Disinfecting Countertops
Food is continually being prepped on kitchen counters, and sticky messes love to call them home. Keeping these well-used surfaces clean and pristine demands not only regular attention but also a product that kills a wide variety of germs on contact.

The Challenge

Wiping down kitchen counters, islands, work surfaces, and sinks.

The Contenders

reusable: Fantastik All Purpose Cleaner, $3 for 32 ounces. O-Cel-O sponge, $2 for a pack of four.
disposable: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, $3 for 35.

The Outcome

A tie. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes were ideal for daily maintenance, picking up small messes and light dirt with a single swipe. Testers with young kids were particularly pleased by the convenience of the disposable alternative, while all the testers praised its speed and ease of use (no need for extra rinsing to remove excess product). But for more daunting messes — say, the aftermath of last night’s spaghetti-sauce spill — or for giving countertops and other work surfaces a thorough cleaning every week or two, the Fantastik/sponge combo proved to be the superior grime fighter. The bottom line: Cover yourself by keeping both options on hand.