Worktop Care and Maintenance - Looking after worktops

Worktop Care and Maintenance

Looking after worktops Worktop Care and Maintenance. Here are some hints and tips and an aftercare guide for Worktop Care and Maintenance to make sure that you get the most out of your worktop and to look after your worktops.

Heat

Boiling water and cooking splashes should do no harm. However never place cooking utensils directly from the oven or hob on to the worktop surface. Always use suitable protection against direct contact with heat. Electric kettles and fryers should not be placed over worktop joints as certain makes generate excessive heat.

Scratching

Due to the inherent nature of the product gloss worktops will require special attention. Therefore do not slide crockery or utensils across the worktop as this will cause scratching. On non-gloss worktops this will not cause any problems. A protective mat or cutting board should always be used to avoid marking the surface of the worktop.

Staining

Whilst the worktop surface will resist most household chemicals, including alcohol and cosmetics, certain items such as beetroot, concentrated fruit juices, dyes, chemicals and sanitary cleaners will stain. It is therefore always advisable to wipe off any spillage immediately.

Cleaning

The worktop surface can be easily maintained by cleaning with water and diluted detergent. Gloss worktops again need extra care to maintain the surface finish, as when wiping any inclusions will cause scratching of the surface. On non-gloss worktops, persistent marks can be removed using non-abrasive cream cleaner. Harsh scouring powders and abrasive pads must not be used.

Moisture

Any excess water must be removed immediately from the worktop surface to protect the reverse of the worktop and front edge seal from moisture ingress into joints.

PVC Aprons

Contact between the worktop front edge and PVC aprons over a period of time may result in premature wear of the surface. This may be seen initially in the sink area.

Sealing

The back edge of the Prima laminate worktop is sealed with a moisture resistant backing paper; all other edges of the worktop, if cut, must be sealed. These can be sealed with laminate, if visible, using a contact adhesive, or if not seen, using a coat of silicone adhesive or a polyurethane varnish (minimum 2 coats).

Tiling

We recommend a 5mm gap between the tiles and the worktop which then should be sealed with a silicone adhesive; this will allow for any movement between the worktop and the tiles and allows for easier removal of the worktop if required. This should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that the seal remains intact.

Sink installation

The sink should be sealed to the surface with either the rubber gasket or sealing compound supplied with the sink. Additional protection for the underside of the front edge of the worktop should be added by using a coat of silicone adhesive or a polyurethane varnish (minimum 2 coats), for approximately 25mm from the end of the factory installed edge treatment.

Hob installation

Particular attention must be taken with hob cut-outs. In addition to protection from moisture ingress the edges also need to be protected from radiant heat. Therefore allow a minimum 3mm gap between the edge of the cut-out and the appliance. The application of a reflective aluminium tape will also deflect any heat. No metal part of the hob must be in contact with the worktop surface. Always use the gasket supplied with the appliance.

Dishwashers, washing machines, driers and ovens

The front edge and the whole underside of the worktop is factory sealed. To avoid excess moisture or heat generated by any of the above appliances affecting the worktop, contact your appliance supplier for guidance and recommendations.

Free standing cookers

When installing worktops where a free standing cooker is to be used, the worktop surface must be below the top edge of the appliance to stop any transference of heat to the surface, which may result in damage to the worktop. Also there should be a gap of minimum 20mm between the appliance and the edge of the worktop.

 

We hope this has helped with Looking after worktops