Learn how to clean a stone backsplash, including the tools and suitable materials you'll need, cleaning techniques, useful tips, and the most effective ways to get grease off a kitchen backsplash.
Stone Backsplash tile
A stone backsplash enhances the look and feel of your kitchen while magnificently protecting the wall. However, cleaning stone backsplash is one of the primary negatives compared to other backsplash materials. However, it's still not an impossibility. You can effortlessly clean your stone backsplash if you take the appropriate procedures to do so. Here are the many cleaning procedures for this kitchen fixture. Step 1: Compile all necessary materials To prevent wasting time and be more effective at the process, make sure you have everything you need close at hand before beginning the cleaning. You'll need a variety of supplies, including the following:
- Brush: Depending on what's accessible and what you feel comfortable using, you can select either a soft-bristled toothbrush or a scrub brush.
- Dish Soap: Because stone backsplash can be delicate and some aggressive cleaning agents can damage the material, choose a softer dish soap.
- Bucket: You'll need a container to combine dish soap and water, so make sure it's big enough for this use and that you can move it about easily.
- Water: To rinse everything off, you'll need clean water in addition to the dish soap you'll mix to make the cleaning solution.
- Clean rag: Have two or more clean rags on hand to aid in cleaning backsplashes made of stone.
A clean cloth will be necessary to rinse your stone backsplash, and another clean, dry cloth will be required to wipe the surface dry. If there is a new, cutting-edge brush or cleaner that will make the cleaning process much more practical and simpler, you can add more instruments to your arsenal. Mix your hot soapy water solution in step two. Fill your bucket with hot water and liberally add the selected dish soap. Before putting it on the surface, completely combine the solution. If you're not sure, you can test the dish soap's mildness for your stone backsplash if you're not sure by applying a small amount to an area that is hidden from view. In this method, since the stone backsplash is out of sight in the first place, you can live with it if the cleaner you selected turns out to be too harsh and damages it. And before continuing, make sure to let it dry completely. You can use cleansers made specifically for your stone backsplash to be on the safe side. Get a granite cleaner if your backsplash is made of granite. A backsplash made of limestone and other natural stone materials follows the same reasoning. Your decision will be easier and clearer as a result. Step 3: Begin cleaning the backsplash.
How To Clean Stone Backsplash
Brush the backsplash surface after dipping your brush into the soapy water. The brush should be dipped sometimes as needed. Small gaps in a stone backsplash make it easy for oil to build up and settle, making it more difficult to clean fully. A scrub brush or a toothbrush with soft bristles may easily reach the grout, tiles, and other nooks and crannies. Therefore, consider a less textured tile with a smoother surface, such as a granite backsplash, if you want a stone backsplash that is simpler to maintain. One of the common backsplash errors is neglecting to clean it, which encourages the growth of undesirable particles. When cleaning your backsplash, be sure to inspect it and see if you missed any areas thoroughly. Step 4: Rinse the stone backsplash well. Get a bucket of clean water and rinse the soap off the stone backsplash once you are certain that you have thoroughly cleaned it. To make sure you've eliminated all of the soap suds and solution from the backsplash surface, use a moist rag as you rinse it. The damp cloth will aid in avoiding the formation of a film over the stone backsplash. Drying Your Stone Backsplash in Step 5 Grab a dry rag, and clean the backsplash's surface. Use a dry cloth and let it air dry naturally after using it. Here are some straightforward suggestions to keep in mind to assist you in your cleaning tasks:
- Plan your cleaning tasks so that you have enough time to clean your kitchen, including the stone backsplash, thoroughly;
- Clean your worktops and backsplash at the same time.
Maintain the seal on your backsplash and pay closer attention to the grout and stone backsplash crevices. Here in this part, we are going to focus on how to clean greasy stone backsplash, and how to keep grease off the backsplash.
How to Clean a Tile Backsplash of Grease
A stone tile backsplash's main adversary is grease since it likes to collect in the grout and cracks of the backsplash. Additionally, oil is difficult to remove during most routine cleaning, so the extra effort would be required only to remove grease from your backsplash. Gather all the supplies you'll need for the deep cleaning in step one. Lemons, Baking soda, dish soap, dishcloth or rag, grout sealant, knife or spatula, sponge, toothpaste, and vinegar Create a cleaning paste in step two. While you can buy a cleaner at the store, you can also manufacture your own paste to remove grease. Create the following ingredients to produce this paste:
- One part vinegar, one part lemon juice, and two parts baking soda
Step 3: Clean the stone backsplash initially. Use the typical soapy solution to clean your backsplash, then dunk the surface in the solution. To remove all soap suds and residues, scrub the stone backsplash with a brush before wiping the surface clean with a moist cloth. Step 4: Scrub the backsplash with the grease-removing paste. Apply a thin layer of the homemade grease-removing paste with a spatula. Allow the paste to remain for around 30 minutes to allow it to dry. Pay particular attention to where there is more grease, and add extra paste there. Step 5: Use a brush to clean the backsplash. When the paste has dried, firmly brush it off, paying particular attention to grease-filled areas. Use a sponge or a larger brush if you need to cover more surface area. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as necessary in step 6. You can either leave the paste to sit for a longer period of time or repeat steps 4 and 5 as many as necessary if the grease stain on your stone backsplash is particularly stubborn and tough to remove. Step 7: Scrub the stone backsplash. By wiping the backsplash surface with a moist rag, all the remaining paste and grease will be eliminated. Be extra thorough while wiping the surface and the grout's nooks and crannies. Allow it to dry completely by using a dry rag or letting it air dry. Apply a grout sealer in step 8 (If needed) Apply one to two applications of sealant to the backsplash grout once it has completely dried down to provide further protection. Your stone backsplash is sealed when it is first installed, but it should be re-sealed at least once a year to preserve the material from moisture and other factors that could harm it. Since grease is a difficult problem to solve, there may be times when your homemade paste for removing grease from stone backsplashes does not work or is insufficient. Either employ other solutions or combine several assured substances and options. The following is a list of some of these ingredients:
- Baking soda, which should be mixed with water and left to stand for at least 10 minutes.
- Strong degreaser (in the event that the mild detergent is ineffective; however, be sure to try it first on a small, inconspicuous area of your stone backsplash and follow the manufacturer's instructions).
- Apply toothpaste, use a toothbrush to scrub it, and then wipe it off with a clean rag.
- Spray white vinegar on the backsplash and allow it to set for at least five minutes before removing the grease with a warm, moist towel.
How To Keep Grease Off Backsplash
You must take the required steps to preserve your backsplash from grease in addition to performing routine and deep cleanings on your stone backsplash. If properly cared for, a stone backsplash can survive for a very long period. Here are some tips to shield the stone backsplash from grease and other damaging substances in order to maintain its quality and keep it looking brand new.
- Frequently clean your stone backsplash: You can prevent grease buildup by frequently cleaning your backsplash since a solid defense is a good offense.
Furthermore, cleaning fresh grease is much simpler than removing old, thick grease.
- Wipe spills up right away: To prevent liquid from drying out on the surface, wipe up spills right away.
- Reapply sealant at least once a year: Sealing the backsplash is the best form of protection you can provide for your stone backsplash, but you must do this to ensure that the protection is still in place.
Make sure the sealer you chose is appropriate for your stone backsplash.
- Cover your stone backsplash with a clear plastic guard (or stainless-steel overlay) to prevent food and liquid spills and to make the surface smooth and oil-resistant.
- Employing a cooktop liner This component, which is made of a heat-resistant metal or plastic, can assist in catching any cooking splatters and splashes that may go from the stove to the backsplash.
Your backsplash can also be protected by a cooktop hood built over it, but make sure the oven hood is vented outside.
- Invest in a pan and pot splatter guard or screen: Splatter shields are used on pots and pans to prevent food and oil splatters when cooking without obstructing airflow.
They are typically made of fine mesh. Although the backsplash was first built to protect your kitchen walls, keeping it protected will help you save time and effort during the cleanup, prevent repeated repairs and replacements, and even help you save money.