How to Take Care of Your Kitchen Countertop
If you’re wondering how to take care of your kitchen countertop, we’ve prepared some general and specific advice. By following our advice, your kitchen countertop will look new for longer. Isn’t this good to know?
If you want to learn more, read on to discover how to take care of it and extend its useful life.
Take care of your kitchen countertop
Before we begin, we want to remind you that your hob is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to care for it and keep it in excellent condition. Also, because it’s an expensive appliance, it’s even more important to try and extend its life and avoid damaging it.
Next, we’re going to present you with some tips to take care of your kitchen countertop that you should take into account. This, regardless of the material from which it’s made. Take note!
Avoid chopping foods on your kitchen countertop
Some people aren’t fans of chopping boards and are tempted to chop food directly on the counter–which isn’t recommended. Even though your countertop material is scratch-resistant, repeating this activity over and over can wear down the coating, causing deterioration.
Avoid direct contact with hot utensils
Another of the most common practices in our kitchens is to place pots and hot utensils directly on the countertop. As this isn’t recommended, the best thing you can do is invest in some heat protectors so you don’t have to worry about damaging them.
Be careful with cleaning products!
The first thing to say about countertop cleaning is that it should be done on a daily basis. The important thing is to identify the material of the utensils and cleaning products that you use to avoid abrasion. For example, abrasive pads (such as metallic ones) can create scratches and dull the shine.
Now, pay attention to the chemicals or cleaning products you use. Degreasers, which are the ones we use the most, have their usage instructions written on the label. Here, you’ll also find the recommendations for the types of surfaces on which they can be used. So check this information to avoid using one that’s harmful to your countertop.
Bleach or chlorine sanitizers can also damage your kitchen countertop over both medium and long-term use. Use them only when you really need them and not on a daily basis.
Take care of your kitchen countertop: make sure there’s no humidity
The kitchen is, in itself, a humid space, especially in areas near your dishwasher, so it’s common for bacteria or microorganisms to be present. For this reason, it’s not advisable to leave puddles of water on the countertop as this may encourage bacteria to grow.
After using your kitchen or cleaning it, always dry your countertops, using a soft, dry cloth.
Don’t polish your kitchen countertop!
When your kitchen countertop wears out, some people believe that polishing it will fix it. This isn’t a good idea! On the contrary, polishing can remove the special coating that protects the surface from liquid seepage.
How to take care of your kitchen countertop, according to its material
In addition to learning how to take care of your kitchen countertop in general, there are some more specific tips. The following relates to the type of material from which your countertop is made:
- Marble: countertops made of this material are porous but quite delicate. Avoid (at all costs) the use of chemicals and acids to preserve it. It’s recommendable to use a neutral soap, without lemon or vinegar.
- Wood: a popular choice for rustic-style kitchens, characterized by its porosity. There are products such as special oils that help to hydrate this surface and it’s wise to research these well. Hot utensils and pots can leave marks, so avoid direct contact with heat.
- Stainless steel: one of the most resistant and durable options, but ensure you avoid the use of abrasive products, such as metal sponges.
- Silestone: combines quartz, and recycled materials and is one of the most used materials in kitchen countertops. It’s synthetic, smooth, and easy to clean with products containing a neutral pH.
- Granite: resistant and aesthetic, but poor cleaning can cause grease stains to stick. Use a little water and baking soda to remove grease since this is usually enough to clean them.
Now that you know how to take care of your kitchen countertops, feel free to implement these tips. In this way, you’ll have a countertop like new, even if it’s already several years old.