Tips For Keeping Your Kitchen Tabletop Shiny And New - Blog

The daily hustle in the kitchen inevitably brings spills, scratches and the usual wear and tear. It can gradually impact the look and feel of your tabletop.

However, you can maintain the tabletop’s shine by cleaning spills immediately with a soft cloth and mild soap and avoiding harsh cleaners that can damage the surface.

Join us in this blog post as we discuss numerous techniques to keep them visually stunning, as the day you brought it home.

For A Lasting Kitchen Tabletop

Know The Material

First of all, identify the type of material your kitchen countertop is crafted from. This single step can save you from a lot of trouble down the line, as each surface has its own maintenance needs and dos and don’ts.

Granite and marble demand periodic sealing to guard against stains and keep their glossy finish, whereas wood countertops call for regular oiling and gentle cleaning. For tips on integrating durable and stylish materials, check out our guide on must-have features for a functional modular kitchen.

Laminate countertops, while resilient to stronger cleaning agents, are unfortunately prone to scratches, if not handled with care. So, what works perfectly well for one material might damage the other and vice versa.

The knowledge of kitchen tabletop materials empowers you to select the ideal care practices and products, ensuring you do not risk damaging the surface unintentionally.

Clean Regularly

The easiest way to preserve the look of your kitchen tabletop is regular cleaning. That said, there are some cleaning products which are not good for the surface.

It is better to stick to gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that get the job done without compromising your countertop’s quality.

Most tabletops, such as laminate, stainless steel and quartz, only require a solution of warm water and a little mild dish soap for regular upkeep.

Gently scrub the surface and do not forget to dry it off right away with a microfibre cloth to soak up any lingering moisture to prevent any streaks from forming.

Caring for wood tabletops is a breeze when you use a cleaner designed specifically for wood. If you prefer creating your own cleaning solution, you can mix vinegar and water.

Be sure to refrain from directly pouring water onto your kitchen countertop or soaking it excessively, as it causes damage.

So, always make sure to dry the wood surface completely after cleaning. Neutral pH cleaners are better suited for granite and marble.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Employing tough cleaners does not mean you get countertops with extra gleam. This is a very common misconception.

Over time, strong chemicals, abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads can actually do more harm than good. They lead to scratches and dullness that ruin the polished look of your countertop.

Bleach is something you should avoid at all costs. They bring discolouration and weaken the surface. Well, certainly not the outcome you are after.

Likewise, acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon should be off your list. They may appear to be natural options but they can result in serious harm to marble countertops.

Additionally, be cautious with ammonia. It can be overly harsh for many materials including wood, granite, quartz and laminate.

Prevent Scratches And Scuffs

A polished tabletop can quickly lose its lustre when scratches start to appear. Despite your utmost efforts, normal kitchen activities like chopping, prepping and moving cookware can leave small scuffs.

With a few proactive steps, you can minimise this risk. A great habit you can cultivate for your kitchen’s longevity is using trivets or coasters when dealing with hot cookware.

Not only does this shield it from heat damage, but it also stops the base of your cookware from causing any scratches.

Also, lift kitchen items when you are moving them. Many people unknowingly drag things like dishes, cutlery or small appliances across their countertop, not realising that this can create fine scratches.

Regardless of how sturdy your countertop material is, chopping directly on it is a big no-no. A simple board can save you from costly repairs and ensure they remain in good condition.

A kitchen countertop protective cover also aids in damage control. The amazing part is that these covers are so sleek and transparent that you will hardly notice them. They do not interfere with your decor as well.

And, if scratches have made their way onto your kitchen tabletop, you need not worry. In many cases, those minor imperfections can be smoothed out. However, the ability to buff out scratches depends on the material.

Seal Your Surface

Regular sealing is essential to protect some materials from moisture, which can lead to permanent staining and degradation.

Applying a sealant forms a robust protective barrier and makes the surface easier to clean. But, let us clarify here that not all countertops need sealant because only natural stones benefit from it.

Non-porous materials like quartz do not require a sealing process because they come with an inherent seal that stops liquids and stains from seeping in.

But, stone and wood surfaces, in particular, need to be sealed to retain their appearance and durability. These natural materials are beautiful but porous, meaning they can absorb liquids.

To check whether your countertop needs resealing, try this simple water test. Drop a small amount of water on the surface.

If it beads up, your seal is doing its job. On the other hand, if the water is absorbed, it is an indication that it is time to reseal. Here, marble needs more frequent attention. Ideally, use a sealant every six months.

Granite countertops should be resealed roughly once a year. However, this may vary depending on the type of granite and how heavily the surface is used.

Adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying sealant is a must. The instructions help you achieve the best possible results.

Polish For Extra Shine

A little polishing can breathe new life into your countertops and bring back that eye-catching showroom shine. Polishing products are available for many tabletop materials.

But, avoid using generic household polish on countertop materials like stone or laminate, as this can cause streaking or leave a residue.

Remember to take a moment to test it in a small, inconspicuous area. This precaution allows you to check for any potential adverse reactions.

Buy Quality Kitchen Countertop Here!

So, there you have it, a handful of effortless strategies to guarantee that your kitchen tabletop stays as a practical and stylish centerpiece. And we, at Lakshmi Ceraamics wish you the best in your home decor journey!

Daily, Weekly & Monthly Care Routine Countertop & Tile

With a defined cleaning routine, you will be sure that your wash basins and counter tops not only look fantastic but also have longer life spans. With a daily, weekly and monthly routine, you can stay hygienic, shiny and durable without the stress.

1. Daily Care

Wipe the top of your wash basin and counter with a soft cloth and mild soap solution to remove any water spots, toothpaste, or soap stains. In the case of kitchens, a kitchen counter cleaning regimen must incorporate the use of a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent scratches without leaving the surface of the counter after preparing meals or cooking.

2. Weekly Care

Clean your basins and counters more thoroughly at least once a week. Wipe with a cleaner that is disinfectant safe to get rid of germs and hidden grime. Check the faucet spots and basin corners where dirt tends to collect. In the case of countertop sinks or vanities, lightly scrub joints and dry them to eliminate the development of mold or mildew.

3. Monthly Care

Check the countertop material that you have each month and record wear and tear. In the case of natural stone basins or counters, e.g., granite, check the sealing. The question many homeowners pose is, How often to seal granite countertop?- the response typically varies depending on the porosity of the stone; however, most seals are needed after every 6 to12 months to ensure that the surface remains stain and water-resistant. Making this monthly check can make you aware of the time to reseal.

Stain Removal Hacks by Material

Different stains require different cleaning methods depending on the material of your countertop or basin. Here’s how to handle the most common culprits:

1. Oil Stains

Oil stains can be removed on ceramic or porcelain basins most often using a mild detergent and warm water. In the case of natural stone such as granite or marble, use baking soda paste, then leave it before scrubbing it.

2. Turmeric Stains

A typical problem of Indian homes, particularly with granite. The question that many homeowners present is: “How to clean the turmeric stains on a granite countertop?” This is best done by using a combination of baking soda and water, allowing some time to elapse (approximately a few minutes), and then wiping off using a soft cloth. Use no harsh chemicals: they can blunt the finish of the stone.

3. Hard Water Marks

The form of these is white, chalky. To dissolve the calcium deposition, use vinegar-water solution or lemon juice. Wipe under running water and dry to avoid new spots.

4. Wine & Coffee Stains

To remove tough dark stains, apply hydrogen peroxide in combination with a couple of drops of ammonia on ceramic or porcelain. On granite, apply the stone-safe cleaner to avoid wearing it out. Always wipe and not scrub to take care of the polished area.

Heat & Water Resistance Tips

Protecting your countertops from daily kitchen activity is essential to extend their lifespan.

When using heat-resistant kitchen countertops, make it a habit of placing a trivet or heat pad whenever boiling pots, hot pans, or baking trays are put on the surface. Even thermal-resistant stone, such as granite, may experience thermal shock when subjected to changes in temperature (extreme).

To maintain a waterproof kitchen tabletop, do not leave any standing water at the edges of sinks or basin joints. Apply quality sealants to the surfaces of natural stones such as granite or marble and reapply as suggested. This would avoid seepage of water, moulding and structural damage with time.

Clean up spills right after they happen, particularly those of an acidic nature such as vinegar, lemon juice or wine, which can scratch natural stone.

Do’s & Don’ts Quick Checklist

Here’s a quick list of care tips to help you maintain your wash basins and countertops effortlessly:

Do’s

1. Do follow a daily kitchen countertop cleaning routine with mild cleaners.

2. Do reseal natural stone surfaces regularly (check “how often to seal granite countertop”).

3. Do use mats, trivets, and coasters to prevent heat and scratch damage.

4. Do dry surfaces after cleaning to avoid water spots and hard water stains.

5. Do use pH-neutral cleaners for granite, marble, or quartz.

Don’ts

1. Don’t place hot pots or pans directly on the surface, even heat resistant kitchen countertops need protection.

2. Don’t leave turmeric, wine, or coffee spills unattended, as they cause stains.

3. Don’t use abrasive scrubbers that may scratch polished finishes.

4. Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach on stone countertops, they weaken the sealant.

5. Don’t ignore cracks or chips; get them repaired early to avoid costly replacements.