Often, the kitchen brings a woman not only positive emotions from preparing tasty and healthy food for her family, but also a sense of guilt, dissatisfaction and fatigue. How difficult it is to keep a kitchen clean, any housewife knows. Especially if there are small (and large) children, if the work takes up the bulk of the daytime, and if the kitchen space is organized not quite right. To facilitate the work of cooking and cleaning is completely in our hands. And you can do this with the right design and material selection.
Countertop
We will be interested not in the composition of the materials and their properties, but in their performance and ease of cleaning.
The cheapest, and therefore the most common material for countertops is laminated particleboard or MDF. It is quite comfortable, easy to clean, does not fade in the light, does not corrode with acids, is resistant to scratches of knives, and can withstand temperatures up to 240 ° C for up to 20 seconds. The only, but very noticeable drawback is that it swells when water enters, which, as you know, gets anywhere. Naturally, this affects both appearance and hygiene. The service life of such a countertop is not more than 10 years, provided that all the joints, places of built-in appliances and ends have been quality processed. Hence the advice, next to the sink, at 30-40 cm there should be no seams and joints. The closer the edge of the chipboard to the sink, the longer the daily cleaning and the shorter the service life of the countertops.
Countertops made of artificial stone and composites are very hygienic. This material (crushed natural stone mixed with acrylic resins) does not absorb and does not emit odors, is impervious to bacteria and fungus, mold does not live on them, it is more convenient to wash them. If you suddenly scratched her with a knife, light polishing will restore her pristine beauty. And most importantly, in such countertops there are no seams and joints. But they are much more expensive. Just do not forget to check with the seller how this tabletop is susceptible to acids and alkalis, some acrylic binders can be destroyed by them.
Washing
If you choose a countertop made of artificial stone, then the best solution would be to make a sink from it. For cleaning, you can’t imagine a more convenient way, and the appearance will speak about your taste and rational thinking. The fewer corrugated surfaces, bends and small parts, the better. The time that you spend on wiping them is better spent on a cup of coffee.
If your choice fell on a tabletop made of chipboard, pick up a glossy stainless steel sink for it. They are more resistant to pigments and convenient to wash. The shape is also better to take a cup-shaped, rather than angular. And do not forget about the lack of protrusions.
And in general, remember, our friends in the kitchen are solid, smooth surfaces. Our enemies are corners, carvings, protruding parts and curly pens that steal our time. Save your time for your loved ones.
