| Solid Surface
Solid Surface is designed to provide a lifetime of easy care. Follow these simple guidelines and it will keep looking as good as the day it was installed. You will receive a care and maintenance kit which will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for your new solid surface for years to come.
Routine Care
- Soapy water, ammonia-based cleaners or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most dirt and residue.
- Stubborn residue will require a stronger cleaner.
- Darker colors tend to require more care than lighter when maintaining a uniform finish.
- Over time, your countertop may acquire a patina. You may restore the look of the original finish by following the refurbishing guidelines.
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Quartz
Routine Care
- Quartz requires very little maintenance. Simply wipe your Quartz surface with soap and warm water on a regular basis to maintain its beauty and shine for years to come.
- Regular household cleaners may be used in place of soap and water.
- To clean up difficult spills, wipe the surface with warm water and soap. If needed, apply a common household cleaner.
- For stains that harden as they dry, (such as food and gum) use a blade or putty remover to remove by the mess. Clean using warm water and soap.
Preventing Damage
- Quartz is extremely resistant to heat, however all stone can be damaged by sudden and extreme temperature changes, especially near the edges.
- It is recommended to use a trivet or a hot pad to protect your Quartz surface from extreme heat.
- Avoid exposing to strong chemicals and solvents such as: nail polish remover, permanent markers or inks, oil soaps, and furniture cleaners or paint strippers that contain trichlorethane or methylene chloride.
- Also avoid exposing you Quartz surface to chemicals with high alkaline/PH levels, such as oven cleaners.
- Although you can cut directly on Quartz, it is best to use a cutting board in order to avoid damage to your knives.
Laminate
Routine Care
- To clean the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent.
- Difficult stains such as coffee or tea can be removed using a mild household cleaner/detergent and a soft bristle brush, repeating as necessary.
- If a stain persists, use a paste of baking soda and water and apply with a soft bristled brush. Light scrubbing for 10 to 20 strokes should remove most stains
- Although baking soda is a low abrasive, excessive scrubbing or exerting too much force could damage the decorative surface, especially if it has a gloss finish.
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Preventing Damage
- Never place pots or dishes directly from the oven or burner on an unprotected laminate surface; such extreme heat can cause cracking or blistering.
- Drain cleaners containing lye will permanently damage any laminate surface. If you spill a drain cleaner, wipe it up immediately and rinse several times with water.
- Hair, textile and food dyes can cause permanent stains. If dye should happen to spill, wipe it up immediately with dishwashing detergent or an all-purpose cleaner.
- Do not work with oven cleaners on an unprotected countertop. Wipe spills away promptly and rinse several times with water. Rust removers contain harsh chemicals which will quickly cause permanent damage. If a spill occurs, wipe off all residue immediately, wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse several times.
- Toilet bowl cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause permanent damage. If spills occur, wipe up immediately, wash surface with soapy water and rinse several times.
- Steel wool and other abrasive pads will damage laminates. Also, avoid leaving steel wool pads on your countertop as the metal can rust and leave stains.
Cleaning All Finishes |
Dirt & residue |
Use soapy water or ammonia based cleaner, rinse and wipe dry. |
Water marks |
Wipe with damp cloth and wipe dry |
Difficult residue |
Spray residue with Solid Surface Cleaner from Stone Care International, wait for about 30 seconds for cleaner to work. Wipe dry with a paper towel. If residue persists, repeat process. If residue still persists, follow directions for removing scratches. |
Disinfecting |
Occasionally wipe surface with dilute household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Rinse top thoroughly with water and wipe dry. |
Refurbishing Finished Gloss Level |
Matte |
Rub entire surface with a green Scotch-Brite®* pad in a circular motion. Rinse surface with water and wipe dry. |
Semi-gloss |
Use a countertop polish (see list below) to help hide scratches and blend in a uniform gloss level. |
High-gloss |
Follow steps for semi-gloss or contact your dealer to arrange for professional refurbishment. |
Sinks & Lavatories |
Cleaning |
Follow procedures above or use Soft ScrubR** and a green Scotch-Brite®* pad to remove residue. Rub green Scotch-Brite®* pad over entire sink to blend in finish. |
Disinfecting |
Occasionally fill sink 14 full with diluted household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Let stand for 15 minutes, then wash sides and bottom as solution drains. Rinse sink with water. |
*Registered trademark of the 3M Company
**Registered trademark of the Clorox Company. |
Over the counter cleaners may be used for routine cleaning in place of soap and water. |
Preventing Damage
- Solid surface is highly resistant to heat, but minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface.
- Use heat trivets or hot pads when placing hot objects on any surface.
- Allow cookware to cool before placing into a solid surface sink.
- Avoid strong chemicals - paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. - quiickly flush the surface with water should contact occur.
- Do not cut directly on solid surface countertops.
- Boiling water will not damage your solid surface sink, however it’s good practice to run your faucet while pouring boiling water into your sink.
Removing Minor Cuts and Scratches*
Because the solid beauty of solid surface goes all the way through, they are completely renewable. You can remove minor cuts and scratches yourself by following these instructions:
- Judge the severity of the scratch and start with the finest grit-sanding pad to remove the scratch. (The color of the pads from roughest to smoothest are: White, Yellow, Green, Peach, Lilac, Blue, Gray.)
- Rub over scratch in a straight line to remove it. Periodically switch rubbing direction 90°.
- Be sure all of the scratch is removed. If this first step takes too long, try the next heavier grit sanding pad.
- To minimize dust during sanding, wet the surface. Rinse pad periodically to clean residue.
- Clean top with water. Select next lighter grit and repeat process. Rub over a larger area to blend in sanding.
- Continue process using successively finer grits until desired gloss level is achieved. Rinse out all pads used and air dry before putting them away.
Stone
Routine Care
- For regular cleaning, use mild soap and warm water. We also recommend a stone cleaner, available at most hardware and home improvement stores.
- Stone cleaner pop-up wipes are now available for daily clean up and contain a low level of sealer. When used regularly, these may preclude the need for annual sealing.
Use sealants for extra protection
- If not using the new pop-up wipes, or when you notice your countertop’s performance beginning to fade, Granite and other natural stone should be sealed once a year.
- Wipe the countertop down with the sealer, let sit for recommended amount of time, then wipe away with clean dry cloth.
- For detailed instructions, follow directions on Sealer label. Sealer can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.
Preventing Damage
- Although granite is resistant to heat, avoid placing extremely hot items directly on it.
- Use trivets and hot pads, allow hot pots and pans to cool before placing on countertop.
- Avoid letting acidic substances (lemon juice, catsup or vinegar) sit on the counter for an extended period of time to avoid etching.
- Avoid exposing to strong chemicals and solvents such as oven cleaners, rust removers, paint strippers, and anything containing harsh chemicals that may react with your countertop.
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