What Is The Effect Of Oven Cleaner On Kitchen Countertops?

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Looking for ways to clean your countertop? We know kitchens get messy with all the spills and splatters. No one likes to walk into a greasy and dirty kitchen. In this line of reasoning, we doubt, you would work on an oily countertop.

So, here is a post on what is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops. Read it with care.


What will happen when trying to use Oven Cleaner on Kitchen Countertops?

See, most countertops are made from granite, wood, or marble. Yes, this goes without saying that you must follow the cleaning process as instructed by the manufacturer. However, if you intend to clean your countertop with an oven cleaner, then you must think twice.

The fact that oven cleaners can damage your countertop should be enough to stop right away. If not, then we must further tell you that some oven cleaners can even corrode your countertops. So stop using them! 

Ingredients Of Oven Cleaners

The worst thing about using these cleaning agents is that they may not be visible from the first day on. Nonetheless, the damage will be done over the course of days, weeks, or even months. You will not know and your countertop may start corroding, as you use these cleaners. These cleaners contain harmful components like:

  • Alcohol
  • Foaming agents
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Degreasers
  • Turpentine

Abrasive Chemicals

You will be surprised to know how these oven cleaners impinge on your countertops. We must discuss sodium hydroxide that is found in paint strippers. Now, if your countertop is painted, then you can guess the havoc it can cause. Here is more on this:

  • Alcohol – This is a solvent and can bring about discoloration in synthetic and vinyl components. It acts fast, which makes it worse for countertops made from these substances.
  • Lye – This is a dangerous element that can harm stone and countertops sealed with what is known as polyurethane. It can also eat the grout off immediately.
  • Sodium Hydroxide - Again, it can impede permanent discoloration in aluminum. So, you must avoid using this chemical from coming near to your aluminum countertop.

How Do These Affect Your Countertops?

Without wasting your time any more, we would like to explain, this is what happens when you use oven cleaners on kitchen countertops:

  • Stone – Most people prefer countertops made from stone as they are durable. In general, stone is treated with a finish that prevents them from absorbing. A compound like sodium hydroxide will eschew this finish and make them porous again.
  • Wood – It is a fancy one and most homeowners that have wooden countertops know how to maintain it. Sodium hydroxide will gnaw at the finish and expose it. This wooden countertop will start soaking everything up that gets in contact with it.
  • Stainless Steel – Using an oven cleaner can leave marks on this material. Did you know that stainless steel has a bit of aluminum in it? So, beware of oven cleaners laden with sodium hydroxide that will add to permanent discoloration. Plus, the alkalines and acids can bring in a lot of damage. These are too caustic for its chromium oxide layer. Once, this is compromised, corrosion will surely set in.
  • Tile – Although, it is stronger than wood, yet, oven cleaners can get them without delay. The top-coating starts to erode away and then it is a matter of time to get to the grout. Once, it does, your countertop is to rest in peace. 
  • Laminate – Oven cleaners will firstly discolor laminate laminate countertops with their acidic base. Ultimately, you may have to find a replacement for your beloved laminate.
    The basic point is that an oven cleaner and its ingredients are harmful to you as well. We spill, cut, chop, and peel on these countertops. You surely don’t want to ingest these toxic chemicals in your food. Think of your family and then decide. This is a health risk and you must refrain from them.

What is the best alternative? 

We have found a few simple alternatives that you may find reliable. There is no need to use oven cleaners to clean your countertops because:

  • You can use countertop cleaners to do the same
  • Make your own cleaner by using ingredients that are easily available at home like – baking soda and water, make a paste and leave it for some time to dry, then wash it off
  • Use other cleaners, but you must read the ingredients first

The bottom line is not to allow the oil and grease to ruin your countertop. Okay, this is a battle against all the odds and you have to win it. Now that you know so much about what is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops, we hope finding a solution will not be a difficult task.

You can go with our solution to make a cleaner on your own or try something different. In case, you do, then we would request you to share it with us as well. We want the whole community here to learn from each other. So, drop a line via the comments section and let us know. Till then, we take your leave. 

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