Corian Countertop Maintenance

OVERVIEW on Kitchen Countertops:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen countertops is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen counter materials. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.

Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen countertop material make sure to think through its integration with your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and the backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinet. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant.

DETAILS on Corian Countertop Maintenance:

Routine Care: Routine daily care and maintenance of Corian® is easy. But, because cleaning practices differ around the world, please consult your local supplier of Corian® for specific recommended care and maintenance practices and products. Use the following procedures as a guide to everyday care for Corian® solid surfaces: There are three types of countertop finishes: matte, semigloss and gloss.* All Corian® sinks 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. Please contact your source for Corian® for more information. *If you are uncertain about what finish you have, call your source for Corian®

Preventing Heat and Other Damage
Although Corian® is quite resistant to heat, you should always use a hot pad or a trivet with rubber feet to protect Corian®. Hot pans, as well as some heat-generating appliances like frying pans or electric cooking pots, can damage the surface if a hot pad or trivet is not used. In most cases, Corian® can be repaired if it is accidentally damaged. However, be sure to follow these guidelines to prevent any permanent damage to Corian®. Avoid exposing Corian® to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. If contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water. Remove nail polish with a non-acetone-based polish remover and flush with water. Do not cut directly on Corian® countertops.

Removing Stains and Fixing Scratches or Burns
Nicks, scratches and cuts are inevitable with any high-use product, including Corian®. But because Corian® is solid all the way through, it is easy to renew to its original appearance as described below.

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 product such as a Scotch-Brite* pad. For heavier damage, light sanding may be necessary. The following steps should be followed:

1. Identify the extent of the damage and ascertain whether a minor repair will solve the problem. You may want to consult with your supplier of Corian®.
2. If the damage is minor, try to repair it with an abrasive cleanser or a product such as a Scotch-Brite* pad.
3. If the above step is unsuccessful, hand-sand with 400-grit wet and dry paper. To minimize dust, wet the surface before starting.
4. If this is unsuccessful, use an electric sander and heavier-grit paper. Always make provisions to control dust.
5. If this, too, is unsuccessful, you may need to consult a professional for other repair options. In this case, contact your supplier of Corian® for assistance. *Scotch-Brite is a trademark of the 3M Company.
   

Renewing Corian®
Nicks. Stains. Cuts. Scratches. While these can permanently mar most other surfaces, they won't compromise the appearance of Corian® solid surfaces. That's because it's easy to restore Corian® to its original state, using an ordinary abrasive cleanser and a cleansing pad such as a green Scotch-Brite* pad. And, if damage does occur, Corian® can be repaired on site, saving both downtime and aggravation.

GREEN Considerations:
When it comes to cleaning your countertop look for products that have ingredients that are not hazardous to humans or the earth. Many cleaners are now produced without phosphates, chorine, borates, phenol, ammonia, formaldehyde and nitrates Also look for cleaners that have low or zero volatile organic compounds, the chemicals that produce noxious toxins and air-pollution. Make your home the safest place in the world without sacrificing cleanliness. Finally, help save the environment by looking for concentrated cleaners so that we collectively reduce the shipping and transportation cost of moving heavier products that are pre-hydrated (just add water!). Overall, this new generation of concentrated, toxic-free, and biodegradable cleaning agents save the environment, you family's health, and your money.

Click here to see the range of top choices for environmentally friendly cleaners.