If you are planning to roll out dough on your kitchen counter, you want it nice and clean. A clean surface will ensure that the dough won’t pick up any unwanted debris, and it also helps prevent sticking.
So, how to clean counter before rolling dough?
To clean most counters all you’ll need is warm water, dishwashing soap, and a clean cloth. However, for corian and steel counters, you may need a microfiber cloth. To tackle any stubborn stains, using some baking soda will work wonders. You can also try sanitizing the surface by spraying it with isopropyl alcohol.
However, you need more details to get your counter prepared before you start working with your dough. Read this guide to know some super-effective ways to clean every type of kitchen counter!
How to Clean Laminate (Formica) Counter Before Rolling Dough?
Cleaning your Laminate countertops is just as easy as washing your dishes. You will be needing the following supplies to clean the Laminate counter:
- Soft brush/sponge
- Warm water
- Dish washing soap.
- All-purpose cleaners (Optional)
As you have the supplies ready, follow the steps to clean the laminate counter:
Step 1: Take a small bowl and pour some warm water and one drop of dishwashing soap. Dip the brush or sponge into the mix.
Step 2: Use the sponge or brush to scrub the countertops until any dirt and grime are lifted away.
Remember to rinse the sponge or brush often in clean water and wring it out regularly.
Step 3: If there is a tough spot or stain that won’t come off, make a baking soda paste by adding warm water. Take 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 tsp of water for this.
Apply that paste on the stain and allow it to sit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Then, gently rub the paste into the stain and rinse the area with water. The stain should come off easily.
To clean your Formica countertops, you can use a variety of all-purpose cleaners such as Lysol, Mr. Clean, etc.
You may use them instead of your regular dish washing soap. Especially if there is tough grease remaining from some homemade pizza maybe. However, it’s important to avoid any cleaner that contains bleach.
After you are done with the cleaning, make sure you rinse that surface well and dry it fully. Be careful not to get excess water near the seams, as this can cause swelling.
If you want to disinfect the surface, use an antibacterial spray and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It is crucial to let the liquid sit over the counter for some time before moping it off.
How to Clean Granite Counter Before Rolling Dough
Cleaning your granite counter is very easy and nothing complex like cleaning a ninja foodi air fryer lid.
For cleaning a granite countertop before rolling dough on it, you can simply use soap and water. However, it is important to avoid using substances like vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, bleach, or glass cleaners (such as Windex or Glass Plus). As they can damage the sealant on the countertop over time.
Supplies list:
- Soft cloth
- Warm water, and
- Dish washing soap.
Now follow the steps to clean your Granite counter:
Step 1: To clean with soap and water, you need to soak a cloth with warm water. Then add a small amount of dish soap to it.
Step 2: Then, wipe the entire surface of the countertop with the cloth. Rinse the cloth periodically in fresh water to prevent the spread of dirt. Or maybe the remaining grease from yesterday’s homemade slabtown burgers.
Step 3: Once you have finished using soap, rinse the cloth and wipe down the countertop with fresh water to remove any soap residue.
Step 4: If there are still stains on the countertop, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove them
If you want to disinfect the surface, use undiluted isopropyl alcohol. It’s a good idea to put it in a spray bottle so that you can easily spray it on the surface.
How to Clean Quartz (Cambria, Caeserstone, and Silestone) Counter Before Rolling Dough?
To clean your quartz countertop, using a mixture of mild dish soap and water would be enough. Don’t use bleach or glass cleaners like Windex.
The supplies you will be needing:
- Water (warm)
- Soft cloth
- Dish washing soap
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Take some warm water and add one or two drops of dishwashing soap to it. Then soak the soft cloth in soapy water and scrub the surface.
Step 2: Rinse the cloth as you proceed and keep moping til all the dirt is extracted.
Step 3: Take another dry and clean cloth and mop the countertop to wipe out any remaining water on the surface.
For difficult stains, take a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with warm water. Apply it over the counter’s stained area. Leave it to sit for about 10 minutes. Then simply rub the surface in a circular motion and the stain will come off.
How to Clean a Corian Counter?
Using warm soapy water would be just enough to clean your Corian countertop. Because hot water will be able to break down tough grime easier than cold water. However, avoid using super hot water as it can damage the surface of the Corian.
The supplies you will be needing:
- Water (warm)
- Non abrasive sponge
- Mild dish soap
- Microfiber towel
Follow these steps:
Step 1: To clean your Corian surface, take some dish soap into a small bowl of warm water and mix it.
Step 2: Gently scrub the place with the non-abrasive sponge after dipping it in the mix.
Do not use solutions that are not mild. Use only the ones that are sold specifically for Corian surfaces.
Step 3: After washing the surface, use a dry microfiber towel to thoroughly wipe up any water puddles.
If water has been left to sit, it might leave some unpleasant water marks. However, not all water will leave these marks.
The best way to treat hard water marks is by using a countertop cleaner that is specifically formulated for these stains.
How to Clean Marble Counter?
This is for those who are planning on rolling their dough on marble countertops.
The supplies you will be needing:
- Water (warm)
- Soft cloth
- Dish washing soap
Follow these steps:
Step 1: When cleaning marble, only use soap and water mix. With a cloth, gently wipe your marble countertop.
Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, or bleach, as these substances can damage the stone.
Step 2: To remove stains from marble, make a paste using baking soda and water, and leave it on the spot overnight.
You can also try sanitizing marble surfaces by spraying them with isopropyl alcohol.
Cleaning Wood or Butcher Block Counters
If you have a wood or butcher block countertop in your kitchen, you may follow this method to clean it.
The supplies you will be needing:
- Metal dough scraper
- Water (warm)
- Soft cloth
- Dish washing soap
- Undiluted white vinegar (optional)
- Bleach, 1 tsp (optional)
- Salt
- Lemon
Follow these steps:
Step 1: To clean a wood countertop, first notice if there is any stuck-on residue from tacky dough. If there is, you might need to use a metal dough scraper to remove it.
Step 2: Then, wash the surface with water and soap, and rinse it thoroughly.
Step 3: You can disinfect the countertop by spraying it with undiluted white vinegar. Or use a mixture of 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 cup of water, and letting it sit for a few minutes.
If you notice any stubborn spots on the wood, you can try sprinkling salt on the area. Then using a cut lemon to scrub it away.
Keep in mind that wood countertops may not look as good as new even after cleaning. That is due to the natural wear and tear that comes with use.
However, this can add character and charm to your countertop, and you can embrace its unique imperfections.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops are made from a single piece of metal, so there are no seams where food or germs can hide. As long as they’re cleaned properly, you won’t have to deal with issues like rust, corrosion, or stains.
You will be needing the following supplies:
- Water
- Microfibre cloth
- Dish washing soap
- Glass cleaner (optional)
Follow these steps:
Step 1: To clean the stainless steel counter, use a microfiber cleaning cloth soaked in water. Add a few drops of dish soap and scrub the countertop thoroughly.
Step 2: For an extra shine, you can use a glass cleaner or a dedicated stainless steel cleaner.
Step 3: Make sure to rinse the surface well and dry it with a cloth to prevent any water spots from forming.
When water is left on a stainless steel surface and dries on its own, it creates marks called water spots. If not removed, these spots can damage the stainless steel permanently and make the surface look less attractive.
To avoid water spots, you should dry the stainless steel with a microfiber cloth or a hand towel. It’s essential to remove pooling water because it can cause rust over time, which is more troublesome than water spots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the best countertop for rolling dough?
Quartz Countertop is the best one to roll dough because it is not porous. This means that it does not soak up liquids or stains like other materials do, which makes it effortless to keep clean. It is also smooth and stays cool, and that makes quartz a great surface to prepare your dough.
Is granite good for the rolling dough?
Yes, granite is very good for rolling dough. It is extremely durable and can resist heat very well. This makes it ideal for activities such as kneading dough. Also, you can make roll-out cookies, and any other tasks that require a cool countertop for optimal results.
Is it safe to roll dough on the counter?
Yes, it is completely safe to roll dough on the counter. As the kitchen counters are mostly flat surfaces, it makes a great choice for dough rolling. Counters such as quartz, granite, Formica, etc will not get ruined. However, just make sure to clean the surface after you are finished with the dough.
Wrapping Up
Hope I resolved your question of how to clean counter before rolling dough?
By going through the methods provided in this guide, you can easily clean the counter before rolling out your dough. With a clean workspace, you can enjoy making delicious baked goods without any unwanted surprises.
That is all as of now. Happy baking!
