Kitchen set facades
Practical facades should be easy to clean + difficult to get dirty. Only when two criteria are added will the kitchen look clean. The easiest to care for are glossy smooth facades without handles... Easy to clean, do not have connections into which dirt can clog.
The only caveat: dark gloss gets dirty quickly, so you need to choose extremely light shades.
Matte facades have a porous rough surface, into which dust can clog. On light doors, dirty scuffs form in places of contact, which spoil the entire appearance. On too dark, like with gloss, prints remain, which are difficult to wipe off. Therefore, if the kitchen is supposed to be matte, choose medium tones.
As for milling, you should know: the more decorative details, the more difficult it will be to clean the cabinet doors. If decor is necessary, choose solid sheets without sharp abutments: it is easier to wash out smooth transitions.
Washing
There are three main types of kitchen sinks: steel, stone, ceramic. The first are the cheapest. They do not absorb dirt, are easy to clean, and can be used with aggressive cleaning agents. But if washing chrome-mirrored, note: to wipe dry to maintain the appearance, you will have to every time after turning on the water, otherwise there will be smudges. Another disadvantage is that the surface is easily scratched, so rubbing with an abrasive sponge is not recommended.
Stone sinks are stronger than metal ones, but it is more difficult to take care of them: you will have to clean them with special means, and also monitor the ingress of coloring products (beets, coffee). Light-colored stone sinks are one of the most insidious, they can even deteriorate from tea.
Ceramic look like regular washbasins from the bathroom. Made of porcelain or faience, and covered with enamel on top. The surface, although white, is durable, easy to clean, does not suffer from stains from water, does not stain from coffee, tea, beets.
Table top
Characteristics by which practicality can be assessed countertops, Besides colors:
- easy to clean;
- not scratched;
- does not absorb dirt;
- not afraid of hot things.
The cheapest option is Chipboard... It meets only two characteristics: it does not absorb, it is easily washed off. It is forbidden to put hot things on, easy to scratch But it is made in many shades. The most unmarked are wood, stone.
Wood - a more expensive durable option. With proper processing, it is not afraid of moisture, it can be easily wiped off. Scratches, stubborn dirt can be removed by ordinary sanding, which can be carried out an unlimited number of times. If the wood is varnished, it is not afraid of anything at all, except for a hot frying pan or saucepan.
Option that meets 4 of 4 criteria - a natural stone... It comes in different colors, thanks to the lurid texture it perfectly hides specks. Impossible to scratch or split, not afraid of hot, easy to clean.
Amazing substance - acrylic... In terms of strength, it is not inferior to stone, while it can be filled with a single piece of the required size and shape.The result is a practical, seamless worktop that is easy to clean. Minuses could not be avoided: the surface can be damaged by a sharp knife, aggressive detergent, coloring product (especially for light shades).
Hob
The choice of the most practical one depends on the type:
- Gas... The simplest option is the most reliable - the white enamelled surface is easy to clean, not afraid of abrasives or chemicals. The main problem usually lies in the handles, or rather the joints with the stove - it is almost impossible to wash out the dirt from there after 1-2 years of use. To avoid this, choose the simplest design possible, without embossing.
- Electric... Washing shades on old stove models was a pain, but wiping modern ceramic or induction hobs was a pleasure. Since the choice of electric panels for touch control is huge, give preference to them: you will not have to suffer with washing the pens. Another controversial point is the frame. On the one hand, grease and dirt accumulate at the joint. On the other hand, it protects the countertop from liquids escaping on the stove. As for color, dark glass is more prone to prints and dirt than light glass.
Technics
Oddly enough, white equipment gets dirty much less than black. First of all, it concerns the refrigerator. If there is no way to order built-in, choose the white model with the standard finish. Second option - matte gray with an eye-catching patch (not built-in!) Handle. Chrome, black are guaranteed to be in prints, smudges.
Take the oven, like a hob, on the touch control. A light color is better, but a smooth dark surface is also suitable: however, you will have to wash it more often.
Suitable for "practical" hoods should not be dark glossy. Look for satin metal models that meet 2 requirements:
- They do not have "shelves" on which soot settles. A built-in, island-type pipe, inclined, is suitable.
- They have removable filters. These are easy to get for cleaning or replacement with new ones.
Sofa
Color when choosing sofa should not go to extremes: white or black will get dirty too quickly. Actual neutral shades (beige, gray), fabrics with a pattern: stains are practically invisible on them.
Among furniture fabrics, leather is considered the easiest to care for - artificial or natural. No need to wash, just wipe with a damp cloth. But the skin has one drawback: it absorbs dyes, of which there are too many in the kitchen.
Other options to solve the problem of keeping the upholstery clean:
- Removable cover... Some manufacturers supply sofas initially with removable covers - you can wash them in a regular machine. If you already have a sofa, order a cover separately: this trick will simplify the cleaning process later on.
- Easy-clean fabrics... The Easy Clean impregnation makes the choice of upholstery much easier. Firstly, it is used on various fabrics: from matting to velor. Secondly, it guarantees the protection of furniture: dirt cannot be absorbed inside, which means it can be easily removed even from a white surface.
Floor
And the last important question - flooring... The material itself is not decisive here. The main thing is that it is not a carpet. Suitable PVC tiles, laminate, linoleum or tile.
It is more important to pay attention to the shade... In the kitchen, something often falls to the floor, so you need a coating that will hide small oversights between cleaning floors. Say no to white, black: choose medium clumsy coatings. Imitation of wood or ornamental tiles.
When choosing a material or color for a kitchen, evaluate the appearance and performance. Sometimes you have to choose between beauty and practicality - think in advance, are you ready to sacrifice one in favor of the second?