The care and upkeep of your kitchen cart is extremely important to its lifespan. Proper maintenance can dramatically increase the life of your kitchen cart or island and improve the overall appearance of your kitchen. The most troublesome area on many carts is the countertop. Each type of countertop requires different methods and materials for cleaning. However, all countertops of your kitchen cart should be wiped down with a wet cloth after each use; take extra consideration when cleaning up meat and poultry to avoid food poisoning. The following care and cleaning tips can help ensure that your kitchen cart is both sanitary and looks great.

Stainless Steel Countertops

A very easy cleaning surface, stainless steel resists rust and corrosion and never wears out from excessive cleaning.

The easiest way to clean stainless steel is with water and a sponge or cloth. Because stainless steel is not a porous material, this should solve most spills and left over juices after preparing food. Always wipe stainless steel dry after cleaning to avoid water marks. If you want to use a little more “cleaning power,?try mixing dish washing soap with the water. This approach is better if you’ve been preparing meat, poultry, or any food where bacteria may be a concern. Remember to always rinse the surface after cleaning because the soap can stain if it dries on stainless steel.

If your stainless steel countertop has marks or stains, you may want to use a stainless steel cleaner. Follow the directions of the stainless steel cleaner and rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Granite Countertops

This surface is perfect for rolling dough or preparing pastries. Hot dishes or toasters won’t leave burn marks and its nonporous surface doesn’t harbor bacteria.

Similar to cleaning stainless steel, you can use water with a cloth to clean smaller messes. Soap is fine to use on your granite surface but remember to rinse thoroughly to avoid a soapy residue left on the surface.

Acidity is the primary concern for your granite countertops. Never use an acidic cleaner; make sure that your cleaner says that the solution is neutral. Also avoid leaving acidic materials, such as lemons or orange juice, on the granite for long periods of time.

Wood / Butcher Block Countertops

The most popular countertop, because of its price and classic look, wood countertops may require the most care. The difference between a wood countertop and a butcher block countertop is the thickness of the wood. On our website, we define butcher blocks to be at least 2?thick. Many of our kitchen carts are made of real wood and thus should be treated with sealant to avoid water damage. However, some of our kitchen carts have laminates or veneers that will keep water from penetrating the surface.

Cutting surfaces, like butcher blocks, need to be treated regularly with cutting board oil. The oil fills the wood’s pores and doesn’t allow water or other liquids to get in, making your butcher block surface last longer and look better.

To clean a wooden surface, wipe down with damp cloth and dry immediately. For tougher stains and blemishes, try a commercial wood cleaner. Some brands, including John Boos recommend cleaning your butcher block by sanding and re-oiling the wood’s surface.

Tile Countertops

A very popular surface for kitchen island, tile is fairly easy to clean but can be a little tricky. Like granite, tile will not burn when you place a hot pan upon it.

To clean tile, simply wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. For stains or sticky areas, use a tile cleaner with cloth. The grout is the most difficult part of a tile counter to keep clean. Its gritty, porous nature makes cleaning a little more time consuming. For cleaning the grout between the tiles, use a toothbrush and tile cleaner. If the grout has become stained, you can use bleach with the toothbrush to get the grout looking brighter and newer.