We have a glass tile backsplash; a mix of glossy and matte strips. We don't find it difficult to clean or keep looking good. I rarely need to wipe the splash, except for over the range. I usually use a microfiber or paper towel and whatever spray I happen to be using at the time (alcohol-water mixture, Perfect Kitchen or Perfect Glass...). It takes more work to clean the tile (and white grout) just above the back vent/trim on our gas range, which it likely would with any light-colored tile. When I roast a chicken for example, using high heat and convection fan, I usually need to clean the splash over the range (I'm guessing vented cooking grease and/or high heat causes the discoloration we see). I've used Oxyclean, STT's HD-Clean, Dawn Power Dissolver, and even BKF, without harming the tile (no scratches). Of course, you might want to test any cleaning products on sample or leftover tile if you're unsure if it will cause any damage. I personally think it's very low-maintenance and love the look!

Quartz countertops are, for example, very easy to clean and maintain, but everything actually depends on how do you use your kitchen (how often, do you clean right after preparing a meal, etc.). Also, new kitchens are easier and faster to clean than old ones. Hiring a cleaning company once every two weeks is ideal if you regularly clean your kitchen. Once a week is best if you don't like to clean up often. Practicing this routine will make any kitchen as clean as possible.

There is clean, and there is looks clean. I wouldbet that the easiest floor to keep clean is black. Every speck will show, enabling you to go and sweep or wipe it up immediately. If you want a floor that does not appear ro be dirty, even when it is, I would suggest a multi-hued gray like mine. The only things that show up are my long white hairs and spilled baby powder. If you use powder, don’t go with a dark gray grout. Do a lighter one. I used DeLorean gray.

Rentals demand cheap, and difficult to damage by neglect. Corian isn’t cheap. But it is difficult to damage permanently. The plain acrylic insets are more like what most rentals use. For a reason. Pop out the vandalized one, pop in a new one.