If you’re thinking about getting an RTA outdoor kitchen… you might be wondering how to clean them, or if they’re difficult to keep clean.
It’s a fair question! You will have to regularly clean your RTA outdoor kitchen, and if it’s an onerous task… this will factor into your ultimate decision of what kind of outdoor kitchen to get.
As the sole provider of RTA outdoor kitchens, we know exactly what’s required to properly clean an RTA island and keep it in tip-top shape. In this article, you will learn the best way to clean an RTA outdoor kitchen island, countertops, and appliances.
What’s the Best Way to Clean an RTA Outdoor Kitchen Island?
When it comes to cleaning an RTA outdoor kitchen island, in this section, we are referring only to the concrete panels that make up each side. The countertops and stainless steel appliances have their own individual cleaning instructions.
RTA’s concrete island panels are simple to keep clean, and don’t require much! If you notice the panels are looking a little dingy, you just need to rinse it down with a garden hose. If you have some tougher spots, you can use hot water and dish soap paired with a soft bristle brush. Make sure not to scrub too hard, as strong abrasives can damage the paint.
Also please note: NEVER powerwash your RTA outdoor kitchen! High pressure powerwashes will damage your finish.
Wondering How an RTA Outdoor Kitchen Should be Maintained?
What’s the Best Way to Clean RTA Countertops?
RTA countertop maintenance will look a little different depending on whether you got concrete or granite countertops.
- Concrete Countertops: Concrete countertops are slightly porous, and may get some scratches or stains over time. Depending on how frequently you use your outdoor kitchen, concrete countertops could use a re-seal with a food-based sealer 1-2x a year. If you notice scratches or stains that you want to get rid of, these blemishes are typically surface level in the sealer layer… so re-sealing your countertops usually takes care of that issue. Otherwise, you can wipe down your countertops with any common cleaner after every use of your outdoor kitchen.
- Granite Countertops: Granite is naturally more dense than concrete countertops, making them more resistant to stains and scratches. That said, granite countertops still require maintenance! If you start seeing water marks being left behind from glasses, it’s probably time for your granite countertops to be re-sealed. Most often this is required once a year. Otherwise, you can wipe down your countertops with any common cleaner after every use of your outdoor kitchen.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?
Every RTA outdoor kitchen will come with Coyote appliances, which also require regular cleaning! In order to keep your stainless steel appliances in mint condition, they will need more regular care. Generally speaking, we recommend you wipe down your appliances once a week with a stainless steel cleaner. Weiman is a brand we like to recommend to our customers (we have no affiliation with them, we just like the product!).
And, of course, make sure to clean off your grill grates after every use to prevent buildup. Every few months, also be sure to deep clean your appliances to keep them in optimal working condition.
Do RTA Outdoor Kitchens Require Other Maintenance?
Now that you know how to clean an RTA outdoor kitchen island, RTA countertops, and Coyote appliances… you might be wondering if there’s other maintenance tasks you need to keep in mind.
If so, you would be correct! Thankfully, there’s not much to it. As far as outdoor kitchens go, RTA islands are about as low-maintenance as they come… but there are still some things you need to take care of every year.
To get the full details, this article about outdoor kitchen maintenance will fill in the gaps. Enjoy the read, and we’ll catch you in the next article.
