You’re deep cleaning your kitchen and it feels like you’ve covered everything, but somehow, at the same time, it doesn’t quite feel clean yet. You’ve done the dishes, scoured the counters and stovetop, and swept the floor, but what still doesn’t look right? It might be your backsplash.
The kitchen backsplash tends to go overlooked when cleaning, but over time, gunk can really start to build up on it, so you should check to see if your backsplash is stained and keeping your kitchen from looking clean. If it is, keep reading to learn how to freshen it up and make sure your kitchen is sparkling.
Use the right brush
No matter which cleaning solution you use to clean your backsplash, you’ll want to make sure you use the right brush to scrub away those stains. Use something harsh enough to clean off any gunk but soft enough that you don’t damage the backsplash.
Depending on the material of your backsplash, some brushes, especially ones with steel bristles, could potentially leave scratches. Use a soft bristle brush or a tough sponge for the best results.
Vinegar and warm water
A simple solution of white vinegar and water will clean most backsplash stains. Just mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, then spray and scrub off. This approach isn’t as abrasive as some other options, so it works best when used regularly to keep the grime from getting too thick.
To leave your kitchen smelling great after you clean your backsplash, try mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil or fragrance oil with the cleaning solution. Some of the best oils for this approach include cinnamon, lemon, tea tree, or lavender.
Baking soda and water
For thicker buildup, you’ll need a harsher solution, and that’s where baking soda can be a great option. Mix baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste, and then rub it onto any stained areas of your backsplash.
After about 15 minutes, take your sponge or brush and scrub off the paste. It’s best to use a rag or sponge here, as a wire brush can get gunked up from the baking soda paste and be difficult to clean.
Warm soapy water
For mild stains, all you need is warm soapy water. The warmer your water, the more effective this method will be, but it definitely won’t be as effective as vinegar or baking soda, so you’ll need to use a tough brush or apply plenty of pressure. This method works especially well for a flat glass or ceramic backsplash.
Stainless steel cleaner
For a stainless steel backsplash, you can use a stainless steel cleaner from any supermarket or hardware store. This cleaner is pretty corrosive and should easily deal with any stains on your stainless steel backsplash, so you can just use a cleaning rag or paper towel to wipe it all off.
Take a look around you, and you might see that cleaning your backsplash makes a surprisingly big difference in how your kitchen looks!
