Some specks of dirt are hard to clean. But some even require a much more powerful cleaner. And when faced with persistent stains, especially in the kitchen, you may resort to using oven cleaner on kitchen countertops. While you will undoubtedly have a sparkling countertop — are you aware of its effects on the kitchen countertops?
So what is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops?
To unravel the effects of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops, let’s look at what is in oven cleaner?
The Toxic in Oven Cleaner
Get this right — oven cleaners have powerful and toxic cleaning agents that are harmful to you and your kitchen countertops. Sodium hydroxide also lye is a common ingredient used in the manufacture of most oven cleaners. Though it will easily get the job done for you, sodium hydroxide is a corrosive and hazardous cleaning agent.
Other cleaning agents include ethanol, turpentine, soda ash, and monoethanolamine (MEA). That’s not all. Oven cleaners also contain fragrances, emulsifiers, and foaming agents.
All these chemicals result in spray foam oven cleaning detergent that easily removes grease and other stubborn stains. The manufacturer made oven cleaners specifically for cleaning ovens. It does a superb job cleaning ovens.
But many resorts to using this powerful cleaning agent on different items and places without understanding the effects of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops.
When the powerful cleaning agents come in contact with grease and oil, it forms a bubbling reaction. The bubbling reaction easily cuts away grease and effectively dissolves oil and dirt.
Thus, you will have a simple time sprucing up your oven, kitchen countertops, and the kitchen area. While cleaning the countertops with oven cleaners could be a walk in the park, you will soon run into trouble, but if you already experienced the dangers of it, then you understand what I mean.
But what is the effect of oven cleaner on countertops?
- Oven cleaners have powerful chemicals as key ingredients. The toxic chemicals easily corrode and damage kitchen countertops permanently. The surface layer of the kitchen countertops is susceptible to the powerful and corrosive oven cleaners.
- On the health front, using oven cleaners on kitchen countertops exposes you to health risks. It can come in contact with your food leading to food poisoning. Or it can be accidentally absorbed while using… posing a health risk to you and your family. Prolonged usage of oven cleaners causes leeching, leading to serious health problems.
- Sodium chloride common in oven cleaners reacts with grout sealers used on kitchen countertops.
- Ethanol and ammonia cause kitchen countertops made of synthetic materials to fade faster.
Effects of Oven Cleaners on Countertops
As the oven cleaners efficiently clean kitchen countertops, ask yourself — what does oven cleaner do to countertops? The strong chemicals easily damage kitchen countertops surfaces permanently.
Your kitchen countertop may be made of stone, wood, Tiles Aluminum, Formica, or synthetic materials. But regardless of the material used, kitchen countertops easily get damaged by oven cleaners. That’s how toxic is oven cleaner.
Impact Of Oven Cleaners On Countertops Made With Different Materials
Here is the impact of oven cleaners on kitchen countertops made with different materials.
Oven Cleaner Affect Stone Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops with natural stone like marble and granite are strong. And withstand the harsh chemicals better than other materials. Even so, the corrosive cleaning agents in oven cleaners cause natural stones to lose their shiny finish to become dull and spotted.
Oven Cleaner Effects on Formica Kitchen Countertops
Similar to countertops made of stone, Formica kitchen countertops do not incur serious damages from oven cleaners. However, the Formica kitchen countertops lose color when cleaned frequently with oven cleaners.
To minimize the damages from using oven cleaners on kitchen countertops, rinse and wipe dry the kitchen countertops immediately.
Oven Cleaner Affect Tiled kitchen Countertops
You are highly discouraged from using oven cleaners on tiled kitchen countertops. The strong chemicals in the oven cleaners easily cut away the top glaze.
Oven Cleaner Effects on Wooden Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops made of wood with a clear varnish are easily damaged by oven cleaners. The toxic chemicals in the oven cleaner react with the top layer, making it soft, sticky, and gummy.
However, some wooden kitchen countertops can harden and regain, but others cannot. If the countertop is severely damaged, then you have to remodel it.
Oven Cleaner Affects Aluminum Kitchen Countertops
Aluminum is not spared, either, from the ravages of the oven cleaners. Sodium hydroxide reacts with aluminum to form hydrogen oxide… highly flammable gas. The reaction causes the aluminum countertop to fade permanently.
Don’t panic. There is a better alternative…
If oven cleaners are designed specifically for cleaning ovens, then you will get cleaners explicitly for kitchen countertops at the local store. Therefore, whenever you want to clean the mess on the kitchen countertops, always use cleaners designed for kitchen countertops.
Make Natural Cleaners at Home
Do you know that you can easily make natural cleaners at home? Besides being safer and gentle than the chemical-based oven cleaners, they are effective, cheap, and environmentally friendly.
Here is how to make your own countertops cleaner at home….
- Materials and items requirements. You will need a spray bottle, vinegar, dishwashing soap, and water.
- Add 400ml of water onto a spray bottle, and then add 100ml of vinegar.
- Add a little dishwashing soap to the above mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Your homemade kitchen countertop cleaner is now ready for use. Spray it on the countertop to form a mist and wipe clean with a piece of cloth.
The Bottom Line
I hope you got it right — oven cleaner on kitchen countertops is not safe. So if you are using it or planning to buy it on your next shopping trip, think again. If you use an oven cleaner, you will have a shiny kitchen countertop. But its repercussions are dire, both on your health and kitchen countertops.
And if you do it the right way, you will never regret it. Use either homemade cleaners or cleaners manufactured specifically for kitchen countertops — trust me, you will have peace of mind. They are a better alternative that guarantees you a safer and sparkling kitchen countertop.
Related: How to deep clean kitchen – kitchen deep cleaning Ultimate Guide
Related: How to clean kitchen cabinets – A Comprehensive Guide + FAQs
