Taking Care of Solid and Hard Surface Countertops

The information below on the care and cleaning of solid surface and hard surface countertops was taken directly from each manufacturers’ web site.  Although similar, there are differences. Please refer to the specific brand of Solid or Hard Surface material  that your countertops are fabricated from.   You can click on the link at the end of each section and go to the manufacturers web site to see additional recommendations and care instructions.

Countertop Care

Different surfaces require different care and cleaning to keep them looking new for years to come.

Corian Solid Surface

DuPont™ Corian® solid surface is designed for carefree maintenance. Just follow the simple How to Clean Corian® Guidelines below to keep your Corian® surfaces looking fresh and smart for years to come.

How to Clean Corian® — The Basics

Start with Common Household Cleaners For most residues, all you need to clean your Corian® countertops is warm soapy water, ammonia-based household cleaner, or a dedicated countertop cleaner. Do avoid window cleaners, however, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface.

Keep Your Countertops Dry

Film will build up on countertops if water is left to dry on the surface. This film will dull the countertop surface, making the finish appear blotchy and uneven. To prevent film build-up, it is very important to wipe the countertop completely dry immediately after spills and cleaning. Some colors of Corian® may require more frequent cleaning to maintain a uniform finish. Darker colors tend to require more attention than lighter colors. Over time, even with proper care, your countertop will acquire a sheen. Dark colors may show light scratches more readily. But rest assured — restoring your countertops to their original glory is an easy process.

Preventing Heat Damage

While Corian® solid surface is heat resistant, as with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. Important — Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on the countertop surface. Always use heat trivets or pads when placing hot objects on any surface. Always use a trivet under portable heat-generating appliances, such as a toaster oven. Allow cookware to cool before placing it into a Corian® sink.

Preventing Other Damage

In most cases, DuPont™ Corian® surfaces can be repaired if damaged. Be sure to follow these guidelines to help you prevent any permanent damage to your Corian® countertop. Avoid getting strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc., on your Corian® countertop. If a spill does occur, promptly flush the surface with water to fully rinse off the chemical. Do not cut directly on Corian® countertops. Use a cutting board. Boiling water alone will not damage your Corian® sink. However, it is a recommended practice to run cold water from the faucet while pouring boiling water into the sink.   Corian Use & Care

DuPont Zodiaq Quartz

Learning how to clean DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surface countertops takes no time at all—thanks to the stain-resistance of this remarkable material. Zodiaq® quartz surfacing is a tough, non-porous, chemically resistant, high-performance surface that elevates residential kitchen aesthetics with the natural beauty of quartz.

Just Use Water and a Paper Towel

With simple, care, Zodiaq® quartz surface will retain its radiant, lustrous appearance for many years. For routine cleaning, simply wipe down your countertop with a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleanser.

Clean Up Spills Right Away—Before They Can Dry

Even though Zodiaq® surfaces resist permanent staining when exposed to liquids (such as wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice, and soda) or fruits and vegetables, you’ll want to wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible. For stubborn or dried spills, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad such as a white 3M Scotch-Brite®* scrub pad coupled with Formula 409®** Glass & Surface Cleaner** or a comparable cleaning product.

ESSENTIAL GEAR

Cutting Boards and Trivets DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surfaces are heat- and scratch-resistant, but not heat- and scratch-proof. Use trivets or pads with hot pots, and always use a cutting board. Never chop or slice food directly on your countertops.

WHAT NOT TO USE

If any of the substances mentioned below come into contact with Zodiaq® surfaces, rinse the exposed surface immediately and thoroughly with water.

No Wax or Polish Necessary

Because it is non-porous, Zodiaq ® quartz surface does not require sealants or waxes. Zodiaq® keeps its lustrous gloss and ultra-smooth surface without polishing or applying sealant.

Do Not Use Bleach

Avoid using cleaners that contain bleach. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer’s use instructions and exercise proper care when handling and storing any cleaning products.

Avoid High-pH Cleaners

Casual exposure to alkaline solutions, such as diluted bleach, will not damage Zodiaq ® quartz surfaces. Highly alkaline (high pH) cleaners, such as oven cleaners and concentrated bleach, are not recommended.

Removing Cooking Grease

When grease from cooking is an issue, use Greased Lightning™, or a comparable degreasing product, to help loosen and remove the grease from the surface. Follow the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Permanent Markers

Keep permanent markers and inks away from your countertops. Should these agents come into contact with the surface, clean first as outlined above in Routine Care. If the stain persists, moisten a cloth with Goo Gone®, or a comparable product, and rub it into the stain. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaner residue.

Keep Solvents and Powerful Chemicals Off the Counter

Avoid exposing Zodiaq® quartz surfaces to strong chemicals and solvents, especially paint removers or furniture strippers containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride. Keep nail polish remover, bleach, bluing, permanent markers or inks, and oil soaps away from your Zodiaq® quartz countertops.

Heat Damage Prevention

To maintain the beauty of Zodiaq® quartz surfaces, do not place hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface. DuPont recommends the use of trivets and hot pads.

Dealing with More Difficult Spills and Materials

Materials that harden as they dry (such as gum, food, grease, nail polish, or paint) are especially tenacious. Remove these by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic putty knife. 

Corian Quartz Use & Care 

Hanstone Quartz

HanStone Quartz is easy to maintain.

It is a non-porous material that is highly resistant to stain, scratches, and heat. However, it is not stain, scratch, or heatproof. Follow the proper care and maintenance recommended by your professional HanStone Quartz distributor or installer to keep the HanStone Quartz surface beautiful for many years.

Routine Care & Maintenance

Simply clean with soap and water on a regular basis to keep the lustrous gloss and radiant sheen. Use warm water and a damp cloth with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner that does not contain bleach. HanStone’s new Velour finish (available only in the color Aramis) will show more signs of daily use. As a result, the Velour finish will require more frequent cleaning and daily maintenance than other HanStone polished finishes. Although HanStone Quartz is resistant to stain, spills should be cleaned as soon as possible. Liquid spills and stains from fruits, vegetables, or other foods should be wiped up and cleaned with soap and water.

Preventing Damages

Heat

HanStone Quartz is designed to be resistant to heat and can withstand exposure to a normal cooking environment for brief periods of time without being damaged. Although HanStone Quartz withstands heat better than most surfacing materials on the market, all surfacing materials, including stone, can be damaged by extreme temperature changes, whether prolonged or sudden. Trivets and hot pads should always be used when placing hot skillets, pans, crock-pots or other heat generating kitchenware on the HanStone surface.

Scratches

HanStone Quartz’s durable surface is designed to withstand normal use. While it is resistant to scratches, cuts, and chipping, cutting directly on the quartz surface should be avoided. Using cutting boards and taking care not to drop or move heavy objects on the surface will help to ensure long-lasting beauty.

Chemical

Avoid exposing HanStone Quartz to any strong chemicals and solvents. It is important to note that some of these chemicals and solvents can be found in household items like paint removers, paint and stain strippers that contain trichloroethane or methylene chloride, nail polish removers, bleach, furniture cleaners, oil soaps, permanent markers or inks, and chemicals with high alkaline/PH levels (oven cleaners, drain openers, etc.). Avoid using cleaning products that contain oils, powders, or abrasives. Although long-term or frequent exposure must be avoided at all times, the following products may be used with short-term exposure (removing and rinsing immediately after application with water) to clean difficult stains or residues. Always handle such cleaning agents with care and rinse the applied surface with water completely afterward.

Recommended cleaners:

• Simple Green • 10x Stone Polish • Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean • Soap and Water • Denatured Alcohol • Hopes Surface cleaner • Rock Doctor cleaner **All products must have all excess removed immediately after application with water and cloth. Prolonged exposure may ruin the surface of the slab.**

Chemicals to Avoid

The below list of chemicals should be avoided with HanStone Quartz; however, the below list is not a complete list, and there may be other chemicals not listed here that may damage HanStone Quartz. The effect of any chemical usage on HanStone Quartz is ultimately dependent on the type of chemical, the length of exposure, and the degree of concentration. • Oil soaps, bluing agents, dyes, stains, paint thinner, or strippers. • Solvents such as acetone, nail polish remover, lacquer thinner, or bleach (short-term exposure at 50% dilution may be acceptable for purpose of cleaning difficult stains-based on removing and rinsing applied area immediately). • Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene or methylene chloride • Benzene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone • Concentrated acids such as hydrocyanic acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid. • Chemicals with high alkaline/PH levels (pH > 10) **If any of the substances listed come into contact with HanStone Quartz, rinse with plenty of water and follow routine cleaning procedures immediately.

Removing Difficult Spills

On stubborn or dried spills where routine cleaning procedures do not work, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad along with the following recommended cleaners: • Simple Green • 10x Stone Polish • Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean • Soap and Water • Denatured Alcohol • Hopes Surface cleaner • Rock Doctor cleaner If gum, nail polish, paint, or other substances are accidentally allowed to adhere to the surface, they can be removed with the use of a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently scrape off the substance and by following routine cleaning procedures. 

HanStone Care and Maintenance 

LG Hi Macs

LG HI MACS CARE & MAINTENANCE

LG Hausys HI-MACS® Solid Surfaces have been designed to withstand life. In fact, no special cleaning products are needed to keep your countertops looking beautiful day in and day out. However, while HI-MACS® is extremely durable, like any other fine material it can be damaged if abused or mistreated.

We’ve outlined a few simple ways to care for and maintain your HI-MACS® Solid Surface to ensure it retains its original elegance and beauty for years to come.

GENERAL CARE

– Never place hot pans directly from the burner or oven on the HI-MACS surface. While HI-MACS can withstand sustained temperatures up to 225°F, prolonged or extreme heat could cause yellowing. – Always use a trivet under heated appliances, such as crock-pots, electric frying pans, etc. – Although minor cuts and scratches in HI-MACS can be repaired, deep cuts and cracks will require the service of a professional. – Strong acids (such as those found in drain, toilet bowl, and oven cleaners) should be used cautiously around HI-MACS. If any of these items come in contact with HI-MACS, wipe them up at once. Some of these items, when left on the surface, may cause whitening, which can be difficult to remove.

NORMAL CLEANING

HI-MACS is nonporous, so normal, everyday cleaning only requires a damp cloth and a mild cleanser. If you’ve chosen a matte finish, feel free to use an abrasive cleaner like Ajax or Comet. However, if you do use an abrasive cleaner, we recommend periodically cleaning the entire surface in a circular motion to maintain uniformity.

SPILLS AND STAINS

Most everyday spills can be removed with the cleaning techniques listed. Some stains, however, such as food dye, tea, and fruit drinks, may require a bit more aggressive cleaning. These common stains can be removed with full-strength bleach, followed by a general cleanser. Bleach should only come in contact with the surface for 2 to 5 minutes and be sure to rinse your surface with plenty of clean water afterward. On a matte finish, bleach can be avoided by scrubbing with an abrasive cleaner. Even nail polish can be removed from HI-MACS with nail polish remover or an abrasive cleanser. While HI-MACS will not burn, if a lighted cigarette should come in contact with your countertop, it could leave a nicotine stain or a scorch mark. Either of these can be removed by using an abrasive cleaner or buffing in a circular motion with a Scotch-Brite pad.

REPAIRING SCRATCHES

For removing superficial scratches, rub in a circular motion with a wet #7448 Scotch Brite buffing pad until the scratches are removed. Clean thoroughly with soap and water and let dry. Deep scratches can be removed by carefully sanding lightly with 120 grit sandpaper followed by 220 and 320-grit sandpaper. Then rub the surface with a wet #7448 Scotch Brite pad in a circular motion to restore the finish. For added protection, or if any additional luster is desired, after the surface is dry, apply a non-wax polish cleaner or other recommended surface dressing and wipe with a clean, dry cloth. Wipe dry using another clean cloth.

SEVERE DAMAGE

Should your HI-MACS sustain a deep gouge, fracture, crack, or any other severe damages, don’t fret. Chances are, a professional fabricator can repair your surface to look as good as the day it was installed.   LG HI MACS Care and Maintenance

Radianz Quartz

Everyday Care

On a routine basis, simply wipe the surface using a clean, soft cloth or sponge with a mild dish-soap diluted in warm water.

Polished Radianz has low porosity and, therefore, does not require the use of a surface sealant and is naturally resistant to surface staining from cooking oils, wine, coffee, etc. In most cases, a mild dish soap and water is enough to keep your Radianz looking clean. Afterward, thoroughly rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth or paper towels to prevent spotting. For best results, clean liquid spills and dried foods as soon as possible.

Stubborn Stains and Marks

Apply a non-abrasive household cleaner and rinse to remove residue. For dried liquids, foods and any harden marks, remove by gently scraping the

surface with a plastic putty knife or a non-abrasive Scotch-Brite pad and then use a damp cloth to lift any residual stains and marks.

NEVER use Methylene Chloride or cleaners containing any alkaline materials.

NOTE: Scraping by a metal blade on the surface will abrade and leave a gray mark on the surface.

Radianz Quartz Care and Maintenance

Staron Solid Surface

Everyday Care

General cleaning of your Staron and Tempest solid surfaces can be done by wiping the surface with a damp cloth or sponge, then dry with a soft cloth or paper towel to prevent the appearance of hard water stain marks.

Basic Stains

Clean with an ammonia-based product such as household glass cleaner or commercially available non-abrasive spray-on cleaners for solid surface products.
Wipe dry with a soft cloth or paper towels to prevent spotting.

Stubborn Stains and Minor Scratches

There are over 70 colors available in Staron and Tempest products and each color can be supplied with a different type of finish by a Staron certified fabricator/installer. Dark colors in countertop surfaces and particularly dark colors that have been finished to a gloss, like anything else, will potentially show signs of use, such as scratches and soap residue, more readily than light-colored solid surface materials.
Therefore, a gloss finish generally requires additional maintenance and care to retain its original luster. Different cleaning techniques are required to remove stubborn stains and minor scratches depending on the type of finish and color as detailed in the following instructions (Note: please contact your certified fabricator/installer if you are uncertain which type of finish is applied to your Staron solid surfaces). DO NOT attempt to repair deep scratches, chips or burns, contact a certified Staron fabricator/installer.

 

Staron Solid Surfaces

Vietera Quartz

Viatera is resistant to most stains including wine, lemon juice, tea, coffee, and fruits and vegetables. Normal cleaning only requires the use of a damp cloth and a mild household detergent. For best results, clean spills as soon as possible.

STAINS & SPILLS

While Viatera is stain-resistant, some stains might be more difficult to remove than others. For tough stains, mild non-abrasive cleansers are a good solution to restoring your surface’s original appearance.

– For dried spills, a non-abrasive scrub pad can be used. Rinse thoroughly and wipe with a damp cloth to remove all residue.

– For tough spots made by substances such as paint, gum, grease, or food, carefully use a razor blade to scrape away the residue prior to cleaning. The scraping may leave a grey metal mark on the surface and can easily be cleaned off using a recommended cleanser and non-abrasive pad. Buff with a damp cloth.

– For stubborn spots or stains, apply a pad of soaked paper towels and approved cleanser to the area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. After proceed with necessary cleaning methods and buffing.

DARK COLORS AND HONED FINISHES
Honed finishes require more frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance. Metal marks, fingerprints, and other signs of daily wear will be more apparent. The removal of visible marks such as these can be easily performed using a non-abrasive pad and any of the recommended cleaning products listed on this page.

Under ordinary use, dark colors will show dirt, dust, rubs, fingerprints, and watermarks more readily than lighter-colored surfaces. Naturally, these colors will require more maintenance and upkeep to maintain their appearance.

VIATERA IS NOT INDESTRUCTIBLE!

Viatera is one of the toughest countertop surfaces available, but there are a few things that can damage it. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or solvents, especially those containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride, found in car batteries, furniture strippers, oven cleaners, as well as products containing bleach. These substances can cause permanent discoloration and surface damage. In the event, any of these agents come in contact with the surface, wipe immediately, rinse with water, and then clean with vinegar-based cleaner. If stain persists, contact the supplier/installer of your Viatera surface.

Do not use abrasive and/or alkaline cleaning products, such as 3M Scotch Brite green scrub pads or similar products, as they can dull the surface. When trying a new cleaning product, it is recommended that you always try the cleaner first on an inconspicuous area.

Excessive/prolonged heat can damage your Viatera surface — always use a trivet between the countertop and any hot pan or heat source. While Viatera is scratch-resistant, materials harder than quartz can scratch it. For example, the bottom of some ceramic dishes may be abrasive enough to inflict minor damage to the surface. Also, be aware that Viatera can be chipped or cracked if it is heavily impacted.

THE FOLLOWING ARE RECOMMENDED BLEACH-FREE, NON-ABRASIVE COMMERCIAL CLEANERS FOR THE ROUTINE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR VIATERA QUARTZ SURFACE:

– Simple Green® lime-scale remover
– Vinegar cleaner (diluted)
– Bar Keeper’s Friend®
– Formula 409® Glass and Surface Cleaner
– Lysol®
– Greased Lightning®

 

Vietera Care and Maintenance

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