Your outdoor kitchen is essential for barbecuing and preparing meals, especially during warm months of the year. You probably have installed stone countertops, quality flooring, durable cabinets, high-tech appliances, and more sophisticated components in the space to make cooking easier and add value to your home. Additionally, a great outdoor kitchen will help lower energy bills, extend your living and entertainment space.
Excessive heat during summer, freezing weather during winter months, lack of proper maintenance, and other conditions may cause damage and depreciation of your outdoor kitchen. It is advisable to take care of the kitchen to keep it in top shape. Keep reading to learn tips and things you need to know to keep the space looking great.
1. Clean the Space After Every Use
Your kitchen will remain in better shape if you thoroughly clean it after every use. It would be best to get rid of food spills that could attract insects and pests like cockroaches and rats. Wash all the dishes and appliances used, and put them back into the cabinets or storage spaces.
Wipe clean the marble countertops to prevent staining. In addition, remove the ashes and debris from the fireplace. Besides, mop the floor, leaving it sparkling clean. All these cleaning efforts will leave the outdoor kitchen tidy and organized.
2. Thoroughly Clean the Marble/Granite Countertops
Marble and granite surfaces are prone to staining and damage when exposed to staining and damaging elements. Wiping your marble/granite countertops will not be enough. You should thoroughly clean the countertops using safe cleaning agents. Avoid using acid-based cleaners as they will harm your marble/granite surfaces.
It is advisable to wipe splashes quickly on your marble countertops. Some elements like vinegar, wine, or lemonade are likely to etch your marble if not wiped out immediately. Besides, don’t scratch your marble/granite surfaces with hard objects when cleaning, as that may dent their appearance.
3. Seal the Marble/Granite Countertops
Marble and granite are porous stones. Food, water, and dirt may seep into marble/granite countertops, leaving stains. It is essential to seal the countertops once in a while to prevent liquids and dirt from seeping into your outdoor marble countertops.
Although sealing is done during installation, it should be done periodically to keep your countertops looking fresh and new. Sealing is a simple process where the sealant is applied to the surface and soaks into the stones. After some time, the extra sealant is wiped away, leaving a less porous countertop in your outdoor kitchen.
It is essential to hire a professional for granite/marble maintenance and sealing. Experts know the best sealants and will seal the countertops appropriately. Besides, they will enlighten you on how to take care of the outdoor marble/granite surfaces.
4. Avoid Extreme Heat
Marble and granite surfaces are prone to discoloration and staining caused by hot objects. Also, extreme heat may cause stone surfaces to crack, which will dent the appearance of your outdoor kitchen surfaces. It would be best to use heat-resistant protection when placing extremely hot items on marble/granite countertops.
For instance, don’t place a hot skillet or grilling basket directly on your stone surface. Use a silicone trivet, ceramic trivet, or heat pad to protect the surface. It will ensure that your natural stone surfaces remain colorful for a long time.
5. Add Covering or Invest in Covers
Your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to harsh elements like excessive sun exposure during the summer and freezing ice and snow during the winter months. Such elements will damage your countertops, flooring, and even appliances in your outdoor cooking space.
For instance, ice and snow will make marble and granite surfaces wear more quickly during winter. Also, during the summer months, excessive heat may cause fading and cracking of surfaces. You should consider adding a covering to protect the space.
You can add a covering like a roof. A durable roof will keep the outdoors clean and protected from harsh/damaging elements. Additionally, it will keep the space cooler during sunny days and make it usable during chilly days. A permanent roof can be pricey.
Consider investing in covers if you can’t afford a permanent roof. You can find covers for appliances, furniture, and countertops. The covers will protect the outdoor kitchen appliances, surfaces, and furniture from rain, sun exposure, snow, ice, and other damaging elements.
Roofing or covers are a great investment that will reduce wear and tear in your outdoor kitchen. Remember to invest in high-quality roofing materials or covers to get the best value for your money. A poor roofing structure or low-quality covers will not last long and can be expensive to maintain or replace in the long run.
6. Avoid Physical Stress on Natural Stone Surfaces
Marble granite and other stones are durable, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be broken or scratched. The stone surfaces are likely to wear fast when you expose them to physical stress when preparing your meal. Don’t cut ingredients directly onto your stone countertops. Also, don’t hit utensils or ice bags on the surfaces as that can break them.
Experts recommend using chopping boards or butcher blocks when preparing meals in your outdoor kitchen. Also, ensure that your floor and countertops are dry to protect them from moisture or water damage. Most importantly, call in an expert for repair in case of minor fractures and cracks to prevent further damage to your outdoor kitchen surfaces.
7. Regular Inspection is Recommended
Inspecting your outdoor kitchen for cracks or other damage is essential. You may identify minor problems that, if not corrected early, can be costly in the future. It is advisable to call in a professional to help you inspect and repair the damage identified. A good expert will also advise you on how to protect outdoor marble/granite countertops and keep the space tidy all year.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning is one of the best ways to keep your outdoor kitchen looking great. In addition, you should consider investing in covers to protect the countertops, appliances, and furniture when you are not using the space. What’s more, you could renovate the space to make it easier to use and more attractive.
At Arch City Granite & Mable, Inc, you can find a wide range of designs suitable for your indoor and outdoor kitchen. Visit our site to explore the designs or contact us for more information.