Use a Splatter Screen

A splatter screen is an essential tool to protect your backsplash. It fits over your pans while cooking to prevent grease from popping out and splattering on the walls. Choose a splatter screen specifically sized to your pans to fully cover them. You can find splatter screens in different materials like stainless steel or mesh. Using a splatter screen can cut down on having to scrub hard to remove grease.

Be Strategic With Pot Placement

How you place pots and pans when cooking can impact backsplash splatters. Avoid pulling pans forward over the front burners. This allows more opportunity for splattering outward. Keep pots centered over the flames. When boiling or stirring liquids, tilt the pan slightly away from you. This redirectspossible bubbles and splashes downward instead of straight back.

Clean Spills Quickly

Don’t let spills and splatters sit on the backsplash. The longer they linger, the more they can bake on and stain. Keep a spray bottle filled with a grease-cutting cleaner handy by the stove. Spray spills as they happen and wipe immediately before they have a chance to dry. For tough baked-on grease, let a degreaser soak for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Apply a Protective Coating

Consider applying a protective finish to tile or grout to make backsplash cleaning easier. There are commercial sealants and coatings designed just for kitchen backsplash areas. They create a barrier to repel stains. Reapply these finishes regularly per manufacturer instructions to maintain effectiveness. This helps preserve the original beauty of your backsplash.

Use Removable Backsplash Panels

Removable backsplash panels are a great way to protect your permanent backsplash from damage. Many companies make backsplash panels designed to fit behind a stove from materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or tempered glass. Since they are removable, you can take them down easily to clean both the panels and your backsplash. Just reinstall when done.

Clean with Soft Materials

Avoid abrasive scouring pads or brushes when cleaning a backsplash. This can lead to scratching and damaging delicate tile or grout. Use soft cleaning cloth, sponges, or scrub brushes. Check cleaner bottles and avoid products with harsh, gritty ingredients. Always apply cleaners gently, not roughly scrubbing.

Rinse Thoroughly After Cleaning

Be sure to rinse backsplash areas thoroughly after using any type of cleaner. Left over chemical residue from cleaners can damage surfaces over time. Wipe down with just plain water as a final step to remove any lingering cleaner film. Thorough rinsing helps preserve the beauty of your backsplash.

Protect Surrounding Areas

Splatters don’t just hit the backsplash! Grease and liquids can spread to surrounding walls or counters. Consider temporarily taping sheets of foil or plastic over areas next to the backsplash while cooking. Remove tape adhesive carefully after to avoid damaging paint. Or install inexpensive removable paint protection film in adjacent areas.

Ventilate Well When Cooking

Proper ventilation is key to clearing away cooking fumes, steam, and smoke that overtime create a coating of residue. Run your vent hood on high during cooking. Consider installing a more powerful vent hood if needed. Keep the vent hood and filters clean. Proper ventilation reduces the amount of grime that can settle on the backsplash.

Handle Food Carefully When Cooking

How you handle and move food when cooking can cut down on splattering issues. Don’t aggressively shake pans while cooking. Gently stir wet batters that may splatter. When frying, ease food slowly into the hot oil instead of just dropping it in. Turn food over more gently using tongs or spatulas. Careful food handling means fewer eruptions that can dirt your backsplash.

Use Larger Baking Trays

When cooking items prone to popping and splattering like bacon or oils, use a large rimmed baking tray lined with foil instead of a small skillet. This contains the mess instead of allowing the splatters to fly freely. Lining the tray with foil also makes clean up fast and easy. For contained spills, just remove and dispose of the foil.

Avoid Cooking Sugary Foods Near Backsplash

Boiling sugary foods like jams or candy increase the chances of sticky splatters. The bubbles can explode and send very hot, gooey drips of sugar that adhere strongly. When cooking highly sugary items, try to position pots away from direct contact with the backsplash. Or partially cover the pan with a lid to block possible bubbles.

Apply Backsplash During Remodeling

If your kitchen needs remodeling, consider applying the backsplash after doing all demolition work and appliances are installed. This avoids damage during construction. You may want to go without a backsplash until everything else is done. Protect the wall temporarily with plastic sheeting if no backsplash.

Conclusion

Protecting your kitchen backsplash preserves its beauty and prevents costly repairs or replacements. Utilize splatter screens, pot placement strategies, prompt cleaning, protective sealants, and gentle cleaning techniques. Be careful when cooking to reduce splatters and spills. With some effort, your lovely backsplash will maintain its original radiance for many years. What are your best tips to guard against backsplash damage? Let us know!

FAQ About Protecting Backsplash Behind Stove

What is the most protective backsplash material behind a stove?

Glass tile is very durable and heat-resistant, making it one of the best materials for withstanding cooking messes behind the stove. Stainless steel is another excellent choice. It’s easy to keep clean and withstands heat.

What should you not use to clean backsplash tiles?

Avoid abrasive cleansers, scouring pads, or scrub brushes. They can scratch or etch delicate tile. Also avoid cleaners with acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice or bleach that can erode grout over time. Use cleaners made specifically for kitchen backsplashes.

Does sealing a backsplash really help protect it?

Yes, sealing backsplash tile and grout creates a protective barrier that repels stains from grease, oil and foods. Sealers prevent stains from setting into the porous surfaces. Re-apply the sealer regularly per manufacturer instructions for best results.

Should you put up a backsplash before or after installing the stove?

It’s best to install backsplashes after all appliances are in place. Wait until after doing demolition work during a kitchen remodel. This prevents damage to the backsplash during construction. Use protective sheeting on the wall in the meantime.

How often should you clean backsplash areas?

Wipe up spills and splatters as they happen before grease can bake on. Give the entire backsplash area a thorough cleaning weekly. Use hot, soapy water and a soft scrub brush on wall areas near the stove. Clean any remaining surfaces gently with just a damp microfiber cloth.

What’s better for protecting backsplash – stainless steel or glass panels?

Removable stainless steel or tempered glass backsplash panels are both great protective options. Stainless steel is very durable against grease, heat and scratches. Glass panels are very easy to keep clean but can break if hit with a heavy pan. Both are heat-resistant.

Conclusion

Protecting the backsplash behind your stove helps maintain its beauty and function. Strategic cooking techniques, prompt cleaning, guards and coatings can all reduce splatter damage. Choose durable backsplash materials like glass tile or stainless steel to withstand cooking wear and tear. With proper care, your lovely backsplash will continue brightening up the kitchen for many years to come.