Tips & Trends
Your New Countertop

We hope you are happy and excited with your new countertop. To help protect the life long integrity of your countertop, here are few suggestions on how to properly care and maintain your purchase. If you would like a more detailed description on your countertop, please refer to the brand’s website. This information is meant to provide a general overview of some recommended daily cleaning techniques.

Solid Surface Countertops – Corian®, Staron®, Hi-Macs®, Avonite®, North Star Surfaces, etc.
The beauty of solid surface is the ability to renew it to back to the original finish. However, it is a product that does require daily maintenance to keep it looking like new. We recommend using soapy water, ammonia based cleaners or solid surface cleaners to remove dirt and residue. To help keep your new tops looking new it is always best to thoroughly rinse and completely dry your countertops. This will help remove any streaks or water marks.

It is important to know that darker colors require more cleaning to maintain a uniform finish. Darker colors if not maintained properly will tend to show fine scratches more than lighter colors.

Quartz Surface Countertops – Zodiaq®, Silestone®, LG Viatera®, Hanstone®, Caesarstone®, etc.
Your new quartz countertops combine superb durability with the look and feel of natural stone. For daily cleaning we recommend the use of a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, nonabrasive cleanser. Even though quartz surfaces are non-porous and stain resistant, it is best to wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible. For those stubborn or dried spills, try using a nonabrasive cleaning pad (the least abrasive pad is best – white when using a 3M Scotch-Brite® scrub pad) coupled with Formula 409® Glass & Surface Cleaner or a comparable cleaning product. Please avoid using any cleanser that contains bleach. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer's use instructions and exercise proper care when handling and storing any cleaning products.

To help keep your new tops looking new it is always best to thoroughly rinse and completely dry your countertops. This will help remove any streaks or water marks.

Granite Countertops
Because of the variety of natural stones available, daily maintenance and cleaning techniques may vary from one stone to the next. Here are some general guidelines to follow regardless of the color or type of stone.

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones.

If you would like to learn more about any natural stone related issues, please visit the industry expert – The Marble Institute: http://www.marble-institute.com/consumerresources/

For all products, we recommend you do not place hot items directly on the surface of your new countertop. Please use a trivet or hot pad.