The Kitchen Worktop
The place for bathroom and kitchen worktops or counters
Kitchen Countertop Cleaning Tips
Jan 31st
It was a typical late Monday afternoon. The chili was simmering over the stove top. The onions were being chopped. The kids were getting the table ready for supper and mom was rummaging through the mail that had been sitting on the counter for the past two days. If you’re wondering where we’re at……YES you guessed it! We’re in our lovely kitchen, where we spend the majority of our “bonding” time. To say that the kitchen countertops get “beat up” pretty bad is definitely an understatement! “No job’s too big, no job’s too small” use the cleaning tips below and watch your kitchen worktops glow!!
•Wipe off dirt and dust with a wet sponge.
•Use dish-washing liquid detergent with warm water to wash off stains.
•Moisten the surface with a soapy solution and allow the countertop to soak for a few minutes. Some stains may need extra attention. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.
•The surface is now ready for baking soda. Sprinkle and scrub the baking soda over the stain. Rinse again and wipe dry.
Cleaning the worktop
•Laminate countertops are easy to clean. A secret to lifting stains off of their surface is to squeeze a lemon slice onto the stain and allow it to stand for about 15 minutes. Rinse and wipe dry.
•Use Chlorine bleach solution consisting of (1/2 tsp of bleach and 2 quarts of water) to clean butcher block worktops. Never allow this surface to soak up too much water, for this will cause permanent damage! Ceramic tile can also be cleaned with a bleach solution. A nice trick to getting in between the lining of the tiles is to scrub them with an old toothbrush.
•Marble and granite countertops are easily scratched and shouldn’t be cleaned with any chemicals or harsh cleaning tools!
At this point someone might be asking “Isn’t there a household name product that I can use?” The answer is, but of course! LYSOL ANTIBACTERIAL KITCHEN CLEANER and CLOROX CLEAN-UP CLEANER WITH BLEACH, are great to use on hard, nonporous countertop surfaces. Let’s not forget Clorox disinfecting wipes for everyday use. HAPPY CLEANING!
Kitchen Worktop Materials
Jan 24th
There are many materials you can use for kitchen worktops. It all depends on your personal taste and your budget to decide what is best for you. There are four major types of worktop materials: laminate, tile, corian, and granite. Each of these types offers advantages and disadvantages.
Laminate countertops offer you a wide range of colors and designs. If you need a certain color or pattern you have a broader selection in laminates than any other material. There are many styles to choose from as well. There are preformed countertops that have a single piece of laminate that is formed over front edge and backsplash. They also have square designs that incorporate several pieces of laminate. They can have a chamfered edge for safety. You can also choose wood accents on the edges of a laminate countertop. Most laminates have to be spliced, and this is a drawback. The laminate countertop is the most affordable. It is durable and easy to clean.
Corian is an upper scale countertop product. It is a solid surface that is offered in many colors and styles. Corian is made to fit your countertop needs. It generally comes to you in a seamless design with factory cut and finished edges. Corian offers a very durable surface that has improved over the years. It is scratch resistant and does not chip easy. Corian offers a surface that is easy to clean and care for.
A bar style island
Granite countertops offer a high scale rich look. The sealed granite is easy to clean and is stain resistant. It is a high end product that offers few choices in color. Sealed granite will last a lifetime or more with little damage. It is a hard surface that can break but not likely. It is a cold hard surface that may claim a glass or dish from time to time.
A countertop is a need in every house. There are good and bad qualities in all worktop materials, and it all comes down to personal taste. Some kitchen worktops are easier to care for and some offer a lifetime of use.
Choose a Kitchen Counter Stool to Accentuate Your Style
Dec 27th
If you have a kitchen counter that has a space where you can fit a couple of stools, it’s a great way to not only expand your sitting area, but create a space by choosing some seats that accentuate your style.
Wood Bar Stools
Traditionally, bar stools were standard wood stools, with a round seat. These stools are still available, and quite economical. They work best with traditional décor.
Some newer wooden seats made for a bar or kitchen island have some different options. Saddle Seat stools are a popular option for those who would like a wooden stool with a more contemporary feel. The rectangle-shaped seat has a slight curve for comfort, and it looks very stylish.
Many newer styled wood stools have backs on them, which can make an area feel more like a casual dining atmosphere, instead of a quick eat-and-run setting. Some are very plain-styled with straight slats on the back, and others have a checker-back for a little more flair.
Metal Stools
Another option for those trying to make a stylish statement at their breakfast bar is stools made from metal. These are very popular right now and come in a variety of styles. With many kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, a very chic and contemporary look is to coordinate the kitchen counter stools with the appliances.
a metal stool
Other metal chairs for using at a counter have a darker, almost wrought-iron look. Some feature a micro-fiber seat that is comfortable, and for the most part, cleans easily. These stools work in either traditional or modern settings, and can be found at almost any retailer.
Retro Seating Options
Retro is very popular right now, and there are always choices that can make you step back in time. Another stool that is available is the traditional diner stool that you would see in a 50’s style restaurant or soda shop. The leather top and chrome trim make it an instant eye-catcher.
The first stools were probably found in bars and pubs, so another option is to design your kitchen theme around a favorite pub stool you may find. They range from plain wood, to more upscale leather and chrome, and can make quite a statement.
Whatever stool you choose for your kitchen worktops, pick one that goes with your style, but also fits your needs. Kitchen counter stools can make a great addition to any kitchen with an open floor plan.