I've burnt my kitchen worktop.

November 7, 2006 1:05 PM

Is there any way to get rid of kitchen worktop burn marks from pans?

If not, we'll have to replace the whole worktop, which my bank manager won't be pleased about...

posted by wibbler to home & garden (3 comments total)

Is it like a layer of burnt stuff? I would try scrubbing with a toothpaste (not gel).
posted by subtle-t at 1:46 PM on November 7, 2006

It would help to know what the worktop was made of, to answer this question. And this answer assumes that by "worktop" you mean "countertop" and not "cooktop," as cooktops can also become discolored by leaving too hot pans in place.

But assuming we're talking countertops, if it is covered in a common laminate (Formica being a brand name of a popular type), you'll probably need to replace it. If it's a manmade "stone" product like Corian or "cultured granite," you'll probably have to replace it, as the area that was hot enough to discolor has probably had its binding resins permanently degraded, but in some cases, if the burn isn't deep, the discolored area can be polished and resealed. If the countertop is natural "butcher block" (oiled maple or birch wood block) and is not deeply burned, it can be sanded, and re-oiled, but you generally have to do a the whole thing in order to avoid having the damaged areas look "spotty."

Granite, glazed tile, or stainless steel countertops would have prevented any need of your question. If you are faced with replacing the countertop, you might want to consider this in your selection of replacement materials.
posted by paulsc at 2:16 PM on November 7, 2006

The stock answer to that one is to put a cutting board over the marks and rise above it. I'd use a marble board, because it's heat resistent, and if someone breaks it, buy a new one.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 6:54 AM on November 9, 2006