Wooden worktops are a great asset to the modern and traditional kitchen. Each one creates a unique hard wearing work surface full of warmth and character, which can last for decades provided they are well cared for.
It is essential to keep work surfaces clean, as they are used for food preparation. However, as wood is a natural material, how do you keep it clean without damaging it? Here are some handy tips to help keep your wooden worktops clean and looking fabulous.
Hardwoods used for worktops have naturally antibacterial properties, making it difficult for bacteria to survive and grow. These properties make natural wood an excellent choice for a kitchen space, which often has multiple uses.
Cleaning your worktop
Kitchens are busy areas and can be a haven for bacteria if they are not kept clean. Wood is a natural product; cleaning it using a natural disinfectant and a damp cloth is advisable. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach, can strip away the protective layers of oil and damage the wood fibre.
The wood’s oiled surface is water resistant, not waterproof. Cleaning up spills straight away is a good idea to avoid spills soaking in or drying onto the wood and then becoming challenging to remove. You can clean the work surfaces well with just a damp cloth, which leaves them clean without removing the oil that protects the wood. Anything that becomes dried onto the worktop can be loosened with warm water and mild detergent.
Wax and polishes should be avoided as they can prevent the oil from being absorbed into the wood, leaving it susceptible to stains and damage. Wet items such as cloths and pans should not be left on the worktops, as they can cause staining and discolouration.
General wooden worktop care
Taking good care of your worktop will make it easier to clean and keep it looking at its best. Using a chopping board instead of cutting directly onto the worktop will prevent cut marks, which look unsightly and can be hard to clean. They also make it easier for liquids to seep into the wood and stain.
Keeping a heat-resistant mat, or trivets, near the cooker will help to prevent hot pans from being placed directly onto the wood, which can cause the wood surface to become damaged and warped from the heat.
Essential oiling
As wood is a natural material with a porous surface, it does need a little care and maintenance to ensure it will last. Regular oiling is essential to create a protective water-resistant layer to help prevent liquids from seeping in and causing damage. Oiling should be carried out before installation and regularly throughout the worktop’s lifetime to ensure it stays water-resistant and to bring out characteristic grainlines.
Each wood worktop has unique grainlines, character, and charm to give a beautiful hard wearing work surface fit to grace any modern or traditional kitchen. A wood worktop does not need harsh chemicals to keep it clean, as it has natural antibacterial properties. This makes it perfect for the busy modern kitchen.