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1) One who buys or rents an apartment whose kitchen was not kept Kosher, must not use the countertops as they are, for food preparation as we must assume that non Kosher was absorbed into the countertops and will thus be re-absorbed into any food that is now prepared on them.
The countertops must be covered before using them.
Alternately, if they are constructed of marble or stainless steel or other materials that can be Koshered (made Kosher), they can be koshered and then used regularly without a covering.
The method to Kosher such countertops is as follows, based on the Halachic concept of "K'Bolo Kach Polto- the way it became non Kosher (i.e. through hot food) is the way it becomes Kosher (i.e. with hot water):
* Clean them thoroughly, including all the corners and joints, in order to remove any particles of food that may be in there.
*It is ideal for the countertop not to be used for 24 hours before beginning the Kashering process.
*Pour boiling water onto the countertop from a kettle of water [that is still plugged into the wall] to the point that the water is bubbling when it touches the countertop. The water should be dried and new boiling water poured onto the countertop in the same fashion, until every spot on the countertop has been touched with boiling water.
An alternate method to do this [especially if no water kettle is available with a long enough plug to be plugged in and reach every area of the countertop] is to pour boiling water over a heated stone or hot iron that is directly above the countertop and thus the water will boil and bubble and this will Kosher the countertop.
2) If the countertop was not used for 12 months, it possibly does not require Kashering at all. (See Darchei Teshuva Yoreh Deah Siman 122. See also Shu"t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 2 Siman 46 and Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 6 Siman 56)
If the countertop is made out of Formica or wood [especially if it has scratches in it ], a Rav must be consulted regarding which Koshering methods are acceptable, if any.
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