Want to know how to look after your oak worktop? Dos and don’ts from the House of Worktops
Last Updated on April 1, 2021
When you choose to have a wooden worktop added to your kitchen, you are choosing an aesthetically striking surface that will add an undoubted touch of class to your home.
Along with being simple to maintain, wooden work surfaces offer a durable, crack-resistant alternative to stone surfaces, which are often cheaper to install and to look after. What’s not to like?
And of course, when it comes to choosing a wooden kitchen surface, there are more options to choose from! Each wood type can offer a different feel to your kitchen and, if required, can easily be painted or stained without excessive cost to match the surroundings perfectly. Brilliant!
When you opt for an oak worktop from House of Worktops, you are choosing a wood that offers timeless quality and is easy to install. Being cheaper than stone-based alternatives, it will also create a feeling of grandiosity which can be lost with stone-based surfaces, allowing you to take pride in the appearance of your kitchen.
But, have you heard that having an oak worktop is tough to look after? Here, our team breaks down the dos and don’ts of maintaining an oak based kitchen counter.
Do keep it as dry as possible
While wood is renowned for its durability with water, it is not advisable to allow liquids to remain on your oak worktop.
Even treated wood can become porous, allowing water to seep into the grain and create mould or softening. So, the moment you spill something on your oak kitchen top, wipe it up with a dry cloth.
Don’t use bleach-based cleaning products
Bleach or any other harsh cleaning products are a big no-no when it comes to keeping any wood surface clean. Not only will the wooden surface absorb the bleach, but the harsh chemicals may stain the wood, creating an unappealing look.
Rather than using a traditional cleaner, if there is a stain on your oak surface, use soap and water to remove it. If this fails, why not try diluted vinegar or lemon juice to remove the stain?
Do reapply oils
When you opt for any wooden work surface, oiling it regularly is essential to keep it in good condition.
After the surface has been installed by our team at House of Worktops, we recommend oiling it once a week for at least 8 weeks, and then every fortnight thereafter. Of course, if you feel the surface needs re-oiling, feel free to do it.
Do use chopping boards
It can be tempting to use any wooden surface as a makeshift chopping board, but this is not advisable with a work surface.
Not only can chopping cause damage to the wood, it can also allow stains to permeate easily, so always make sure you are using a chopping board!
Do use heat-absorbing trays
Again, it is not advisable to leave hot pans on a wooden surface, as they can cause burns or discolouration. Always ensure you have a heat-absorbing tray to hand when you are cooking.