Splashbacks are highly decorative and can be a subtle style enhancement to your kitchen. As the name suggests, they are great at protecting the wall against oils, heat, moisture, and cooking residue. Not to mention, they come in a range of colours and finishes.
Sooner rather than later, your clean sparkling spalshback is going to get dirty (in my case, showcasing prior cooking disasters!) and is going to require some TLC. So to give you a leg up in this endeavour, we have collated our top tips on how to clean your kitchen splashback like an expert!
Requirements
You need soapy water, glass cleaner, a plastic scraper, glass clothes, and a degreaser. You can get all of these items from your local hardware store or online marketplaces such as Amazon
A general rule of thumb is to clean splatters of grease regularly. If you allow them to stick for long, they can be more difficult to remove.
How To Clean A Glass Splashback
Glass splashbacks require low maintenance and are a big feature in modern kitchens. However, homeowners tend to be a little skittish about other materials, as they are difficult to clean. Whether you have tiles, glass, or stainless steel, splashback, you should keep your space spotlessly clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a splashback.
Glass splashbacks add a classic look to your kitchen, with the right tools, you can keep this snazzy piece of your kitchen setup looking fantastic.
Use Lint-Free Cloths
Apply a small amount of soapy water, methylated spirit, and store-bought glass cleaner. Rub in a circular motion and allow the product to do the magic in a couple of minutes. If you use the splashback often, you should give it a thorough clean every fortnight.
Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners
Right after cooking, you should use a damp cloth to wipe away any grease. For those stubborn stains, use a dish detergent and rub in a circular motion. Avoid metal-based scourers.
Use A Glass Cleaner
A glass cleaner will give the splashback a shine. Use a little soapy water and wipe the area with a clean cloth. To keep it sparkling, you should use a spray (with 20% water). Don’t forget to use kitchen gadgets to reduce grease splatters.
To reduce the time you spend cleaning your glass, you should invest in gadgets that minimize oil spillage. If you like preparing fries or fried chicken, a deep fryer is better.
If you still get streaks on your splashback after cleaning, blame it on the sunshine. This is because the heat causes any liquid to dry faster. On cloudy days, you can be sure of a streak-free shine.
Use a paper towel to shine the glass – keep buffing until there are no more streaks. Avoid doing this in direct sunlight.
How To Clean Kitchen Splashback Tiles
Tile splashbacks can make a statement in your kitchen. However, they collect lots of dirt and stains when cleaning the dishes. Here is how you can tackle the gunk.
Use Baking Soda/ Dishwashing Soap
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can tackle all stains around the kitchen sink. First, you should mix a small amount of baking soda to form a thick paste. Apply on the surface and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, grab a clean cloth and wipe the tiles.
Alternatively, use dishwashing soap and a soft-bristle brush. Scrub the area with the dishwasher and wipe away the soapy residue. Unlike other cleaning detergents, soap binds the oil molecules, making them easier to clean.
While you can use dishwashing soap on your regular cleaning routine, you need other products to restore the shine.
For instance, you can prepare an all-purpose cleaner to reduce stubborn dirt by mixing a quarter cup of baking soda with 10oz of water and some dishwashing soap. Spritz the solution on the problem area and wipe it down with a clean cloth. You need to tackle prominent stains individually.
Use A Degreaser
For sticky and greasy residue, you can try a plastic scrapper. You can also use a heavy degreaser to remove it. But first, you should test on a small area to ensure it doesn’t discolour your tiles. Be sure to apply only on the stain and wipe gently.
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is touted as another great solution to clean splashback tiles. Simply mix equal amounts of vinegar and water and spray on the stain. This solution can be a great daily cleaner as it helps to prevent grease build up. There’s no need to rinse.
Give The Grout Lines Some Attention
While tiles are easy to clean, the grout lines are a different story. This time you should use the solution above and rub the grouts with a toothbrush. For discoloured grout, the baking soda will do the magic. But here is the catch – you can use a sealant barrier to prevent anything from getting to the pores.
Another affordable formula you can use is a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. They can handle any grease, thanks to their unique chemical abilities.
How To Clean Stainless Steel Splashbacks
For steel splashbacks, you need soft sponges, microfiber cloth, plain boiled water, liquid dish soap, baking soda, stainless steel cleaner, and spray cleaner or polishing paste.
Use boiled water
The first thing that should come to your mind when cleaning splashbacks is harnessing the power of boiled water. It’s capable of dissolving the common stains found in the kitchen.
Simply wet a towel with hot water, leave it steaming for 5 minutes and then wipe the steel surface. Pay attention to those pesky stains.
Use Baking Soda
To get rid of the stubborn stains, you should mix baking soda with liquid dish soap. Once you get a good mixture, use a microfiber cloth and apply it to the direction of the grain. Leave it to work on the area for 10 minutes, and then give it a good rinse.
Use Vinegar
Mix vinegar with water in the ratio of 1:1, pour the mixture on the stained surface, and let it stick for a couple of minutes. Then, rub the area with a soft cloth (in the direction of the grain). Rinse it and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Use A Stainless Steel Cleaner
Every time you shop for a stainless steel cleaner, you should use the best powder formula. Otherwise, you could scratch the surface. In addition to that, follow the directions in the bottle and rinse the surface thoroughly.
For steel splashbacks, you should never use dip polishes, as they corrode the surface. Spray cleaners that contain silicone will also do a great job at removing smudges and grime.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your kitchen splashbacks is no big deal when you have everything you need to do the job. If your kitchen has glass, tiles, or steel splashbacks, this guide is for you. You should always use a soft lint-free cloth to remove the stains instantly. Don’t forget to inspect the splashbacks for leakage as water can seep in and around the edges. If you have any worries involving your splash back have it looked over by a qualified kitchen and bathroom repair specialist to help rectify any issues.
While you’re here why not take a look at our other fantastic blog articles covering other topics within the kitchen including ways to update your kitchen and if you have the cleaning itch, we have a great article covering how to clean mirrored furniture.