What needs to be done to make the kitchen countertop last longer - 4 points that housewives forget about

The fish rots from the head, and the kitchen set from the countertop. The working surface of the table takes all the impacts. It resists moisture, stains, scratches, and aggressive detergents. If you do not help her in this struggle, the result will be disastrous. First of all, the countertop needs to be protected from moisture. The second important point is proper care.

What to do to make your countertop last longer

The countertop in the kitchen is the place where all food preparation processes take place: cutting vegetables, fruits, cheese, beating meat, kneading dough. Sometimes it serves as a dining surface.

For a countertop to serve for a long time, it must be of high quality: durable, resistant to water, household chemicals, high temperatures, and easy to clean.

Monolithic countertops are always preferable. Multiple joints do not add aesthetics to the kitchen set. In addition, cuts are often very vulnerable. It is through them that moisture penetrates into the material. At the joints, the slab may break off, and the protective linings may come off.

The tabletop will last longer:

1. If it is made of high-quality, modern material with high resistance to moisture.
2. The furniture was assembled by specialists. Sinks, hobs and other appliances are built into countertops. Sometimes the slab has to be cut to length. All sections of the craftsman are treated with special sealants and covered with protective elements. When assembling on your own, this rule is often neglected (or not known about it).
3. Correct defects in a timely manner. Plastic and laminated countertops are protected from moisture until cracks form in the coating. Through them, water and dirt penetrate to the wooden base, and the tabletop swells. To prevent this from happening, cracks and chips must be repaired immediately or at least sealed.
4. Use of water- and dirt-repellent impregnations. First of all, natural wood needs special impregnations. It is recommended to treat it every 1-12 months.

Dishwasher protection

If a dishwasher will be located under the countertop, it must be protected from moisture and steam. When the dishwasher doors are opened, fumes rise. Typically, a protective element is included with the equipment.

1. In Bosch machines, the protection is a metal plate.
2. The manufacturer Electrolux offers to protect the tabletop with a special adhesive-based film.
3. If for some reason there is no native protection, you can glue thick self-adhesive foil or mounting tape to the place where the steam entered.

Wood protective coating

A high-quality coating will protect the wooden tabletop from moisture penetration, scratches and stubborn stains. The tree is covered with:

• Oil and wax. The oil-wax mixture penetrates the wood structure and makes the countertop moisture resistant. The ideal option is bio-impregnation with beeswax and vegetable oil. Mineral and synthetic oils are also used.
• Water-dispersed compositions and varnish. The wood is covered with stain or colored glaze, and then varnished. It is important that the varnish is moisture resistant. It is applied in 2-3 layers. A durable film is formed on the surface, protecting the wood from damage.
• Polyurethane varnishes. Unlike conventional varnishes, they create an elastic film on the surface. She is not afraid of hot objects, does not chip, does not scratch. It comes in glossy, matte and semi-matte. Its only drawback is the high price.

Sealing joints, ends and seams

A common problem with MDF and chipboard countertops is swelling due to poor sealing of the ends, as well as holes for the sink and faucet. To prevent moisture from penetrating the material:

1. The saw cut is thoroughly cleaned of wood dust.
2. Apply the first layer of silicone sealant (rub in).
3. Apply a second layer of silicone.
4. Cover the ends with a protective corner made of plastic or aluminum.
5. A seal or other protective element is inserted into the hole under the sink.
6. Seal the cracks with sealant.

To insulate from moisture they also use:

• paraffin;
• epoxy adhesive;
• silicate glue;
• PVA;
• liquid Nails;
• NC varnish.

How to properly care for different countertops

Countertops made of stone, wood and artificial materials have different maintenance preferences. But this does not change the general rules. Need to:

1. Wipe off dirt immediately. This is especially true for coffee, wine, fruit juices and all “colored” traces of food and liquids. This will prevent stains and the formation of dried crusts.When removing the latter, scratches may appear on the surface.
2. Use mild detergents (dishwashing detergent) or special ones designed to care for a specific material. Too aggressive a chemical is more likely to damage the coating. Some folk remedies can also be dangerous. For example, ammonia and coarse table salt.
3. Use cutting boards and heat-protective mats (hot mats). No matter what the manufacturer promises, and no matter how strong the countertop may seem, you should not place a hot frying pan on the work surface. The same goes for cutting food on it. It is especially important to follow this rule for laminated and wooden countertops.

Made of wood, chipboard, MDF

Most countertops are made from chipboard and MDF (wood chips and wood fibers). They are much cheaper than natural wood, but both have a common weak point - poor resistance to moisture. You need to care for them as follows:

1. Wipe up all liquids immediately.
2. Wash with a slightly damp cloth.
3. When installing the meat grinder, use a soft pad that will protect the wood from deformation.
4. Coat natural wood with protective impregnation.

It is forbidden:

1. Place dishes on a surface with a temperature above 100 degrees.
2. Use aggressive household chemicals.
3. Spill boiling water on the table.
4. Cut food directly on the work surface.
5. Use steel wool.

Laminated and plastic

The most popular type of countertops. The chipboard board is laminated or coated with plastic, which makes it moisture resistant. Rules of care:

1. Wash with a gentle detergent and a soft cloth.
2. After washing, wipe dry.
3. Repair defects in the coating in a timely manner.

It is forbidden:

1. Hit the surface with force.
2. Place hot objects on the table.
3. Leave the countertop wet for a long time.
4. Throw forks and knives at her.
5. Use caustic detergents, abrasive powders, hard scourers, and solvents.

From stone

Stone countertops are considered the most durable. Caring for quartz and ceramic countertops (made of artificial stone) consists of:

1. Removing fresh dirt with soapy water and a cloth (brush).
2. To clean old stains, apply a non-abrasive cleaner for 10 minutes and then wipe with a cloth.
3. Metal marks from the knife are removed with the fleecy side of the sponge.

It is forbidden:

1. Expose the stone countertop to sudden temperature changes.
2. Drop heavy objects on it.

Acrylic countertops are resistant to heat, scratches, acids, acetone, alkali and other solvents. Natural stone – stains. They need to be coated with special compounds (water repellents) that clog the pores.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel countertops are resistant to high temperatures and stains. They are not at all afraid of moisture and are “friendly” with any built-in equipment. Caring for them is simple:

1. Grease and other contaminants are wiped off with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water.
2. Dry stains are pre-soaked.
3. Polished stainless steel is wiped in the direction of grinding.
4. If scratches and abrasions appear on the surface, the tabletop is polished or sanded.

It is forbidden:

1. Use hard brushes, sponges, and cleaning products with hard particles.
2. Detergents containing chlorine and ammonia.
3. Drop heavy objects (dents will form).

Questions and answers

Question: What to do if the countertop is swollen?

Answer: It would be correct to replace it, completely or partially. If the swelling is small, you can try to resort to restoration: straighten the canvas by squeezing it with a clamp through plywood or another gasket, pick out the swollen sawdust, dry everything thoroughly and fill the excavated cavity with epoxy resin.

Question: Which countertop is better to maintain?

Answer: Different countertops have their own care requirements. Caring for artificial stone and laminated countertops is approximately the same. Natural wood and stone are more demanding. Mirror stainless steel will also require a lot of attention - it will leave noticeable handprints and water stains.

The durability of a countertop depends on many factors. First of all, this is the quality of the material and the correct assembly of the set (installation of the sink, installation of the dishwasher). The next point is proper care. It is important to understand the characteristics of the material and not to use dubious means. The best choice is special chemistry and impregnations. Don't forget about cutting boards and hot pads. Then the countertop will serve faithfully for many years!