Keeping the kitchen clean takes time and effort. We sometimes choose powerful cleaning agents to clean grease and stains. The trusty oven cleaner promises to remove grease and stain residues, but what is the effect of oven cleaners on countertops?
We spend a lot of time and money finding the best countertop for our kitchen, whether it’s granite, quartz, laminate, or another type. Before using oven cleaners on countertops, you must understand the potential risks.
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What Does the Expert Say?
Oven cleaners are essential allies in our ovens’ battle against stubborn grease and grime. Oven cleaners easily remove tough stains from the oven’s walls, which are challenging to scrub.
Many oven cleaners contain potent chemicals and abrasive ingredients that can damage or discolor countertop materials. For instance, strong alkaline cleaners can strip away the protective sealant on natural stone countertops like granite or marble, leading to etching or discoloration.
Don’t like using oven cleaner to clean the oven? If yes, then you should make homemade oven cleaner with DAWN.
Dangerous Oven Cleaner Ingredients
| Ingredient | Potential Dangers |
| Sodium Hydroxide | Corrosive to skin and eyes, it can cause severe burns. |
| Butane/Propane | Highly flammable and can be explosive. |
| Ethanolamine | Can cause respiratory and skin irritation. |
| Diethylene Glycol | Toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. |
| Ethylene Glycol | Highly toxic, if ingested, can cause kidney and liver damage. |
| Naphthalene | Can cause respiratory irritation and is a possible carcinogen. |
| Turpentine | Highly flammable and can cause skin and eye irritation. |
| Monoethanolamine | Can cause skin and respiratory irritation and eye damage. |
| Monobutyl Ether | Can irritate the respiratory system and skin and may cause dizziness and nausea. |
When oven cleaners are used on countertops, these chemicals can leach into your food or skin and cause irritation and food poisoning.
Oven Cleaners Can Damage Countertops
The harsh chemicals can react differently with different countertops. The problems can vary depending on how different chemicals react with different countertops.
Effects of Oven Cleaner on Countertop
| Countertop Material | Effect of Oven Cleaners |
| Granite | Can cause discoloration, etching, or dulling of the surface |
| Quartz | Generally safe, but prolonged exposure may damage the resin used in the countertop |
| Marble | Can cause etching, staining, or dulling of the polished surface |
| Laminate | Can cause discoloration or damage to the protective layer |
| Stainless Steel | Generally safe, but harsh cleaners may leave streaks or scratches |
| Concrete | Harsh chemicals can cause staining or discoloration |
| Tile | Safe for most tiles, but acidic cleaners may damage grout |
| Wood | Harsh chemicals can damage the finish or stain the wood |
| Solid Surface | Generally safe, but prolonged exposure may dull the surface. |
Related: Solid surface vs quartz countertops.
Best Cleaning Methods for Different Countertop Materials
| Countertop Material | Best Cleaning Method |
| Granite | Mild dish soap and water, avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners |
| Quartz | Mild dish soap and water, non-abrasive cleaners, avoid harsh chemicals |
| Marble | Mild dish soap and water, pH-neutral stone cleaner, avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners |
| Laminate | Mild dish soap and water, non-abrasive cleaners, avoid abrasive scrubbers |
| Stainless Steel | Mild dish soap and water, stainless steel cleaner or vinegar solution |
| Concrete | Mild dish soap and water, non-abrasive cleaners, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers |
| Tile | Mild dish soap and water; avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners |
| Wood | Gentle wood cleaner, avoid excessive water and harsh chemicals, regular resealing if applicable |
| Solid Surface | Mild dish soap and water, non-abrasive cleaners, avoid abrasive scrubbers |
Related: How to remove stains from granite countertops?
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended care and maintenance.
Are Oven Cleaners Harmful to Health?
Oven Cleaners can be harmful because of their chemical composition in it. Manufacturers now provide fumes-free oven cleaners, but many customers still complain about fumes irritation.
To protect your health while using oven cleaners, following safety precautions such as wearing gloves, using the product in a well-ventilated area, and avoiding direct contact with the skin and eyes is essential. It is also advisable to read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for safe and effective use.
How to Remove Stains from Countertops
| Stain Type | Recommended Cleaning Method |
| Grease/Oil | Mild dish soap and warm water, followed by rinsing and drying |
| Coffee/Tea | A mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda, scrub gently, rinse, and dry |
| Wine | Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water, apply and let it sit, scrub gently, rinse, and dry |
| Tomato Sauce | Mild dish soap and warm water, followed by rinsing and drying |
| Ink | Isopropyl alcohol, apply and blot gently, rinse, and dry |
| Rust | Lemon juice or vinegar mixed with salt, apply and scrub gently, rinse, and dry |
| Hard Water | Lemon juice or vinegar, apply and let it sit, scrub gently, rinse, and dry |
| Food Coloring | Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water, apply and let it sit, scrub gently, rinse, and dry |
| Mold/Mildew | A mixture of bleach and water, apply and let it sit, scrub gently, rinse, and dry |
The effectiveness of stain removal methods may vary depending on the type of countertop material.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Countertops
- Clean Spills Immediately: Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining or damage to the countertop surface. Use a mild dish soap and water solution or a recommended countertop cleaner for regular cleaning.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners that can scratch or etch the countertop surface. Use non-abrasive and pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for your countertop material.
- Use Cutting Boards and Trivets: Place cutting boards or trivets under hot pots, pans, and appliances to protect the countertop from heat damage or scratches. Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface.
- Avoid Impact and Pressure: Avoid dropping heavy objects or applying excessive pressure on the countertop surface, as it can cause cracks, chips, or scratches. Use cutting boards or protective mats when working with sharp objects.
- Gentle Cleaning Tools: Use non-abrasive sponges or microfiber cloths to prevent scratching the countertop surface. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool.
Conclusion
Most oven cleaners contain strong chemicals like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which can fade, corrode, or even deteriorate countertops. Additionally, the fumes from oven cleaners can be harmful if inhaled, causing respiratory irritation.
We advise you to use natural homemade products or gentle pH-neutral chemicals to clean kitchen countertops and clean stains as soon as possible to avoid staining the countertop.
