Secrets to Protecting Kitchen Tiles and Countertops from Daily Wear

Since prevention and regular cleaning are easier than fixing permanent damage, we’ll show you how to spot common problems and build good habits to keep your kitchen in great shape.

Daily cooking takes its toll on your kitchen. Spills soak into grout lines and leave stains, heat marks appear on benchtops, and steam and oil drift up walls and settle into a film. 

Making the right material choices in your kitchen will help prevent this, so when planning a renovation or building a new kitchen, think about what you need for function and style. If you cook a lot, choose tiles with fewer grout lines. Or if you have kids, choose easy-to-clean surfaces. 

No matter the material, there will always be wear and tear, but prevention is the key! We'll show you how to spot common problems and build good habits to keep your kitchen in great shape.

What's damaging your kitchen floor

Over time, small accidents can build up to large stains and permanent damage. To help you spot the problems before they become too serious we've put together a list of the most common issues and fixes.

Liquid spills

Every kitchen sees its share of spills. Some wipe away easily, but others leave stains you might not notice until it's too late. Acidic or dark liquids like lemon juice and red wine cause the most damage. They strip sealants and seep into grout quickly. Other liquids like oil can also cause issues, especially on timber floors.

Heavy items 

The biggest damage often comes from heavy items. Dropped pots aren't just a jump scare — they can chip kitchen tiles. Moving your fridge or kitchen island can also leave scrape marks as they drag across the floor. Furniture with metal feet can be particularly harsh!

Time and use

Sometimes, the damage isn't from one incident but from months or years of normal use. High-traffic areas show wear first. You'll see it as dulling on tiles and worn patches on timber. Floor edges and corners also collect dirt that's hard to clean. This builds up over time and can stain grout.

What's damaging your kitchen walls

Where most walls in your home just collect dust, kitchen walls face heat, steam and splashes daily. Here's what to watch for:

Splashes and spills

Cooking creates more mess than just dirty dishes. Oil splatters reach surprising heights when you're frying. Tomato sauce leaves bright stains on grout that set quickly. Even curries can splatter on your backsplash and leave turmeric stains that seem impossible to remove. 

Steam and moisture

Steam rises from every pot and pan you use. It might seem harmless, but it's actually weakening your wall. Paint will start to bubble and peel, and grout will get soft and crumbly. Behind your cabinets, moisture can build up and leave you with mould if you're not careful.

Physical wear

Little things leave a mark on your walls. Heavy pots knock against your backsplash while you're cooking, and appliances against the wall can cause surface scratches.

What's damaging your kitchen countertops

Your countertops are ground zero for kitchen activity. With hot pans, sharp knives and food prep happening right on top, they need the most protection. Here's what to look out for.

Hot pans 

Those few seconds between taking a hot pan off the stove and grabbing a heat mat can leave lasting marks. Hot pots leave white rings on stone surfaces and can melt or burn laminate and wood counters. 

Water 

Water seems harmless but can cause a bit of trouble. Standing water near sinks seeps into joins and under the silicone and can make the counter vulnerable to swelling. 

Food stains 

Kitchen counters face an endless parade of potential stains. Spices are trouble — turmeric turns everything yellow, and paprika leaves orange marks on more porous counters. Cooking oils soak into surfaces that haven’t been sealed in a while and leave dark patches.

Appliances and tools

The nature of kitchens and kitchen work will mean lots of heavy appliances and tools on the move. Sliding heavy appliances across the surface leaves scratches. Knife slips leave permanent marks, especially on timber and laminate. Even things like sliding ceramic plates or pots can create tiny abrasions.

How to clean and maintain your kitchen surfaces

Each surface in your kitchen needs specific care. Here's how to clean and protect every material you might have in yours.

How to clean kitchen tiles and grout

Kitchen tiles are there for a reason. They’re designed to handle food mess, but grout can cause problems. Grout lines absorb stains and start to darken if not maintained. Here's how to keep kitchen tiles and grout clean:

• Daily: Mop or wipe down your tiled floors and walls with warm water and pH-neutral tile cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners — they eat away at grout over time.

• Weekly: Focus on grout lines. Use a soft brush to scrub them with a non-acidic cleaner. Work in small sections, focusing on darker areas, and rinse when you’re done.

• Spot cleaning: Steam cleaning works well for stubborn stains. For really tough marks, make a paste with baking soda and water. Let it sit on stains for 10 minutes before scrubbing gently.

Prevention: Seal grout lines using Aqua Mix Grout Sealer and always clean spills quickly.

For a more in-depth guide, check out our blog on cleaning and maintaining tiles and grout.

How to clean natural stone 

Natural stone counters like marble and quartz look amazing but need regular care to stay that way. These porous surfaces stain easily and react badly to acidic cleaners. Here's how to clean natural stone countertops:

• Daily: Use warm water and a gentle surface spray and wipe spills immediately with a soft cloth.

• Weekly: Clean the whole surface with a specialty stone cleaner. Pay closer attention to areas that get heavy use and look for any stains or scratches that need extra care. 

• Spot cleaning: Use a poultice to remove stains that build up. Mix it according to instructions, leave it covered overnight and then clean as usual.

Prevention: Stop the damage before it starts by always using a cutting board and heat mats.

How to clean engineered stone 

Before the ban on engineered stone, many Aussie homeowners would have had engineered stone benchtops installed. If your home has one of these benchtops, they're tough and easy to maintain. That being said, they still need proper care. Here's how to do that:

• Daily: Wipe with warm water and mild soap. Clean spills straight away, especially things when cooking with spices!

• Weekly: Use a rag and non-abrasive surface cleaner made for engineered stone. Check for any marks or stains that need extra attention.

• Spot cleaning: For tough stains, use a cream cleanser made for engineered stone. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean. 

Prevention: Like with natural stone, keep chopping boards and heat mats handy. Even though engineered stone is tough, it's not indestructible.

How to clean kitchen paint

Kitchen splashback tiles didn’t start becoming popular until the 70s. If you live in an older home, you’ve probably got paint behind your stove. While there are paints that are designed to handle steam and splashes, this surface requires extra care:

• Daily: Wipe obvious marks with a barely damp cloth.

• Weekly: Dust with a microfiber cloth and use sugar soap for greasy areas. Work from bottom to top to prevent drips and pat dry with a clean cloth.

• Spot cleaning: Mix warm water with sugar soap and let it sit on the stain for a few minutes. Rub away with clean water and a cloth, and repeat.

Prevention: Use splatter screens when cooking and run exhaust fans. Install kitchen splashback tiles near the stove and counter prep areas.

How to clean kitchen timber 

Timber is a wonderful thing to see in a kitchen but needs constant protection from water and wear. This includes timber floors, benchtops and cabinet fronts. Here's how to care for wooden surfaces in your kitchen:

• Daily: Vacuum, wipe or sweep loose dirt. Wipe spills immediately with a barely damp cloth and let dry completely.

• Weekly: Use a wood cleaner and a soft cloth to gently clean your counters and floors. Don't saturate the wood — even when sealed, water is timber's worst enemy.

• Spot cleaning: Sand scratches with fine sandpaper, working with the grain. Reapply mineral oil or sealer when you’re done.

Prevention: Regularly seal or oil your timber counters and use mats in water-prone areas (e.g. around the sink). 

Making your kitchen last

Our design team can help you choose the perfect long-wearing kitchen tiles. Book a design appointment and bring your ideas, and we'll walk you through your best options. Or, take a look at our kitchen tile range online.