Despite the fact that countertops are made of very durable materials, even they begin to deteriorate under the constant influence of external negative factors. Novate.ru tells what substances reduce the life of the countertop, and what needs to be done to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.
1. Abrasive substances
We agree that grease stains and other dirt that regularly appear on the countertop cannot be removed with an ordinary rag. However, try to use less abrasive cleaners that include ammonia and bleach. Under the influence of these substances, the surface quickly turns pale, loses color. In addition, the protective coating wears off and the table top becomes vulnerable. For daily cleaning of the kitchen surface, just two things are enough: an ordinary damp cloth and a dishwashing detergent. In this case, it will not deteriorate so quickly.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that when you wash the stove and oven with a variety of grease removers, try to be extremely careful. They leave ugly whitish stains on the countertop, even if you put the bottle with the leaked product on the surface for just a couple of minutes. An unpresentable rim may also form, which will not be easy to remove if it dries.
2. Temperature drops
Since most kitchens in modern apartments do not differ in serious dimensions, housewives prefer to store small household appliances on the countertop. However, the bottom of appliances such as toasters, steamers, multicooker can get very hot during operation, as a result of which the table top suffers. Constant temperature fluctuations can lead to discoloration and the appearance of microcracks on the surface. Therefore, either place small appliances on special shelves, or place wooden cutting boards or special coasters underneath them. You should also take care of heavy objects placed on the countertop, such as a stone mortar. To prevent them from scratching the surface, glue a few felt pads to the bottom, which are used for furniture legs. This makes it easier to move heavy kitchen utensils and utensils across the countertop.
3. Acid
The materials used to make the countertops are highly acid sensitive. Especially when it comes to marble specimens that are made from calcium carbonate. Therefore, if you suddenly notice that there are traces of vinegar, lemon or tomato juice, wine, coffee on the surface, immediately wipe them with a damp cloth. If this is not done, after a short period of time they will turn into ugly spots. After you've removed the marks with a napkin, sprinkle baking soda on the countertop to neutralize the acid.
4. Water
Water also has a detrimental effect on countertops. If you notice a puddle on the surface, you need to immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth, or at least blot it with a paper towel. Otherwise, if you leave traces of water overnight or for the whole day, stains will remain from it in the form of a thin white rim. The worktop will be particularly affected by hard tap water.
5. Sharp objects
Remember how in childhood parents and grandmothers told us not to cut on the table? It's time to remember this common truth. No countertop will hold up if you regularly use it instead of a cutting board. Also look out for vertical knife holders. If you insert long knives into the wrong holes, the blades will touch the surface of the countertop. At best, this will lead to scratches, and at worst, it will chip.
6. Pressure
The weak point of any countertop is the corners. Therefore, one of the most common problems that occurs with work surfaces is damage and delamination. To reduce this hassle, try to reduce the pressure on the countertops: lean on them less, do not place heavy objects on the edge, and certainly do not try to open bottles with them.
Note: The countertop will deteriorate faster if you constantly stand on it to get to the upper shelves. Remember - it is not designed for your weight, so try to get rid of this habit and use a regular chair for these purposes.
7. Hot dishes
Countertops do not tolerate contact with hot dishes well. Pans, pots, plates - all this should be placed on a gas stove, wooden cutting boards or special stands, but not on countertops. Heat is the main enemy of work surfaces. It leads to cracks and darkening of the paint, which not only deteriorates the appearance, but also significantly reduces the functionality of the countertops.
8. Sun
If your kitchen faces the sunny side, stock up on curtains, screens or blinds. Only they will be able to protect your countertop on those days when the sun is shining with might and main on the street. The fact is that bright sunlight contributes to the rapid fading of paint on laminated surfaces. Stone and wooden countertops also “get it”: the protective hermetic layer disappears on them. Therefore, it is in your best interest to isolate the kitchen from the sun as much as possible in order to increase the life of the work surfaces.
9. Repetitive movements
If you constantly cook food on the same section of the countertop, it is quite natural that it will wear out faster. Therefore, try to change the place of deployment more often in order to protect the surface from damage as much as possible. Another option is to buy a large cutting board that will take up a lot of space on your countertop and thus protect it.
You will learn about the rules for caring for the worktop from the article. 8 things you need to wash and wash daily to prevent bacteria from growing in your apartment