Expert Care Instructions for Porcelain_Ceramic Kitchen Worktops

1. Expert Care Instructions for Porcelain/Ceramic Kitchen Worktops Installing a ceramic kitchen worktop is a fine choice, considering the various advantages of this material over natural stone. Many people mistakenly perceive the fragility of bone china to be correlated with the durability of porcelain or ceramic worktops. The properties of ceramic tiles/countertops are completely different from that of ceramic dinnerware. The composition is similar with the use of kaolinite, silica, feldspar, and sand in both cases. But the former is much thicker and kilned at extremely high temperatures in the range of 1200 degrees centigrade. The resulting tough and dense tiles are extremely hard wearing and impervious to heat, moisture, and chemical exposure. Multiple colours and patterns are achieved by adding suitable resins during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, glazing and various other finishes impart a look of both grandeur and elegance for stylish interiors.

2. Daily Cleaning Instructions for a Ceramic Kitchen Worktop Porcelain or ceramic counter tops are fairly easy to clean and maintain. As mentioned above, the manufacturing process ensures that it doesn’t stain or scratch easily. This makes the ceramic kitchen worktop ideal for withstanding the daily rigour of a bustling kitchen. Being non-porous, there is no scope for food particles or liquids to seep into its pores. Similarly, there are no crevices for dust or dirt to settle in. The same holds for oil, food grease, sticky liquids, etc. Here are some basic, expert-certified instructions for the daily cleaning of a ceramic kitchen worktop:- 1. Use a clean, soft, and damp cloth for wiping. Usually, room-temperature water is sufficient for daily cleaning. 2. Refrain from using an abrasive pad as it will cause micro-scratches or fine abrasions on the surface. This will gradually damage the polish or glaze, exposing the sensitive surface below. 3. If a cleaning agent is required, a gentle liquid soap or mild disinfectant is the best option. 4. Harsh cleaning agents like lime, vinegar, and bleach should be completely avoided. 5. Although the porcelain kitchen worktop is not porous, worktop professionals always advise that any spills must be wiped out immediately. This will ensure a hygienic, gleaming, and long-lasting worktop that doesn’t warrant any repairs/replacement for at least a decade or more. Long-Term Maintenance of a Porcelain Kitchen Worktop If the daily cleaning of a porcelain kitchen worktop is carried out diligently as instructed above, the deep cleaning and long-term maintenance requirements will remain minimal.

3. Remember, no matter how greasy, hot, or messy the spillage is, immediate cleaning and thorough rinsing will ensure that the surface remains untarnished. Over the years, even the most well-maintained ceramic countertop might have its glaze or polish coming off in a few places that are not prominently visible. Every three years or so (based on the usage/level of wear and tear), it is best to call in experts and get re-glazing and sealing done. Professional sealing will ensure that the countertops last long, remain hygienic, and don’t warrant replacement any time soon. Polishing will also enhance the eye appeal of porcelain or ceramic worktops, enamouring onlookers with their radiance even after years of usage. Steps to Remove a Tough Stain from a Ceramic Kitchen Worktop Sometimes, when a bad spill on a porcelain countertop is not wiped on time, it can dry out to form a tough stain. This is likely to be hard to remove using the daily cleaning regime, as instructed above. In this case, the following steps should be followed to remove the stain without damaging the surface finish:- 1. The first and foremost mantra is never to use an abrasive chemical or steel wool. 2. The stained area should be wet sufficiently. A neutral pH, powder-based cleaner should be applied to it and left for about 5 minutes. 3. Homeowners must ensure that the powder should not be very coarse. Only a fine powdery cleaning agent should be used. 4. Using a soft sponge dipped in a warm, soapy solution, the stain should be gently removed in light circular motions. 5. For very heavy stains, replace the solution, add more powder-based cleaner, and wash the sponge every few minutes. 6. It is also very tempting to use bleach to remove tough stains instantly, but this is a huge mistake. The harsh, alkaline effect of bleach will immediately damage the surface glaze of porcelain worktops. Conclusion

4. A decade or so earlier, the uses of porcelain in home design were restricted to sanitary ware and sinks. But over the last couple of years, homeowners across the UK are discovering the sheer delight of installing ceramic kitchen worktops. Not only are they super-easy to clean and maintain, but their unmatched aesthetics, sophistication, and grandeur are also unparalleled. Ideal for minimalist decor patterns, chic kitchen designs, as well as robust, multi-hued themes, porcelain is truly the most versatile and fuss-free worktop material.