The solid surface material you’ve selected for your countertops is an investment that will give you many beautiful years of service. Proper care and maintenance will help preserve your counter’s natural beauty for years to come. SolidSurface Designs has developed this post offering proper care, routine cleaning solutions and maintenance procedures for stain removal should it become necessary.
Care & Cleaning Procedures
Solid surfaces may be cleaned with warm water and mild soaps, such as those for hands and dishes. Non-abrasive household cleaners such as Fantastic and Formula 409 may also be used. Cleaning products containing bleaching agents should not be routinely used on solid surface. Large quantities of these agents and extended periods of exposure may cause discoloration. Abrasive cleaners (such as Comet and Bon Ami) should not be used on solid surface except for removing tough stains, minor scratches and burns.
While most everyday spills can be removed with soap and water, some troublesome spills and stains such as food dye, tea and fruit drinks may require more aggressive cleaning. These items can be removed using full strength bleach for two to five minutes, followed by soap and water.
Do not expose the surface to harsh chemicals, such as paint remover, turpentine, nail polish remover (acetone) or stove and drain cleansers. If these chemicals come in contact with the surface, immediately wash them off with water, using appropriate safety measures to avoid injury.
Do not place hot items directly on the surface. Hot pans and heat producing appliances (electric skillets, crock pots, coffee pots, etc.) must be placed on a trivet with legs. Take care with placing pots on cook top or stove burners, make sure the pot or pan is not overhanging onto the surface of the countertop.
Cutting boards should be used instead of cutting directly on the surface. While minor cuts and scratches can be repaired, care should be taken to prevent them in order to keep the surface’s original beauty.
Darker colors may show scratches more easily — felt pads or placemats should be used under ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch the surface.
Cleaning All Finishes
- Most Dirt and Residue: Use soapy water, rinse and wipe dry.
- Water Marks: Wipe with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
- Difficult Residue: Use a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner or bleach on residue, let sit for two to five minutes, wipe clean with soapy water then rinse and dry.
- Disinfecting: Occasionally wipe surface with dilute household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Rinse top thoroughly with water and wipe dry.
Sinks & Lavatories
- Cleaning: Follow procedures above or use a non-abrasive cleaner and a green Scotch Brite pad to remove residue. Gently rub the green Scotch Brite pad in a circular motion over the entire sink surface to blend in the finish.
- Disinfecting: Occasionally fill sink with diluted household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Let stand for fifteen minutes, wipe sides and bottom as solution drains. Rinse sink with water.
Refurbishing Finished Gloss Level
- Matte (factory finish): Rub entire surface with a wet maroon Scotch Brite pad, using a circular motion. Rinse surface with water and wipe dry.
- Semi-Gloss: Contact us for professional refurbishing.
- High-Gloss: Contact us for professional refurbishing.
Removing Minor Cuts & Scratches
Not recommended for dark colors.
- Matte Finish: Sand with 220-grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Use small circular motions until the scratch is gone. Blend finish with a non-abrasive cleanser and a maroon Scotch Brite pad.
- Semi-Gloss Finish: Sand with 600-grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Use small circular motions until the scratch is gone. Blend finish with a non-abrasive cleanser and a white Scotch Brite pad.
- High-Gloss Finish: Specialized tooling is required to achieve a high-gloss finish. Please contact us for assistance. Maintenance is limited to cleaning with mild dish detergents or non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth.