the oven cleaner.
Read also, Are Blender Bottles Dishwasher Safe? All you need to know
