Kitchen Care Tips: Clean & Maintain Kitchen Worktop

How to remove stains from Corian / Samsung / LG Solid Surface, Silestone / Compact / Caesar Stone Quartz. These guidelines are taken from the Signature Kitchen Handover Kit, which our Kitchen Planners give out to educate new kitchen cabinet owners the moment we finish our work.

The kitchen cabinets and table top materials below are from SIGNATURE KITCHEN.

Different countertop requires different cleaning methods. Soiling can easily be removed with little or no use of force and with conventional household cleaning agents. Treat surface with recommended polishing agents to improve resistance to signs of wear due to cleaning and scratches. Slight scratches can be removed in this matter.

a. High Pressure Laminate (HPL)

b. Solid Surfaces

c. Natural Quartz 

HPL made from decorative papers which are impregnated with melamine are consolidated over phenolic-impregnated craft papers at high temperature and pressure to form a laminate.

• Ensure that all cleaning materials are absolutely clean prior to use. Any mineral soiling remaining in the material, such as sand or dust particles, could result in scratching of the surface.
• Due to normal wear, tiny microscopic signs will appear. These marks are more or less noticeable depending on colour and amount of light coming into the area but are unavoidable long term as generally found all high gloss surfaces on cars, glasses or other furniture surfaces. The manufacturer accepts no liability for any signs of wear of this type. 
• Worktop should never be used as cutting surfaces because knives may leave marks. Use cutting board.
• Avoid sliding porcelain and crockery across the worktop as this could result in scratches. 
• Never allow liquids pool on worktops, especially on the joints. Wipe any liquid off immediately.
• Never place hot pots, pans, and other hot objects directly onto worktop without protection. 

Routine Care

• Worktop can be cleaned with conventional household cleaning agents. Follow with the use of a soft clean moist cotton cloth with clear water and wipe surface dry immediately.

The inherent qualities of the solid surface countertops ensure the ultimate in easy care and renewability. It's nonporous, solid composition makes it easy to live and work with for many years. 

Use soapy water or ammonia-based cleaner, (not window cleaner) on a sponge; rinse and wipe completely dry. 

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

Use a cleaner formulated for removing hard water marks. 

• Use an abrasive cleanser and a non-metallic pan scourer (green Scotch-Brite)
• Use diluted bleach and a non-metallic pan scourer (green Scotch-Brite)
• Follow procedure for semigloss, but use a sponge, or use white polishing compound.

Disinfecting

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

Enhance shine with non-abrasive polish. 

Silestone Quartz is a very tough, natural material with a unique combination of built-in Micro ban protection, making it is safe for areas where food preparation is done. 

The natural quartz in Silestone makes it the toughest interior surface available on the market. It resist scratching, staining and scorching better than any other natural stone or solid surface. Always avoid excessive force or pressure because thay may mar or chip the surface. Do not worry about spills from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar and makeup spills; just avoid harsh chemicals. Reminder: use trivets when placing any hot items to avoid thermal shock. 

• Clean the surface using mildhouse cleaners; make it a point to avoid harsh cleansers.

• Use a non-abrasive cleaning sponge or pad with a standard dish washing detergent (eg. CIF or Fairy brands) to remove any stubborn stains. However, avoid using excessive pressure or force.
• If a stain sets on the surface, soak the area for a short time to loosen stubborn particles, and then use a soft cloth to lift and remove the stain. 

Supplier Recommendations 

• Silestone recommends the use of Q FORCE or Q ACTION to maintain its worktop.
• For grease stains, apply a small amount of Q FORCE or Q ACTION on the stain and rub with a non-metallic pan scourer (such as Scotch-Brite) until the stain disappears. Rinse immediately with clean water. 
• For hard to remove stains sprinkle Q FORCE or Q ACTION over the affected area of Silestone, leave for 2 minutes then rub vigorously with a non-metallic pan scourer (such as Scotch-Brite). Then rinse with plenty of clean water. 

Loss of sheen

Silestone worktop is enhanced by the use of products (waxes, sprays, sealants, etc) designed to bring out its sheen, although these products lose their effect over time. To recover the original, mechanical sheen the product had when it left the factory you can use a multipurpose furniture spray suitable for use on worktops.