Porcelain worktops
are a perfect blend of beauty and strength in kitchen design. They not only look amazing but also withstand the test of time. With proper care, these high-quality surfaces can elevate your kitchen and endure for many years. Your porcelain worktop is more than just a surface—it’s a valuable addition to your home that enhances both functionality and style. Crafted from natural clays and subjected to intense heat during production, these worktops provide:
- Exceptional durability to withstand everyday use
- Resistance against scratches, stains, and heat damage
- Non-porous characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth
- UV protection to maintain vibrant colors
- Waterproof features suitable for indoor and outdoor settings
Table of Contents
1. Regular Cleaning
Looking after your porcelain worktops is really straightforward. Most of the time, all you need is a soft cloth and some warm water to wipe away daily mess. If you’ve got tougher stains or grease, just use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner with a non-scratch sponge. Try to avoid anything too harsh like scouring pads or strong chemicals—they’re not necessary and can wear down the surface. And even though porcelain is heat and scratch resistant, it’s still a good idea to use chopping boards and pop a trivet under hot pans, just to keep everything looking its best.
TIP: There’s no need to seal porcelain—it’s naturally non-porous, so it resists stains all on its own.
2. Spill Management
Spills happen, but the good news is porcelain worktops handle them well. Thanks to their non-porous surface, most liquids—like wine, coffee, or sauces—won’t soak in or stain. For best results, wipe up spills as soon as they happen using a damp cloth. Sticky or dried-on spills can be removed with a soft sponge and a bit of mild cleaner. Avoid using anything abrasive, as it could affect the surface finish over time. Regularly cleaning up spills quickly not only keeps your worktop spotless but also helps maintain its sleek appearance.
TIP: Fast clean-ups are key—even though porcelain is stain resistant, dealing with spills straight away keeps your worktops looking brand new for longer.
3. Stain Removal
Porcelain worktops are naturally resistant to stains, but the occasional mark can still happen, especially if spills are left to sit. The good news is, most stains can be removed easily with the right approach. For everyday food and drink stains like coffee, tea, wine, or tomato sauce, simply use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. If the stain has dried, let the cleaner sit on the surface for a few minutes before wiping it away. Greasy or oily marks can be handled with a gentle degreaser or a bit of dish soap mixed with warm water. Just rub gently and rinse thoroughly. For ink or marker stains, a small amount of rubbing alcohol or acetone on a cloth should lift the mark without damaging the surface, but always rinse well after use. If you notice limescale or hard water spots, a diluted white vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) can help break down the buildup. Apply with a soft cloth, leave it briefly, and rinse off. Just be cautious using vinegar too often, especially on polished finishes. For dried-on paint or other residues, carefully scrape with a plastic tool, never metal, and then clean with soapy water. Taking care to use the right method for each type of stain will help keep your porcelain worktops looking fresh and flawless.
TIP: Clean spills promptly and use gentle products. Harsh chemicals or abrasive pads aren’t needed and can damage the surface over time.
4. Preventing Damage
While porcelain worktops are incredibly durable, a few simple habits can help you keep them in top condition for years to come. Always use chopping boards when preparing food to avoid surface scratches and protect your knives. Although porcelain is heat resistant, it’s still best to use heat mats or trivets under hot pans to prevent any risk of thermal shock or surface discolouration over time. Avoid dragging heavy pots, pans, or appliances across the surface, as repeated friction can wear down the finish, especially on edges or corners. Never use abrasive cleaning pads or harsh chemicals, as they can dull or damage the surface. Regular, gentle care goes a long way in maintaining both the appearance and performance of your worktops.
TIP: Treat your porcelain worktop with the same care you would any premium surface small precautions make a big difference in keeping it looking like new.
5. Heat Management
Porcelain worktops are highly heat resistant, making them a reliable choice for kitchens where hot pans and dishes are regularly in use. Thanks to the way they’re manufactured—fired at temperatures exceeding 1200°C (around 2200°F)—porcelain surfaces can comfortably withstand high heat without burning, melting, or discolouring. This means that placing hot cookware on porcelain surfaces occasionally won’t usually cause damage. However, to protect porcelain from heat damage and prevent issues like thermal shock (caused by sudden, extreme changes in temperature), it’s still best practice to use heat mats or trivets under hot pots, pans, and baking trays. This is especially important around edges or near joins, where the material may be more vulnerable.
TIP: While porcelain can handle up to 2200°F during manufacturing, using a simple trivet or heat pad helps extend the life of your worktop and keeps it looking flawless for years to come.
Looking for more expert tips on caring for your worktops? Keep an eye out for more articles—practical and real-life advice is on the way.
We’d love to hear from you! Got a method that’s worked wonders for you, or a lesson you’ve picked up along the way? Share your worktop story in the comments below (and yes, we really do read them)