When cooking, crumbs and cooking ingredients often fall into the gap between the stove and the kitchen counter. Instead of unplugging the cookware and cleaning the gap over and over again, you can easily fill the gap. By purchasing silicone covers to remove gaps or making your own, you can reduce both clutter and stress in the kitchen.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Wearing Ready-made Gap Covers
Step 1. Look for crack plugs online or at a hardware store
The gap cover is a long T-shaped plastic or silicone. The bottom of the T shape can be inserted into the gap between the stove and the counter, while the top of the T will stretch over the gap. This product can be found at most hardware stores or online.
The bottom of the arm refers to the bottom of the T-shape
Step 2. Choose a style that matches your kitchen
Gap seals are made from a variety of different materials, from plastic to stainless steel, and are available in a wide range of colours. To get a minimalist look in the kitchen, look for a transparent or colored gap cover that matches the kitchen table.
- Use silicone material if there is a height difference between the kitchen and the kitchen table. More flexible silicone can better fill gaps.
- Use a stainless steel gap cover to match the color of the metal stove.
Step 3. Measure the depth of your countertop and cut the gap cover as needed
Most of the gap covers made are the same size. Measure the length from the edge of the kitchen counter to the back of the stove to find the right size for the gap cover.
- If the gap cover is shorter than the depth of the stove, leave a small gap between the wall and the cover. The crumbs are more likely to fall on the area of the kitchen counter that is close to where you are standing.
- Silicone slit covers can be cut as desired with kitchen shears or sturdy scissors.
Step 4. Place the gap cover into the gap between the counter and stove
Extend the bottom of the slit cover into the slit or install it from the front. The T-shaped bottom will form a tight seal and prevent crumbs or liquids from spilling into the open gap.
- Even if the top of the crevice is still loose, the bottom can prevent food from falling into it. Wipe the crumbs under the gap cover with a rag.
- If the cover looks dirty, remove it and wash it by hand in the sink using dish soap. Allow the cover to dry before reinstalling it in the gap.
Method 2 of 3: Filling the Gap with Plastic Pipe
Step 1. Calculate the size of the gap between the stove and the countertop
Use a ruler or tape measure to find the distance between the gaps so you can choose the right size pipe. Be sure to measure the gaps on both sides of the hob as they can be different sizes!
Step 2. Purchase a transparent PVC pipe that is about 0.6 cm thicker than the gap to be filled
The transparent pipe is almost invisible when installed between the stove and the kitchen counter. A slightly thicker pipe will fit securely without falling to the floor. Plastic tubing can be purchased at your nearest hardware store and is usually sold by the metre.
Even if you are advised to use transparent pipes, you can also buy other colors that better match the style and feel of the kitchen
Step 3. Press the pipe into the gap until it is level
Make sure the end of the pipe is against the wall before tucking it in. Use your fingers to push the pipe into the gap between the stove and the counter. Make sure its position is parallel to the surface of the kitchen table. If it is too low, crumbs can fall and get caught in the pipe.
Step 4. Cut the rest of the pipe with scissors
Adjust the length of the pipe to the depth of the countertop and use scissors to cut it. Once cut, use your fingers to press the remaining pipe into the gap until it is level with the kitchen counter.
The pipe can be removed and cleaned in the sink with soapy water. Allow the pipe to dry before reinstalling it. If the pipe is too dirty or stained, you can replace it with a new one
Method 3 of 3: Creating a Shield with T-Molding
Step 1. Purchase a T-molding plastic roller that matches the style of the countertop
Transition molding, or T-molding, is commonly used in flooring to seal gaps and can be purchased at most hardware stores. T-molding is sold in a variety of colors and styles.
Use transparent plastic molding for greater flexibility and unobtrusive protection. If not, look for colors that match the feel of your kitchen
Step 2. Cut the plastic molding to get the right length
Measure the length from the edge of the kitchen counter to the back of the stove. Cut the molding with an all-purpose knife or scissors until the size fits the length of the gap.
Step 3. Use black duct tape to seal it tightly, if necessary
If the molding still feels loose, put duct tape on the lower “arm” to make it thicker. Keep adding duct tape until the molding looks solid filling the gap.
- The “forearm” part refers to the bottom line of the T-shape.
- Check the position of the T-molding each time you add a layer of duct tape and be careful if it feels solid.
- Make sure there are no exposed areas of sticky tape on the duct tape.
Step 4. Clean the molding with soapy water
If the molding is too dirty to clean with a rag, remove it and clean with soapy water. Rub a sponge or rag before drying it. Reinstall the molding after it dries.
