The worktop is remarkably important in the composition of your kitchen. It is our number one ally in preparing food and, for this very reason, we expect to have maximum performance in terms of hard-wearing resistance, durability and hygiene. As we saw for doors, tops also offer different performance levels according to the type of material used to make them. So let’s look at how to use and care for the worktop properly, to keep its original characteristics in tip-top condition for longer.
Before we begin with the perfect kitchen worktop cleaning routine, we’d like to share some of the best practices that apply to all the materials chosen. Water, moisture and high temperatures are found in ample supply in any kitchen.
Let’s remember that heat can damage the surface with burns or stains. What are the solutions for the “hottest” moments? Avoid pots and pans protruding from the hob and use a simple hot pad or protection on which to place piping hot objects. The damage caused by moisture and limescale can on the other hand easily be prevented by drying any stagnating drops of water, and by opening the dishwasher only about 20 minutes after it has finished the wash cycle, so that the steam does not condense on the top or on nearby cabinets.
Steel is a material for the true chef! This is why it is perfectly suitable for a kitchen such as Mia by Carlo Cracco, combining the need for design with the characteristic of durability. To keep it gleaming and polished, after use clean with soap and water or neutral detergent, rubbing with a synthetic sponge in the direction of the satin finish. Then rinse and dry the top with a soft cloth, or microfibre cloth, including after use of hot white wine vinegar or methylated spirit to remove tougher stains.
Granite and marble express all the sturdiness and natural luminosity of stone. To keep the beauty of granite intact for longer, use neutral detergents, alcohol or specific detergents. For more intense, thorough cleaning, household metal wire pads may be used, provided they do not damage the polished surface. For routine maintenance of prized marble tops, use warm water and neutral detergents, or detergents specifically formulated for cleaning marble. Both tops should be cleaned when the stain is still fresh.
For everyday cleaning of laminate tops, we recommend you use a microfibre cloth dampened with warm water or with the addition of gentle neutral detergent.
Tougher stains can be removed by spraying neutral detergent directly onto the worktop and wiping dry with a clean and dry microfibre cloth.
For everyday cleaning, we recommend you use a microfibre cloth soaked in water or neutral detergent; spray and leave it to take effect according to the type of dirt on the worktop, then wipe with a clean and dry microfibre cloth.
If the stain persists you can use a degreasing detergent (such as Chante Clair) in the same way.
Normal dirt on these polished and smooth surfaces can easily be removed with a cloth dampened with water or normal detergent.
For more stubborn stains we recommend you use bleach or aggressive detergents, which must then be wiped off with a sponge before rinsing.
Cleaning doesn’t end here! Browse through our magazine to find out how to keep all the other elements that make up your kitchen in tip-top condition.
