You finally have the kitchen remodel you’ve been dreaming of, and it’s complete with upgraded surfaces, plenty of storage and sleek and modern appliances. The space looks fresh, functions efficiently, and adds beauty and value to your home. With the right maintenance, you can keep it looking and performing its best for many years to come.
Be Careful With Your Counters
Countertops can be constructed from a large assortment of materials. The thing is that each of these materials needs to be cared for in a certain way to retain both functionality and good looks. Here are some common countertop materials used in many kitchens and some methods to care for them.
Natural Stone
Not all natural stone needs the same kind of care. There are some types of stone that can take a beating and others that are surprisingly fragile. Granite, marble and slate need to be sealed. On the other hand, soapstone is so tough that chemical spills that would readily eat into any other type of material don’t bother it at all. Whatever type of stone you have, avoid putting pots and pans straight from the stove or oven on top of it. You should also avoid spilling wine or anything else acidic on a stone counter even if it’s sealed.
Engineered Stone
This type of counter is made by combining powdered stone, resin and pigment then pouring it into a mold. Engineered stone is also called solid surfacing and can be made to resemble natural stone. However, it’s not porous, doesn’t have to be sealed and can tolerate spills. Dings and scratches can be sanded out.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel counters are found in contemporary kitchens and are often seen in restaurant kitchens because they’re tough, antimicrobial and don’t trap dirt. These counters are easy to maintain, but they shouldn’t come into contact with bleach.
Clean the Kitchen Floor Once a Week
A kitchen floor is almost certainly going to have more things spilled on it than any other floor in the house. Clean up spills right away, and make sure to clean the floor thoroughly at least once a week. For most kitchen floors, this means sweeping, using a vacuum on “floor” setting, and mopping.
Seasonal Maintenance
Some types of kitchen maintenance only need to be done once a season. They can be a bit labor-intensive, but that’s an excuse to get the family involved.
- Clean the stove.
- Clean out the fridge, and clean its exterior.
- Clean out the wall and floor cabinets.
- Wash the ceiling with an extended mop.
A beautifully remodeled kitchen is an investment in the comfort, style and functionality of your home. With consistent care, from daily cleaning to seasonal deep maintenance, you can preserve its value and appearance for years to come. If you need advice about kitchen remodeling, contact our professionals at Gulf Express Construction in Port Arthur, TX.
