I recently started using alcohol-water mixture with a few drops of lavendar essential oil mixed in (in a spray bottle) with a microfiber cloth for cleaning many of my kitchen's surfaces (granite, SS, Wolf burner pans....). When it needs it, I scurb the sink (SS) and grid with BKF or Cameo first, then finish with the spray and wipe (note: don't use BKF on satin nickel). The alcohol-water spray is terrific--my granite looks great and I'm no longer afraid to clean my fridge. I just spray and wipe, and can even spot-clean it easily (not so with the oil-based spray I had been using). The SS surface(s) seems to resist fingerprints better, too.

HTH! Enjoy your new kitchen!

I can't tell you how to clean our counters, but you hit all my faves in one kitchen. I am dying to see your pix!

Have you seen the Kitchen cleaning thread that's linked in the "Read Me" thread?

(http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0205202526767.html)

Here is a link that might be useful: Read Me If You're New To GW Kitchens!

Thank everyone for the responses. Buehl, thanks for the link - I'm ashamed to admit that I do recall that thread from when I orginally started coming here - but when searching, forgot to check the "read me" thread. Thanks for setting me straight.

Ok, after reviewing a few thread as well as what was listed here, this is the list I have going:

SS appliances: Light cleaning - alcohol + water at 50/50. Deep cleaning - signature polish.

Painted cabinets - warm water? there must be something that works here for more thorough cleaning, but haven't seen it listed. I've used simple green or diluted bleach in the past - is that ok?

Hardwoods w/ Poly - light cleaning: water + vinegar. Unsure what to use for deep cleaning, but not the Murphy's Oil. Maybe dilluted simple green?

Marble - only suggestion I've seen that specifically mentions marble is tepid water. Does anyone have something that's high octane? I have a bottle of Restoration Hardware natural stone cleaner that says it's good for marble. For all I know, it's just water - anyone heard of this or a superior substitute?

Soapstone - again, warm water followed by a wipe down with a wax/oil mixture. I have the wax/oil mixture (I use bee's wax combined with mineral oil.) But was wondering if there's something with a little more cleaning power than water? Anyone try bleach or simple green on Soapstone?

I guess my biggest concern is that the primary recommended cleaning solution is water in most cases. While this is probably fine for everyday removal of dirt / dust - it doesn't provide a deep cleaning and certainly doesn't kill bacteria. I've used a water + bleach combination in the past - anyone use something like that on wood islands, marble countertops or soapstone?

I've used the alcohol-water mixture on my White Thassos in the MB--alcohol is pH neutral, and according to someone I'd spoken with (some marble/stone institute???), it's safe to use on marble.

I use 7th Generation Disinfecting Bathroom spray in our bathrooms now, and sometimes Borax powder for a little "oomph" on soap scum build-up or mineral deposits. I called the co to check, and was told it is safe to use on natural stone. They also make a kitchen version, but haven't asked about that product.

The alcohol-water mix will kill germs (according to a Dr at the EPA, you can use as little as 10% alcohol-90% water, but I use closer to 50-50; it doesn't need to sit very long on the surface either according to the dr).

One caveat to alternating use of alcohol-water and signature polish on SS. In order to avoid streaks and smears with the alcohol-water spray, you don't want to use it over an oil-based product. Bad combo--some of the oils will break down from the alcohol-water mixture, while some will remain, resulting in a streaky finish. I had to use BKF to scrub off any residue (on my fridge and range) from the 3M spray I had been using. Now I don't let any of the oily products near my SS.