Cleaning granite
Cleaning marble
Cleaning SS
Cleaning glass oven top
Cleaning wood floors
Cleaning brushed nickel

Cleaning travertine floor?
Cleaning wood cabinets
Cleaning silganit sink?

It would be great to add items such as "Don't use plumbers putty to install your silgranit sink." (Did I get that right?)

• Granite...microfiber cloth along with one of the following:
  
  • 50/50 mix of alcohol & water
    
  • Method granite cleaner & polish
    
  • Don't use plumber's putty on your marble
    or granite counters to install your faucets or soap dispensers


• Stainless Steel...microfiber cloth along with one of the following:
  
  • Weisman SS Cleaner/Polish in the silver can
    
  • Pledge in the brown can


• Nickel fixtures (polished or brushed)...
  
  • Mild detergent & water
    
  • Don't install a nickel strainer
    
  • Don't use BarKeeper's Friend or other chemicals on nickel
    
  • Don't use bleach on nickel


• Glass oven top:
  
  • Ceramic/glass oven surface cleaner
    
  • Razor blade for stuck-on food

3M SS Cleaner and Polish (aerosol spray) to the SS cleaner list? Roccocogurl had recommmended it way back, and I've been using it with good results ever since. It's rated by the NFST (?) as being safe to use in food prep areas, too.

Also, "Perfect Kitchen" (sold at BB&B) works well for spot cleaning the black enamel burner pans on Wolf ranges, and it cleans our granite beautifully. It's residue-free so doesn't leave streaks and smudges like some of the others I'd tried. Little to NO scent, which is a plus in my book as well.

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner for HW floors.

Can we add how to clean slate and quartzite floors and backsplashes? What product, what sort of mop (eats sponges).

• Granite & Quartz: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • 50/50 mix of alcohol & water
    
  • Hand dish detergent & water (go light on the detergent if your stone is dark)
    
  • "Method" granite cleaner & polish
    
  • "Perfect Kitchen" (sold at BB&B)
    
  • **Warning** Don't use plumber's putty on your marble or granite counters to install your faucets or soap dispensers or with a composite granite (e.g., Silgranit) sink

Question: Do those of you with marble use the alcohol/water mix, detergent/water mix, Method, or Perfect Kitchen?

• Stainless Steel Appliances: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • Weiman SS Cleaner/Polish in the silver can
    
  • Pledge in the brown can
    
  • 3M SS Cleaner and Polish (aerosol spray)
• Stainless Steel Sinks:
  
  • Mild detergent & water
    
  • BarKeeper's Friend (it will also help minimize the look of scratches on the bottom of a sink)
• Nickel fixtures (polished or brushed):
  
  • Mild detergent & water
    
  • **Warning** Don't install a nickel strainer or drain (stick with Stainless Steel or Chrome)
    
  • **Warning** Don't use BarKeeper's Friend or other chemicals on nickel
    
  • **Warning** Don't use bleach on nickel
• Ceramic/Glass cooktops/ranges:
  
  • Ceramic/glass oven surface cleaner
    
  • Razor blade for stuck-on food
• Tile Floors & Backsplashes:
  
  • Hot water should be all you need for most of the time.
    
  • If you need a grease-cutter, use Oxyclean.
    
  • Do not use vinegar or vinegar-containing products. Vinegar works by eating away at the grout, little by little. It'll literally burn the grout away over time.
• Non-Ceramic/Glass top ranges/cooktops:
  
  • "Perfect Kitchen" for spot cleaning the black enamel burner pans on Wolf ranges
• Hardwood Floors:
  
  • Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Slate Floors:
  
  • TBD
• Slate Backsplashes:
  
  • TBD

Let me ask, how to clean stained cabinets?

Regarding the Murphy's oil, I had never read what buehl said, though on another recent thread I read that Murphy's oil soap is okay on oil but not water based finishes.

Painted cabinets painted with real paint, I can tell you (soapy water, not too wet, soft sponge, not too wet, not too wet). 409 used to be okay on paint for bad marks--it didn't remove the paint like "natural" products will. I don't know any of this holds for new fangled miracle paints. My only painted cabinets are in my dressing area and just need occasional dusting. I'd try a soft, wet (not too wet) sponge first, on painted cabinets, and try a little mild dish soap after that. If that's not enough, test on a corner of the inside of a door where no one will see if there's a problem if you try anything else. Wait until it's good and dry (at least a day) before deciding if it changed the cabinets.

At my first and only big corporation job, the subsidiary president wanted to impress the overlords. There was a staircase up to the corp. offices with white walls on either side. One morning I came in and they were all streaky. The pres. had played connect the dots with the scuffs, spots and fingerprints, using glossy paint! Be careful what you use on painted cabinets so that if you spot clean you don't get that same effect!

Oh! And ask the manufacturer!

• Granite & Quartz: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • 50/50 mix of alcohol & water
    
  • Hand dish detergent & water (go light on the detergent if your stone is dark)
    
  • "Method" granite cleaner & polish
    
  • "Perfect Kitchen" (sold at BB&B)
    
  • When cleaning, wipe/dry in circles to help prevent streaks with any cleaner/polish
    
  • **Warning** Don't use plumber's putty on your marble or granite counters to install your faucets or soap dispensers or with a composite granite (e.g., Silgranit) sink

Question: Do those of you with marble use the alcohol/water mix, detergent/water mix, Method, or Perfect Kitchen?

• Wood:
  
  • 
    
• Stainless Steel, Copper, etc.: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • 
    

Appliances

• Stainless Steel Appliances: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • Weiman SS Cleaner/Polish in the silver can
    
  • Pledge in the brown can
    
  • 3M SS Cleaner and Polish (aerosol spray)
• Ceramic/Glass cooktops/ranges:
  
  • Ceramic/glass oven surface cleaner
    
  • Razor blade for stuck-on food
• Non-Ceramic/Glass top ranges/cooktops:
  
  • BarKeeper's Friend or Dawn Power Dissolver (and a blue scrub sponge) for a thorough cleaning of the black burner pans
    
  • "Perfect Kitchen" for spot cleaning the black enamel burner pans on Wolf ranges

Floors & Backsplashes (Wood, Tile, etc.)

• Tile Floors & Backsplashes:
  
  • Hot water should be all you need for most of the time.
    
  • If you need a grease-cutter, use Oxyclean.
    
  • Do not use vinegar or vinegar-containing products. Yes, vinegar will clean your grout, but that's because vinegar works by eating away at the grout, little by little. It'll literally burn the grout away over time.
• Hardwood Floors:
  
  • Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Slate Floors:
  
  • 
    
• Slate Backsplashes:
  
  • 
    

Cabinets

• Stained Cabinets:
  
  • A soft cotton cloth is recommended to wipe any moisture, spills or standing liquid from cabinetry. While paper products are very good at absorbing spills, they are abrasive when used for cleaning.
    
  • To clean cabinetry, use a soft cotton cloth, dampened with water or a mild dish soap
    
  • If dish soap used, wipe with a clean damp cloth to rinse
    
  • Dry with soft cloth
    
  • Harsh chemicals or ammonia based products should be avoided as they may cause discoloration of the finish.
    
  • Do not use detergents, oily polishes, or glass cleaners.
    
  • An occasional light waxing may be required. Avoid frequent cleaning with a waxy cleaner. Use a good furniture brand polish on your cabinetry
• Painted Cabinets:
  
  • Damp (not too wet), soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent
    
  • 
    
• Laminate Cabinets:
  
  • Use a damp cloth and water to clean surface of cabinetry, then wipe with a dry cloth.
    
  • Use a countertop or tile cleaner to clean heavy grease stains or other difficult stains.
    
  • Do not use abrasive pads or harsh cleaners to clean soiled areas.
• High Gloss Cabinet Finishes:
  
  • Clean high gloss cabinetry with mild soap and a damp cloth.
    
  • Do not use a wax cleaner whatsoever, to avoid discoloration.
    
  • 
    

Sinks and Sink Fixtures

• Stainless Steel Sinks:
  
  • Mild detergent & water
    
  • BarKeeper's Friend (it will also help minimize the look of scratches on the bottom of a sink)
• Composite Granite (Silgranit) Sinks:
  
  • 
    
• Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Sinks:
  
  • 
    
• Nickel fixtures (polished or brushed):
  
  • Mild detergent & water
    
  • **Warning** Don't install a nickel strainer or drain (stick with Stainless Steel or Chrome)
    
  • **Warning** Don't use BarKeeper's Friend or other chemicals on nickel
    
  • **Warning** Don't use bleach on nickel

I have been saving notes I have found on travertine floors -

Acid based liquids such as wine and fruit juices rich in vitamin C can score the travertine's surface if left to stand after spilling. In such an instance rub the area with fine grade emery paper and then have it resealed.

* DON'T use vinegar or others acid cleaners on stone floors
* DON'T use cleaners like bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners (they may contain acid)
* DON'T use abrasive cleaners

To clean the floor, use a clean mop and bucket or a microfiber flat mop, which is best. Use a neutral cleaner or stone soap (available from a stone dealer). Do not use too much cleaner or you will have steaks.

I read this month in BH&G (one of the specialty editions for kitchens and baths) that Bona wood floor cleaner is great for cleaning stainless appliances, though I haven't tried that yet.

dcwesley, some of us like steaks! ; ) (That "r" is pesky and lazy; when you have a typo, you can be sure it will turn up missing -- just be careful when asking a question about pantries!)

If I had a dozen different cleaning products, I don't think I would trust my kids to use them correctly. I also value the economy of the Simple Green. In bathrooms, I use a TB or two of Mr. Clean in a spray bottle.

Because of the composition of the stone, it is a good idea to clean marble surfaces immediately after any spills take place. While water will not cause any permanent damage, many other liquids will cause scarring if allowed to set for an extended amount of time. Soft drinks, wine, any type of vinegar, and even orange or grapefruit juice can discolor the appearance. Immediately, wipe up the spill with a damp cloth, then rinse the area with tepid water. Be sure to pat the area dry with a clean cloth.
• Many types of cleansers recommended for use with other types of materials should not be used to clean marble. Abrasive cleansers should be avoided at all costs, as they will leave scratches in the surface. If you have to deal with a tough stain, try using plain ammonia. Allow the ammonia to set on the dried stain for a few moments, then begin to scrub the area with a moistened cloth. Once the stain is up, wet the area with tepid water, then pat the section of the marble counter top dry.
• With dried stains on the floor, create a solution of plain ammonia and warm water. Use a sponge mop to work the solution into the stain and gradually lift it from the marble. Take your time and allow the ammonia to seep into the stain. Doing so will mean less pressure applied to the mop, which will minimize the chances of accidentally scratching the surface as you clean marble tiles or panels.

Also, WD-40 works to get tough stuff off of stainless too. Not too great smelling, but you just spray a little on a microfiber cloth, wipe, and buff with a dry one. Looks new.

• Granite & Quartz: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • In a spray bottle50/50 put a mix of alcohol & water plus a drop or two of detergent like Dawn.
    
  • Hand dish detergent & water (go light on the detergent if your stone is dark)
    
  • Commercial products: Method granite cleaner & polish, Perfect Kitchen, Simple Green
    
  • When cleaning, wipe/dry in circles to help prevent streaks with any cleaner/polish
    
  • **Warning** Do not use plumber's putty on your marble or granite counters to install your faucets or soap dispensers or with a composite granite (e.g., Silgranit) sink

Question: Do those of you with marble use the alcohol/water mix, detergent/water mix, Method, or Perfect Kitchen?

• Marble:
  
  • Because of the composition of the stone, it is a good idea to clean marble surfaces immediately after any spills take place. While water will not cause any permanent damage, many other liquids will cause scarring if allowed to set for an extended amount of time. Soft drinks, wine, any type of vinegar, and even orange or grapefruit juice can discolor the appearance.
    
  • Immediately, wipe up the spill with a damp cloth, then rinse the area with tepid water. Be sure to pat the area dry with a clean cloth.
    
  • If you have to deal with a tough stain, try using plain ammonia. Allow the ammonia to set on the dried stain for a few moments, then begin to scrub the area with a moistened cloth. Once the stain is up, wet the area with tepid water, then pat the section of the marble counter top dry.
    
  • Abrasive cleansers should be avoided at all costs, as they will leave scratches in the surface.
• Wood:
  
  • 
    
• Stainless Steel, Copper, etc.: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • 
    

Appliances

• Stainless Steel Appliances: Microfiber cloth along with one of the following...
  
  • Weiman SS Cleaner/Polish in the silver can
    
  • Pledge in the brown can
    
  • 3M SS Cleaner and Polish (aerosol spray)
    
  • Possibly: Signature Polish (I have not heard of this b/f & would like to hear from others who have used it...I like to have multiple recommendations b/f I will say "definitely)
• Ceramic/Glass cooktops/ranges:
  
  • Ceramic/glass oven surface cleaner
    
  • Razor blade for stuck-on food
• Non-Ceramic/Glass top ranges/cooktops:
  
  • BarKeeper's Friend or Dawn Power Dissolver (and a blue scrub sponge) for a thorough cleaning of the black burner pans
    
  • Perfect Kitchen for spot cleaning the black enamel burner pans on Wolf ranges
    
  • Baking soda and a damp cloth. Dampen the area with the cloth, sprinkle the baking soda on the stains, & let sit for 5 or 10 minutes. Then gently wipe the baking soda and stains clean with the cloth

Floors & Backsplashes (Wood, Tile, etc.)

• Tile Floors & Backsplashes:
  
  • Hot water should be all you need for most of the time.
    
  • If you need a grease-cutter, use Oxyclean.
    
  • **Warning** Do not use vinegar or vinegar-containing products. Yes, vinegar will clean your grout, but that's because vinegar works by eating away at the grout, little by little. It'll literally burn the grout away over time.

• Travertine Tile Floors & Backsplashes:
  
  • See "Tile" above plus...
    
  • **Warning** Do not use vinegar or other acid-containing cleaners on stone floors
    
  • **Warning** Do not use cleaners like bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners (they may contain acid)
    
  • **Warning** Do not use abrasive cleaners
• Hardwood Floors:
  
  • Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Slate Floors:
  
  • ???
    
• Slate Backsplashes:
  
  • ???
    
• Marble Floors:
  
  • See Marble Countertops above, plus...
    
  • With dried stains on the floor, create a solution of plain ammonia and warm water. Use a sponge mop to work the solution into the stain and gradually lift it from the marble. Take your time and allow the ammonia to seep into the stain. Doing so will mean less pressure applied to the mop, which will minimize the chances of accidentally scratching the surface as you clean marble tiles or panels

Cabinets

• Stained Cabinets:
  
  • A soft cotton cloth is recommended to wipe any moisture, spills or standing liquid from cabinetry. While paper products are very good at absorbing spills, they are abrasive when used for cleaning.
    
  • To clean cabinetry, use a soft cotton cloth, dampened with water or a mild dish soap. Rinse with a clean damp cloth. Dry with a soft cloth.
    
  • Harsh chemicals or ammonia based products should be avoided as they may cause discoloration of the finish.
    
  • Do not use detergents, oily polishes, or glass cleaners.
    
  • An occasional light waxing may be required. Avoid frequent cleaning with a waxy cleaner. Use a good furniture brand polish on your cabinetry
• Painted Cabinets:
  
  • Damp (not too wet), soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent
• Laminate Cabinets:
  
  • Use a damp cloth and water to clean surface of cabinetry, then wipe with a dry cloth.
    
  • Use a countertop or tile cleaner to clean heavy grease stains or other difficult stains.
    
  • **Warning** Do not use abrasive pads or harsh cleaners to clean soiled areas.
• High Gloss Cabinet Finishes:
  
  • Clean high gloss cabinetry with mild soap and a damp cloth.
    
  • **Warning** Do not use any wax cleaner whatsoever to avoid discoloration

Sinks and Sink Fixtures

• Stainless Steel Sinks:
  
  • Mild detergent & water
    
  • BarKeeper's Friend (it will also help minimize the look of scratches on the bottom of a sink)
• Composite Granite (Silgranit) Sinks:
  
  • **Warning** Do not use plumber's putty on your marble or granite counters to install your faucets or soap dispensers or with a composite granite (e.g., Silgranit) sink
    
• Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Sinks:
  
  • 
    
• Nickel fixtures (polished or brushed):
  
  • Mild detergent & water
    
  • **Warning** Do not install a nickel strainer or drain (stick with Stainless Steel or Chrome)
    
  • **Warning** Do not use BarKeeper's Friend or other chemicals on nickel
    
  • **Warning** Do not use bleach on nickel

Thanks !

I followed that procedure for 20-year-old cabinets and WOW it really worked! I've been a convert ever since and keep Orange Glo handy to revitalize window sills, faded woodwork, etc. (Anyone remember who that was? or what the Subject posted was?? Shoot, sorry I didn't keep it)

1 gallon warm water
1/2 c white vinegar
1/2 c alcohol

This also works great on my glass doors and windows.

Where do you find Bona to clean hardwood floors?

I bought Bona on Amazon but I've seen it other places online as well as my Benjamin Moore paint shop.

Sounds dumb, but what about windows and mirrors? My aunts taught me to use newspaper to avoid streaking.

I know this has been around a long time, but I thought I'd add it anyways - newspaper and a vinegar/water mix still works best on windows/mirrors/other glass.

~Missy