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Back to School: Omaha Countertop Cleaning Tips

  • Fox Countertops Team
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

When August rolls around in Omaha, the school supplies come out, the backpacks get dusted off, and your kitchen once again becomes command central for your family’s chaotic routine. From rushed breakfasts to after-school snacks and last-minute science projects, your countertops are about to get a workout.


Whether you’re working with quartz, granite, solid surface, or another material, now is the perfect time for a deep clean for your countertops and a smart reset. Here are some practical, parent-approved cleaning tips to keep your countertops looking their best—no matter what the school year throws at them.


Why is now a good time to clean your countertops?

Because everything ends up on your kitchen counter.


From peanut butter sandwiches to glitter glue, countertops are the unofficial drop zone for all things kid-related. A solid clean before school starts helps:

  • Prevent lingering food bacteria

  • Remove sticky residues from summer snacks and crafts

  • Make everyday cleanup easier once school is in full swing

  • Restore your surfaces after a summer of spills, messes, and popsicle drips


Your counters deserve a fresh start—just like your kids.


What’s the safest way to clean quartz countertops?

Quartz is a top choice in Omaha homes because it’s durable and low-maintenance. Here's how to keep it in tip-top shape:

  • Daily Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and mild dish soap

  • Tough Messes: Try a non-abrasive cleaner like Method or Simple Green for sticky buildup

  • Avoid: Bleach, vinegar, and harsh scrubbers—they can dull the finish or damage the surface

  • Bonus Tip: For dried-on gunk, use a plastic scraper (not metal!) to gently lift it off


How should granite countertops be cleaned?

Granite looks stunning—but it does need some extra TLC, especially if you're dealing with busy mornings and afternoon snacks.

  • Daily Cleaning: Use a pH-balanced granite cleaner or mild dish soap with water

  • Dry Immediately: Water left behind can cause mineral deposits

  • Re-Sealing: If your granite hasn’t been sealed recently, consider reapplying a sealant before the school year starts

  • Avoid: Acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon juice) and anything abrasive


Are solid surface countertops easier to maintain?

Yes, and they're ideal for busy families because they’re non-porous, seamless, and super forgiving.

  • Daily Cleaning: Mild soap and water work great

  • For Scratches: Use a mild abrasive cleaner (like Soft Scrub) and a non-scratch pad

  • Avoid: Hot pans directly on the surface—use trivets or mats instead


Solid surface countertops can even be sanded or buffed if they get scratched, making them one of the most kid-friendly options on the market.


What countertop habits help keep things clean during the school year?

Want to spend less time scrubbing and more time helping with math homework (or hiding from it)? Try these tips:

  • Use cutting boards: Even for lunch prep

  • Wipe spills immediately: Especially juice, tomato sauce, and markers

  • Assign a “drop zone”: Keep backpacks and school supplies off food prep areas

  • Create a snack station: A designated area helps contain the mess


A little countertop strategy goes a long way when school is back in session.


Want easy-to-clean countertops before the chaos kicks in?

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to upgrade your countertops to something that’s durable, stylish, and ready for everything from cereal to science projects.


At Fox Countertops, we help Omaha families choose surfaces that make everyday life a little easier, and a lot cleaner.


Serving Omaha, Council Bluffs, and surrounding communities

531-466-2526

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