Having an attractive countertop is crucial to creating an aesthetic appeal in today’s home, where convenience and sustainability are becoming more and more vital. Of course, when you say something is aesthetic it means that it has been taken care of properly, the high probability is that it is well maintained.
The foundation of the kitchen- a big, flat, hip-height surface where you have the space to cook, clean, dine, store, entertain, or even work. Kitchen benchtops in NZ vary in size, materials, and price points, in order to match the house’s overall interior, flows, and integrations. Due to its wide range of use, it may be used frequently. Maintenance is crucial to preserving its beauty and longevity. So now the question is, how do you properly care and maintain, right?
Needless to say, one way to maintain something is to clean it properly and regularly– let it be with different materials used for your benchtop (granite, marble, quartz, wood, tile, resin, stainless steel, etc.)- a regular cleaning with mild detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth is a must. Not only will you maintain the benchtop’s style and appeal for many years, but you will also maintain it for kitchen hygiene. Just gently scrub the countertop in circular motions and avoid harsh chemical or abrasive pads that could scratch or damage the surface. Just keep in mind to make sure to sometimes give your benches a thorough cleaning because nobody wants germs on them.
Another additional tip is that you have to constantly use trivets or hot pots. Especially if your benchtop’s material is quartz, although it is heat-resistant, a sudden temperature change can cause cracks and discolouration. Thus, using heat protection is a huge help with the maintenance of the surface’s look and durability. Additionally, hot equipment like slow cookers shouldn’t be set up directly on surfaces. Similar problems may also arise from the heat generated by these devices.
Meanwhile, regarding spills and stains, they should be cleaned as soon as possible. Typically, liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine due to their acidic nature, may present unique challenges to clean them off if not cleaned immediately. When it happens, it is always ideal to rinse with warm water and clean the surface as promptly as possible. This also applies to any citrus juice. These spills may leave a sticky residue if you ignore them for an extended period of time.
When using your kitchen benchtop for preparing food, be mindful not to directly cut on your benchtop as it may scratch and harm it. Use cutting boards to have a layer of protection, cleanliness, and shine on the surface. This is advantageous for surfaces that are sensitive to heat, like wood. If by doing this, any unintentional burn marks are avoided.
Almost every item should be handled with proper cleaning methods, supplies, and maintenance routines. So make sure to add and schedule this task in your calendar- let it be regular cleaning, weekly, or monthly! With the right maintenance and care, you can be sure that your benchtops will last for many years and continue to be elegant.
