The kitchen countertop affects the overall appearance of the kitchen no less than the facades of the headset, but it is actively used every day. We tell you what means and actions are best avoided so that it retains its practical and aesthetic properties and lasts for more than one year.

1 Use acids in cleaning

The kitchen countertop gets dirty often and sometimes noticeably, so housewives are always looking for the most effective means to clean it. They are found with acids in the composition. But to use this on the countertop, no matter what material they are, you need to be careful. There is a risk of breaking the structure of the surface, changing its color.

Attention: acid may be needed during cooking, for example, the same lemon or tomato paste. If they accidentally fall on the countertop (especially if you forget to wipe the spot immediately), their impact can also be detrimental.

2 Use aggressive or abrasive agents

Not only acids, but also other aggressive substances in the composition can shorten the service life of the countertop. From them, the material can change color, fade, lose luster, but acquire ugly stains. Even the smallest abrasive particles can also harm micro-scratches at first will be invisible, and then, absorbing moisture and dust, they will begin to destroy the structure. Be careful when cleaning other items in the kitchen: it is important that no harsh means such as anti-fat fall on the countertop.

3 Put hot dishes

Almost all materials react poorly to temperature changes. There are exceptions, for example, ceramics. But you should be careful with wood and substitutes. Periodic strong heating in a certain area will eventually make it stand out noticeably from the rest of the surface. Check if the bottom of the toaster, coffee maker, grill, and other electrical appliances is not heating up; if so, install them on special stands. It is also not necessary to put a hot kettle, frying pan, baking sheet on the countertop.

4 Handle heavy objects carelessly

You won’t see a quick negative effect from heavy objects on the countertop, but it will reduce the overall durability. A stone mortar for spices, a cast-iron frying pan, a whole pot of food can both scratch the material and leave small dents. Place them carefully or use stands. It is also not necessary to move objects, moving them along the surface is better to lift and rearrange.

5 Ignore cutting boards

The main enemies of the countertop are knives. Do not be lazy to get a cutting board every time you need to cut something. It’s not just the visible indentations that remain from the sharp movement of the blade, but also the barely noticeable scratches. Their number will grow, over time the entire surface will be covered with a “grid” of them. To motivate yourself to use cutting boards, buy a beautiful set and keep it in plain sight.

6 Do not wipe the water

There are types of countertops that are not afraid of artificial stone water, for example. But if you are the owner of plastic or wood (solid wood or veneer does not matter), you do not need excess moisture on the work surface. Again, nothing will happen from one time. But if you regularly forget to wipe off splashes and puddles, the material will begin to collapse and lose its appearance. After each cooking or washing dishes, wipe the entire area dry, paying special attention to the corners and joints.

7 Do not cover the windows with curtains

If the kitchen faces south, there are a lot of sunny days in your region, and there are no curtains on the windows, then over time the countertop may begin to deteriorate and fade. Laminated and wooden models with a protective top layer, which is exposed to the bright sun, are susceptible to this. It is easy to secure your headset by hanging at least a thin tulle on the windows.

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