Living with a porcelain surface.

Most surfaces ask for less than people expect and different things than people assume. Start with the manufacturer guidance for your product, then keep the routine simple.

Dark kitchen cabinetry and an illuminated pale veined splashback

Everyday cleaning

A soft cloth, warm water and a mild cleaner handle ordinary use. Wipe spills when you notice them rather than waiting for a cleaning day, and dry the surface afterwards if your water leaves marks.

Finishes behave differently. A polished surface shows smears and fingerprints where a matte or textured one hides them, and a textured finish may need a little more attention in the texture itself.

The things worth avoiding

Abrasive pads, scouring powders and harsh or unsuitable chemicals can affect a surface or its finish. So can dragging cookware or unprotected ceramics across it.

Heat and impact deserve ordinary care as well. Use trivets and boards, and avoid concentrated point loads, especially near edges, cut-outs and unsupported overhangs.

Edges, joints and fixtures

Joints, silicone lines and the seals around sinks and taps are the parts that age first in any installation. Keep them clean and dry, and mention anything that looks like movement early rather than late.

If a chip or a crack appears, stop using the area and ask before attempting a repair. What is appropriate depends on the product and the location.

Keep the documentation

The manufacturer publishes cleaning and care guidance for each product, including which cleaners are suitable. Keep it with your project records along with the product name, finish and thickness.

If you are unsure about a mark, a cleaner or a repair, ask before trying it. A question is easier to answer than a treated surface is to reverse.