Outdoor kitchens are fast becoming one of this summer’s most sought-after home improvement trends – and it’s easy to understand why. Product innovation and changing lifestyles have transformed them from a niche luxury into a practical extension of the home. We’ve now got better heating and waterproofing systems, retractable pergolas, modular kitchens and durable materials designed to withstand the British weather. Add in our love of alfresco dining, warmer summers and the chance to keep smoky, smelly cooking out of the house, and it’s no surprise they’ve become such a popular investment.
For the landscape and tiling sector, there’s much more to an outdoor kitchen than the latest barbecue or pizza oven. Surface finishes play a huge part in both the look and longevity of the installation, and good advice can really add value. Concrete and granite continue to be favourites because they’re tough, practical and look great, but they’re not maintenance-free. A good quality impregnating sealer that provides oil and grease repellency is essential, helping to protect everything from worktops to wall tiles and floors. The ECOPROTEC range offers a number of different options, including water-based ECOPROTEC Natural Finish Stone Sealer and ECOPROTEC Colour Enhancing Stone Sealer.
Choosing the right cleaner is just as important as selecting the right sealer. It’s amazing how many people still reach for the washing-up liquid, but it’s not the best thing to use. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a greasy residue that attracts dirt, meaning surfaces actually get dirty more quickly. In contrast, a quality, rinse-free pH-neutral cleaner will keep surfaces spotless and eliminate the need to use a hose or buckets of water. It’s also especially important for acid-sensitive materials like concrete and granite, where acidic cleaners can damage the stone and any protection applied.
The chemistry is clever too; professional stone and tile cleaners contain surfactants that cling to the fibres of the mop or cloth, breaking the bond between the dirt and the surface and lifting contaminants into the cleaning solution. When the mop is rinsed, the dirt falls to the bottom of the bucket, leaving the cleaning solution ready to tackle the next section without redepositing grime onto the surface.
For routine and deep cleaning, we recommend ECOPROTEC Stone & Tile Intensive Cleaner, which can be used at a variety of dilutions for different tasks. For daily cleaning, the range also includes rinse-free ECOPROTEC Natural Stone & Porcelain Aftercare Cleaner and spray-and-wipe ECOPROTEC Multipurpose Cleaner.
A quality installation deserves good aftercare. Specifying suitable sealing and cleaning products from the outset will protect the investment, reduce maintenance issues and help ensure the finished space keeps performing and looking good for years to come.
To find out more, please contact the ECOPROTEC team on 01823 662722, email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk or visit www.ecoprotec.co.uk Also, for online help on-the-go, browse ECOPROTEC TV on YouTube and the ECOPROTEC Product Selector
