Any suggestions for a cheap formica countertop that is white? Everything stains it. I have tried natural scouring cleaners (Bar Keeper's Friend and something like that made by Mrs. Meyers), but it does not work well on the stains unless I practically rub the counter away. I also tried lemon juice. The only think I've had success with, unfortunately, is bleach, but I hate using it.

I had been using the Fantastic natural cleaner, the orange scented one. While I loved the scent, it didn't clean that well, not even after leaving it on the surface for a minute or two. I gave the Seventh Generation All-Purpose cleaner a try and then returned it after one use. The fumes were just as bad as in a regular toxic cleaner. I was gasping for air and coughing. It also had a strange smell. Then I switched to J.R.Watkin's natural home care all purpose cleaner. I am very happy with it. It smells great and cleans very well too. For my white (mica?) countertop, I find that if I leave it for a minute or two, then wipe, it will clean very well. It just works great all around!

Megmosa, I have the same problem as you. Even the ink on grocery bags will transfer ink stains on the countertop. What works for me is the ceramic stovetop cleaner, the creamy substance. I put some on the stain and leave it on for some minutes, then I come back and scrub it with the same sponge used on ceramic stovetop and it works really well.

Anyone recommend a good cleaner for wood? I've always used the Pledge sprays on my dining and other wood tables, but I feel like it doesn't really CLEAN the wood, just gives it moisture and shine. :-( Can wood be truly cleaned?

try scrubbing them with warm soapy water first. I like to get them really damp then let them sit for a few minutes them come back and finish with vinegar. That's with we have the cheap formica counters too and this is what I do. The stains I have found simply fade away after awhile, they don't bother me too much.

I don't recommend the Method line. I found it didn't do much for my granite and marble. For stainless steel, the best thing I've found is Zep commercial stainless steel cleaner (but it is VERY strong so if you live in a small space, you'll be smelling it for days) and for granite and marble, I love the RX Rock Doctor (maybe just Rock Doctor?) granite cleaner (yes, it works on both types of surfaces). They make a sealant, cleaner and polisher line and I've had a lot of luck with the cleaner for bringing granite back to life.

One thing I'm still looking for however is something that will get etching out of marble. Is this possible? I think it was caused by an abrasive cleaner.

My fav natural cleanser is Citrasolv. You simply dilute it w/ water in spray bottle for kitchen, bathroom, etc. Megmosa I have the same cheap white formica countertop, which I try not to put anything on, yet still gets those stains. I read on the retro renovation website that there is a special "ultimate formica revitalizer" available online that gets rid of all stains. I haven't tried it yet though (I will when I move out though).

This St. Louis-based company makes a splendid line of cleaning products - all non-toxic. I'm a fan of their What-EVER all-purpose cleaning spray. Link below.

www.cleanhappens.com

What is destroying the environment are all these plastic containers. One part vinegar and hot water cleans the counters and mirror especially if you use microfibre cloth for the mirrors and fixtures. Straight hot water on granite and same for stainless steal just don't need all these things.

I agree with b77! I keep a spray bottle of vinegar and a little water in a kitchen drawer, but use it for everything -- have even cleaned wood furniture with it, though lemon juice works better on that. For stainless, a spritz of olive oil keeps the finish nice. There is simply no need for all this junk!

Yes but vinegar comes in a plastic bottle too :-)

I find that Clorox clean-up with bleach is really good for tough stains and stuck-on food on the stove top, and mildew in the bathroom. Mr. Clean magic erasers really are magical for stains!
I use Windex on the granite counters.

I only use dish soap, vinegar and soft scrub.

Agree with Anita83 that Seventh Generation has a horrendous, headache-inducing smell. Avoid.

Anita83. Method makes a furniture polish that is wonderful on all my wood tables and has a delicious almond scent. will NEVER use anything else. also, Bova is a cleaner and polish for wood floors that was recently recommended to me. It is non-toxic and sold at Home Depot. I read it could be used on stainless steel too which i tried the other day and in fact it did take away smudges. it is a great floor cleaner and i use it with my bissel sweep and steam mop.

I love Mrs Meyer's; the geranium scent is my fave.

For the formica counters: Try making a paste of vinegar and baking soda, spreading it over the stain, adding another spritz of vinegar and letting it sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing.

I've tried the Method stainless steel cleaner. It is awful.

Having tried their granite cleaner, toilet cleaner, and wood floor polish, I'm giving up on Method. The products just don't work IMHO.

Diluted vinegar for almost everything works - I occasionally use baking soda too. House smells wonderful - neutral clean!

Try using windshield washer cleaner rather than commercial products (Windex) for glass - the result is impressive. I use bleach on my white counter tops as needed, as it deals with all stains and is recommended as a bacteriostatic for cleaning. Rather than laundry stain removers I have successfully used regular Fantastic as I find it works better than the laundry stain removers.

These all the very nice cleaning product. To remove stains from any surface in the house, start with a wet sponge. If that doesn't work, "go to a liquid cleanser and a good brush," says Tara Tan, director of house-keeping at the W Times Square Hotel, in New York City. "When all else fails, use a steamer.”
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