Countertops Maintenance
Countertop Simple Principles To Apply
- Use a trivet or pad for setting down hot pots and pans.
- Most counters will chip or dent if they are hit with a heavy object, so try not to bang heavy pots or equipment on them.
- Do your chopping and dicing on a wooden or plastic chopping board, not the bare counter. Chopping boards prevent scratches and dents in the counter surface, which are unsightly and can harbor dangerous bacteria.
Laminate Countertops
Cleaning Tips
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 and baking soda; mixing to achieve a paste consistency. Use a stiff nylon bristle brush, gently scrubbing (approx. 15-20 strokes) the affected area. Do not scrub so as to mar (damage, scratch) the surface finish.
Stubborn stains that resist any of the above cleaning methods may require the use of undiluted household bleach or nail polish remover. Use a cotton ball saturated with bleach or nail polish remover (acetone), gently rub the stain for up to two minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry using a soft cloth. This step may be repeated if the stain appears to be going away and the color of the laminate has not been affected.
WARNING: Prolonged exposure of the laminate surface to bleach will cause discoloration. Always rinse laminate surfaces after cleaning! Failure to rinse after cleaning can cause damage; even if a small amount of cleaning solution remains on the surface. A dry residue may be invisible; however, moisture from cups or drinks can reactivate it, and result in permanently etched scars or stains over time.
A Few Notes of Caution
Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage laminate surfaces; do not use them. Drain cleaners containing lye will permanently damage the 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.
Solid Surface Countertops
- Recommended care and maintenance for solid surface counter tops varies by product. It is our recommendation to follow the steps recommended by each manufacturer. Please use the links below to connect to the care & maintenance information for your specific solid surface countertop.
Corian by DuPont
