We spend so much time and money beautifying and upgrading our home kitchens that we sometimes fail to remember that it’s the busiest room in the house. It will be subject to constant wear and tear and to heavy foot traffic, among other things. So if it’s your first time purchasing a kitchen or you plan on sprucing it up for the upcoming New Year, then bear in mind if your chosen kitchen design and materials are easy to clean and maintain.
It doesn’t matter if you have bought and installed the most expensive materials and finishes, but you failed to maintain them, leaving them to lose their shine and lustre. Instead of looking luxurious and clean, you’ll have a worn-out kitchen that is unappealing to your family and guests. Make an informed decision by understanding how to keep your kitchen free from spills, dust and other dirt and maintain its well-deserved grandeur.
One of the major decisions you have to make is picking out kitchen finishes, the most common and popular being a matt or high gloss kitchen finish. Each finish holds their own appeal to homeowners, and they prefer one over the other.
So if you’re opting for a high gloss finish, it is worth noting that this particular type of finish can make fingerprints, scratches and other marks easily visible, particularly in darker-coloured finishes. But this definitely shouldn’t put you off from choosing this finish. You just need the right cleaning know-how in your arsenal to tackle everyday kitchen use.
An easy high gloss surface maintenance requires a combination of 3 factors: using the best cleaning device, cleaning solution and cleaning technique. The following is a look at each of the aforementioned factors to help you in your kitchen cleaning battle.
Using the best kitchen cleaning device
Different gloss materials have different resistant properties. But abrasive materials still should never be used on these surfaces as it could potentially cause damage. Instead, high gloss surfaces should only be cleaned using a soft microfibre cloth, which is readily available in supermarkets.
A microfibre cloth is anti-scratch, so you won’t have to worry about this material leaving marks on the surface of your modern kitchen. It is made of tiny synthetic fibres which are smaller than those found in a regular cleaning cloth. The smallest speck of dust and dirt attaches to the thousands of tiny fibres, making sure the cleaning cloth doesn’t miss a thing.
Using the best cleaning solution
If you think you have to head out to the store and get some high-end cleaning products that would leave you wondering why you had to have a high gloss kitchen surface, then think again! All you need is water. Yes, that’s right. Water. Lukewarm water is the best possible solution for your cleaning needs.
However, other kitchen companies recommend the use of cleaning agents or using soapy water with the microfibre cloth. But it is not advisable. Why? Strong chemicals are found in detergents, which could lead to damages on the glossy finish, not to mention your skin.
Using the right technique
Using the best technique leaves your surface clean. So using a microfibre cloth, dip it in lukewarm water, wring it until lightly damp. Remember not to over soak the cloth as it will reduce its effectiveness and could leave behind residual marks and smears on your once glossy surface once it has dried up.
With an “S” motion, gently wipe the surface. If there are tougher stains, you will have to employ some elbow grease. To maintain your glossy surface, immediately clean any spill or stain. Don’t let it dry.
By incorporating all 3 factors, you’ll be able to maintain your high gloss kitchens surfaces and be the envy of neighbours and friends. Keeping its shine isn’t hard. You just need the right tools and knowledge. So go ahead and upgrade your kitchen just in time for the holiday season!
Get your high gloss kitchen from the experts
Here at Designer Kitchens, we love a high-gloss kitchen. The modern simplicity they bring is unbeatable.
So, if you’d like to inject a luxurious high-gloss finish into your kitchen design, simply get in touch. Our team would be happy to help!