Cabinetry and Counter Care – Countertop Cleaning Tips

• Cabinetry and Counter Care
• Countertop Cleaning Tips
• Sinks and Lavatories Cleaning
• Preventing Damage
• Granite Care

Countertop Cleaning Tips

Removing fine scratches or a blotchy appearance

You may notice that the surface of your countertop begins to look blotchy. Typically, this is caused by leaving hard water to dry on the surface which will leave a film of minerals. To remove this film: Pour some mild abrasive liquid cleanser, such as Soft Scrub®, on a damp sponge or cloth and rub over area using small circular motions, from the front to the back, then side to side, overlapping the circles until the entire area has been cleaned.

Removing minor cuts and scratches

Because the beauty of solid suraface goes all the way through the surfaces are renewable. You can remove minor cuts and scratches yourself by following these instructions:

• First, wash the area where the scratch is located, following the instructions found in this guide, to remove any film on the surface as this film may clog the abrasive pads. With this surface still wet, start rubbing with the Peach colored side of the cleaning pad. Use a light touch. Pressing too hard may actually leave deeper scratches. Rub over the scratch using a straight line motion. Periodically switch rubbing direction ninety degrees. Rinse pad periodically during this process to remove any built up residue. Be sure all of the scratch is removed.
• Clean top with water and dry thoroughly. Check to see if sanded area blends with rest of top. Please note that sanded area may not perfectly match remainder of top. If necessary, turn pad over and repeat process. Rub over large area to blend in sanding.
• If needed, continue the sanding process using the Aqua colored pad and if necessary, the Gray colored pad until the desired gloss level is achieved.
• Rinse out all pads used and allow them to air dry before putting them away.
• An alternative to your refinishing your countertop, is to contact your dealer to arrange for professional refinishing.

Most dirt and residue

Use soapy water, ammonia based cleaner (not window cleaner), rinse and wipe completely dry. Commercially available solid surface cleaners, such as Clean EnCounters® will also work well.

Preventing hard water marks

Rinse and wipe completely dry after cleaning; clean up spills before they dry.

Removing hard water marks

Use a cleaner formulated for removing hard water marks such as CLR or Lime-A-Way.

Difficult residue

Spray residue with Deep Cleaner for DuPont Corian® from Stone Care International. Follow instructions on the bottle. Wash area with soapy water, rinse and wipe completely dry. If residue persists, follow steps below for removing dulling film.

Disinfecting

Occasionally, wipe surface with diluted household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Rinse top thoroughly with water and wipe completely dry.

To enhance the gloss level on semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes, use a countertop polish such as Countertop Magic®, Hope’s Countertop Polish® or Enhance Countertop Polish®.