Guide to the Most and Least Cleanable Home Surfaces

Have you ever spent hours scrubbing away at a stubborn counter surface, or between tricky tiles?

Have you ever scrubbed and scrubbed a floor before concluding that a mark simply WON’T come off?

Or maybe you’ve tried everything to keep your shower tile looking fresh, but despite your best efforts, they NEVER look like they did when they were new…

Maintaining clean surfaces in your home can feel like an endless battle, especially if you have kids, grandkids, or pets. If you’re dealing with materials that are hard to clean, your job is more difficult than it has to be.

This article will guide you through the most and least-cleanable home surfaces, from countertops to tiles to flooring. This helps you make informed decisions for the sparkling home that will always look as stunning as you want it to!

Countertops:

Your kitchen and bathroom countertops are subjected to daily wear and tear. Choosing a material that’s easy to clean for counters is crucial to maintain a visually appealing space…AND a hygienic one!!

Here’s how the most popular countertop materials stack up in terms of cleanability…

1. Quartzite — this material combines the natural look of stone countertops with extreme These countertops are heat resistant, scratch resistant, and can be wiped down with water and a mild detergent.
2. Quartz — with its non-porous surface, quartz countertops are VERY resistant to stains and bacteria. They’re a breeze to clean with soap and water, too. Quartz countertops don’t have the natural variation of surfaces like granite, though, so its cleanability isn’t enough to make everyone want it…
3. Granite — these counters offer natural beauty and durability. They do require periodic sealing to maintain their stunning look, but with that, they’re easy to clean with a mild detergent or stone cleaner.
4. Marble — marble countertops elevate a space with breathtaking elegance. They do require more maintenance and care than other surfaces, though. If harsh chemicals or acidic substances come into contact with marble, it can etch or stain the surface. They can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water.

Flooring:

Your flooring selections SIGNIFICANTLY impact the cleanliness and aesthetic of your home. Part of that is the color and pattern you select…and an even bigger part is how easy each material type it is to clean.

Your flooring choices, from easiest-to-clean to the hardest, are:

1. Tile — especially in kitchens and bathrooms, tile is easy to clean with mild detergent and regular mopping. It’s also the best selection for areas with high humidity or smoke and steam because it won’t absorb moisture. For safety, though, it’s important to select no-slip tile in bathrooms. It’s also crucial to use quality grout, or else the borders around your tiles will undo all your efforts to keep tile floors looking clean…
2. Laminate — admittedly easy to clean and extremely low-maintenance, laminate flooring can be washed with soap and water. Excess moisture can cause warping, though, and it doesn’t have the feel underfoot that many homeowners are crazy about.
3. Vinyl — for a water-resistant option, vinyl is a breeze to clean with a damp mop. Favor mild cleaners to avoid any discoloration over time, though.
4. Concrete — this flooring option definitely doesn’t go with the aesthetic of every home, but with new color options, its durability and modern look are still popular! Concrete does require regular sealing to prevent staining and etching, but if you keep up with maintenance, it can last for decades.

Wall, backsplash, and shower tile:

Adorning your kitchen backsplash or new bathroom shower means choosing the right tile. It’s not just about the look, though…it’s about maintenance and longevity.

Here’s how different types of tile material fare in cleanability, going from the easiest to the hardest to clean:

1. Porcelain — known for its durability and stain resistance, porcelain is easy to clean with water and mild detergent. Its large range of designs makes it extremely popular for both floors and walls, too.
2. Ceramic — like porcelain, ceramic tile is easy to clean with a regular wipe-down. Harsh chemicals can stain or etch it, but you can also have it sealed to keep it looking its best.
3. Glass — glass tile is selected for environments with a sleek, modern style. Its non-porous surface makes it very easy to clean, but you do need a glass cleaner or a homemade mixture of vinegar and water.
4. Natural stone — natural stone tiles like slate add exquisite elegance to any space, but they do require special cleaning and care to prevent staining and etching. Seal natural stone tiles regularly and use gentle cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners.

So…why WOULD anyone choose a hard-to-clean surface?

It might seem counterintuitive to select materials at the bottom of a list, because they’re the hardest to clean…right?!

There ARE, however, several reasons why homeowners might select these options…

• Aesthetic appeal — do you prioritize look, feel, or function? Some homeowners choose the look over maintenance, and they’re willing to commit to more care if it gives the aesthetic they’re after. For them, beauty is part of luxury, and that outweighs the extra cleaning.
• Long-term investment — materials like marble or concrete require more upkeep, but they’re also the most durable materials. For some homeowners, if they view their home as a long-term investment, the extra effort to maintain surfaces with greater longevity makes sense.
• Personal preference — at the end of the day, if you like the tactile experience of natural stone tiles under your feet or you LOVE the veining of natural marble, or if you even enjoy the process of caring for and maintaining surfaces in your home as part of a daily routine, that preference wins all!!

When it comes to selecting materials for your countertops, flooring, and tile, it’s essential to consider cleanability.

Certain materials do require more upkeep, while others offer greater resistance to stain and grime, and still others offer longevity.

The key is to understand the differences and the implications of every selection you make. That way, you make the choices that align with your preferences and lifestyle.

Of course, we’re here to guide you. If you’re ready to update your kitchen, bathroom, or home, reach out to us now!! You can also join our private design community on Facebook to get more ideas and inspiration.