The right question isn't "what do I clean it with?" but "what material am I looking at?". The same product that makes a steel hob shine can permanently dull marble, and a microfibre that's perfect on glass leaves obvious streaks on a black lacquered cabinet. Here's a practical guide to recognising surfaces, materials and colours — and treating them without damage.
In short
- Golden rule: identify the material before the product. When in doubt, pH-neutral.
- Marble and calcareous stone: never acids (vinegar, lemon, citric acid) — they etch permanently.
- Stainless steel: degrease, dry along the brushed grain, no abrasives.
- Glass-ceramic hobs: blade scraper for burnt-on residue, dedicated cream, never rough sponges.
- Dark colours and glossy finishes show dust and streaks: little product and a final dry buff.
The quick surface map
| Material | Do | Avoid | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble / calcareous stone | pH-neutral cleaner | Acids, abrasives | Acids leave permanent dull etch marks |
| Granite | pH-neutral, periodic sealing | Harsh bleach | Tougher than marble, but stains with grease |
| Parquet / wood | Well-wrung cloth, dedicated cleaner | Lots of water, steam | Excess water lifts the boards |
| Stainless steel | Neutral soap, microfibre, drop of oil | Abrasive powders, rough sponges | Dry along the brushed grain |
| Glass-ceramic | Blade scraper, dedicated cream | Rough sponges, abrasives | Cold hob for stubborn burnt-on |
| Glass / mirrors | Microfibre + water or diluted alcohol | Too much product | Excess is the number-one cause of streaks |
| Resin / microcement | Neutral cleaner, soft cloth | Acids and strong solvents | They can stain and dull it |
Marble and calcareous stone: the most delicate
Stainless steel: it's all in the drying
Steel isn't hard, it's just fussy about streaks. Degrease with a little water and neutral soap, then dry with a clean microfibre following the direction of the brushed grain (the metal's lines). For a showroom finish, a drop of oil (even olive) on a dry cloth buffs it and repels fingerprints. No abrasive powders: they scratch invisibly but permanently.
Glass-ceramic and the kitchen: patience, not force
Glass and mirrors: less product, not more
The most common mistake is using too much cleaner: the excess dries into streaks. On glass and mirrors a little water (or diluted alcohol) and two microfibres — one to clean, one dry to finish — is enough. "S" strokes, never circular.
Colour changes the strategy
The material tells you what to use; the colour tells you how much care the final pass needs.
In summary
Identifying the material before the product avoids 90% of cleaning damage. When in doubt, a pH-neutral cleaner and a clean microfibre are the safest choice on almost anything. For deep dives on individual surfaces — parquet, marble, stainless steel — see the dedicated articles.
Questions fréquentes
Perché non devo usare aceto o acido citrico sul marmo?
Come si pulisce l'acciaio inox senza aloni?
Perché sulle superfici scure si vede tutto?
Sources et références
- [1]Natural Stone Institute — Care & cleaning of natural stoneNatural Stone Institute — consulté le 2026-06-22
Préférez-vous confier ce travail à Angolli ?
Visite gratuite à Lugano et dans tout le Tessin, devis sous 24 h, produits certifiés et équipe assurée.
