Everyday Cleaning...
Although liquids cannot penetrate solid surface materials, it is best to wipe up spills as they occur. Generally, a damp microfiber cloth used with a standard household kitchen spray, such as Cif or Mr. Muscle should remove most stains. Always clean using a circular motion.
Once or twice a week, give your sink a beauty treatment: Remove all the fat and oil residues of normal food preparation from the sink, using a detergent or a hard-surface cleaner.
Use a spray with 3/4 of liquid household bleach and 1/4 water to spray the sink and leave a few hours or overnight. The exposure time should be limited to 16hrs. In the morning, rinse or clean with a damp cloth.
The sink should then be beautifully clean, with very little effort.
Dealing with resistant strains...
Common household spills, such as vinegar, coffee, tea, lemon juice, dyes, ketchup, red wine or vegetable spills: Refer to the table in our use and care guidelines on specific stains.
Hard water can be a problem in many areas, and can build up over time. If you live in a hard water area, and are experiencing problems with stain removal, apply “Viakal” gel over the area, leave for 2-4 minutes, then remove with a damp microfiber cloth. Using a second clean microfiber cloth, rinse the area thoroughly with water.
Use a damp microfiber cloth and a mild abrasive cleaning product (e.g. Barkeeper’s Friend...).
Heat marks & scorching...
Always use a heat protection pad, trivet (with rubber feet) or protective sink mat for hot cookware, or leave cookware to cool on the hob first. Never put hot pans, particularly cast iron, directly on a solid surafce wortop or into a sink. Such heat can damage any surface.
Pouring boiling liquids directly into sinks without turning on the cold tap may damage your surface. Always use the correct size pan on the burner and place it centrally. An overhanging pan scorches surrounding surfaces.
Scratches...
Like all materials solid surface applications will develop slight abrasion marks in normal daily use.
Never cut or chop directly on to your tops- it will score the work surface! Use a chopping board instead.Dark, heavily pigmented colours will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily than lighter, textured colours.
Common household spills, such as vinegar, coffee, tea, lemon juice, dyes, ketchup, red wine or vegetable spills: Refer to the table in our use and care guidelines on specific stains.Hard water can be a problem in many areas, and can build up over time. If you live in a hard water area, and are experiencing problems with stain removal, apply “Viakal” gel over the area, leave for 2-4 minutes, then remove with a damp microfiber cloth. Using a second clean microfiber cloth, rinse the area thoroughly with water.Use a damp microfiber cloth and a mild abrasive cleaning product (e.g. Barkeeper’s Friend...).
Chemical Spillages...
Accidental spills of strong chemicals (e.g. paint stripper, brush cleaners, metal cleaners, oven cleaners, cleaners containing methylene chloride, acid drain cleaners, acetone based nail varnish removers etc.) should be flushed promptly with plenty of soapy water to avoid damaging worktops! For nail varnish spills, non-acetone based remover can be used, and then flushed with water. Undetected or prolonged exposure to chemicals may damage the surface.
Instant Boiling Water Taps....
A container should be used to collect boiling water at all times as boiling water from this type of tap may cause surface damage in and around the sink.
This type of damage is not covered by any warranties that are offered by the different brands of solid surfacing.
Whatever happens, do not despair!
Solid surface is inherently “renewable” because it is solid and homogeneous all the way through.
Most damage, including severe impact, heat or chemical damage, can usually be repaired on site to restore the original, smooth, hygienic solid surface integrity.
Contact us if you have an issue with your solid surfacing and we can provide a professional to resand or repair the work-surface.