Product Care

CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS

Cabinets

• Exterior cleaning requires only wiping with a damp cloth and then drying.

• Remove oil, grease or general soil using a clean cloth dampened with a fresh solution of mild soap and water. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry thoroughly.

• Avoid using harsh detergents, strong soap, abrasive cleaners, or self-polishing waxes. All of these items can remove the cabinets' factory-applied protective finish.

• Avoid using your dishcloth to clean or dry cabinet exteriors. It may contain remnants of detergents and grease.

• Treat your cabinets as you would fine furniture. Clean and wax exteriors occasionally (at least every six months). If you use a spray wax, spray the wax on a cloth, then wipe on cabinet.

• Excess moisture is an enemy of any finish. Immediately dry surfaces where water may have spilled using a clean cloth.

Ceramic tile counter tops

• Routine wiping with a clean sponge or cloth.

• or a heavily soiled, stained or mildewed counter tops; clean with a thick solution of scouring powder and hot water. Allow to set for five to ten minutes, scrub with a stiff bristled brush and rinse. Repeat if necessary.

• If the stain remains, apply household bleach. DO NOT use on colored grout. Rinse well and dry.

• For stained grout, the scour-paste mix may be left for five to six hours. Tough stains may require special treatment.

• Also see section on tile, grout, and caulking.

Laminate countertops (Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamiar)

• Wash with mild dishwashing liquid or powdered detergent and water using a soft cloth. Rinse with warm and dry with a soft cloth.

• For difficult spots, use an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner following instructions. Rinse and dry.

• For very stubborn spots, rub a soft brush with mild lava soap to create a lather. Gently rub the spot in a circular motion, pressing lightly. Rinse and dry. If the spot remains, use undiluted chlorine bleach, allowing it to remain on the spot no more than one minute. Rinse several times and dry.

• If laminate is in an area where only dusting is needed for maintenance, a non-oily furniture spray such as Favor or Pledge may be used. Be sure to clean spray off several times a year to avoid build-up. This may be done with ammoniated cleaners, such as Windex.

• Abrasive tools and cleaners will scratch the surface marring both the beauty and the stain resistance.

• A cutting board should be used for food preparation to avoid cutting and chipping.

• Delamination is when the surface edge becomes separated from the support material to which it is glued. To reglue, use a knife to scrape away dried glue from the support surface and the back of the laminate. Apply a contact adhesive evenly to both surfaces and allow to dry until shiny. Press laminate firmly and evenly down at all points. Allow to dry for 24 hours before exposing to water.

• Prolonged exposure to high heat can cause blistering and delamination. Do not set pots or dishes directly from oven or burner on an unprotected surface. Protect the surface from heat-producing appliances.

• The greatest cause of damage is failure to rinse after cleaning. Even a small amount of cleaning solution on a countertop will be reactivated chemically when a damp dish is set upon it. The chemicals act on the surface far longer than they should. The result could he a permanent scar.

• Water should not be allowed to stand on the surface for a prolonged period, as it could attack the glue lines and cause the support material to swell.

Silestone

• Any pH balanced general-purpose household cleaner may be used. Polished and honed Silestone surfaces should be wiped or scrubbed with a general cleaner (e.g. dish soap, Windex), and rinsed with clean water. Textured surfaces should be cleaned with a vacuum to remove dry particles from the valleys in the surface. A stiff brush may then be used to remove remaining residue followed by a thorough rinsing. A wet vac may also be used for this process.

• When necessary you may use the following chemicals and products to remove stains: Rubbing alcohol, ammonia, vinegar, formula 409. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on use and storing. Difficult spots may be treated with one of the above cleaners. Let sit for up to 10 minutes. Scrub and rinse thoroughly.

• Products containing oils or powders may leave a residue.

• Repetitive use of abrasive scrubs/cleaners may dull the finish.

• Do not use oven/grill cleaner, as it will discolor the surface.

• Repetitive exposure to extreme heat may damage the finish.

Corian countertops

• There are three types of finishes: matte, semi gloss and gloss. All sinks and bowls have the matte finish. Soapy water or ammonia-based cleaners will remove most dirt and stains from all types of finishes. However slightly different techniques must be used to remove difficult stains depending on the finish. Use our Customer links page to visit the Corian website for additional information.

• To prevent heat damage, always use a hot pad or trivet with rubber feet to protect the surface.

• Avoid exposing to strong chemicals such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. if contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water.

• Do not cut directly on Corian.

• Run cold water when pouring boiling water into sinks.

• Minor damage including scratches, general or chemical stains, scorches or burns, and minor impact marks, can be repaired on site with a light abrasive cleanser and a Scotch Brite* pad.