Granite is an extremely hard-wearing material that will give many years of service; simple maintenance will ensure it keeps looking as good as new. Clean using warm soapy water and rinse with clean warm water. For a real shine, follow this with sparing amounts of ‘Classic Hard Surface Cleaner & Polish’ or ‘New Formula Pledge’.
Although cutting food can be undertaken on granite surfaces without the risk of scratching, the use of a chopping board is strongly advised (knives will blunt very quickly). Granite was formed under intense heat and pressure, so it is possible to place hot plans directly onto the surface without the risk of damage, although the use of pan stands is recommended.
Granite from a reputable source is likely to be sealed in order to protect the stone from any liquid damaging the surface. However, it is recommend that hot fats, vinegar and oils, if spilled, should not be left on the surface for any prolonged period of time, as this can make removal more difficult and, on very rare occasions stain. Acidic liquids, such as lemon juice and vinegar, if left on the surface, can leave behind slighter lighter patches or rings but this is only really noticeable on some of the darker granites due to their reflective qualities. Stubborn marks, such as water scale, can be removed by lightly rubbing with a medium grade wire wool or carefully with a clean Stanley blade.
In summary, prevention is better than cure, as granite is hard-wearing but not indestructible.
Silestone Care & Maintenance www.silestone.com
Silestone is composed of natural materials and, as a result, is subject to slight variances in colour, shade and particle structure. To care for your Silestone, simply wipe the surface regularly with warm soapy water. To remove difficult spills, apply a common mild household cleaner and for stains that harden as they dry, such as food and gum, remove by gently scraping off the surface using a blade or putty knife, then clean using warm water and soap.
Silestone is extremely resistant to scratching and heat and can withstand moderately high temperatures for brief periods of time without being damaged. Although Silestone is more heat resistant than any other stone surface, all stone can be damaged by sudden and extreme temperature change, especially near edges. For this reason, the use of a cutting board when using knives and a trivet for hot pans is recommended to protect the Silestone from scratching and extreme heat.
Silestone surfaces should not be subjected to strong chemicals and/or solvents. Items to avoid include nail polish remover, bleach, permanent markers or inks, oil soaps, furniture polish and paint stripers that contain trichloroethylene or methylene chloride. Equally, Silestone surfaces should not be exposed to chemicals with high alkaline/pH levels, such as oven cleaners.
CaesarStone Care & Maintenance www.caesarstone.com
CaesarStone is a quartz surface with stain, crack, scratch and chemical resistance which is non-absorbent and has heat-resistant properties. Its hard, non-porous surface requires no sealing to renew the luster. Although a highly scratch-resistant surface, sharp objects such as knives should not be used directly but on a board instead.
To clean CaesarStone, warm water with a mild detergent or quality spray and wipe type cleaner is recommended, whilst for stains, the use of a non-abrasive soft soap, along with a non-scratch or delicate scrub pad, and a rinse with clean water to remove residue, should suffice. To remove adhered material such as food and gum, first scrape away excess material with a plastic putty knife and then use a damp cloth to remove any marks or residual dirt. For extra-stubborn stains, a non-scratch Scotch-Brite type pad is recommended, along with a non-abrasive cleaner.
CaesarStone is more heat resistant than other stone surfaces, including most granite, marble and limestone, and is not affected by temperatures lower than 150°C (300°F), although, like all stone material, it can be damaged by sudden and rapid temperature changes. Therefore, it is recommended that hot pans should not be placed directly onto the surface but on a hot pad or trivet instead.
CaesarStone can be permanently damaged if exposed to strong chemicals and solvents (ie products that contain trichloroethylene or methylene chloride, such as paint removers or strippers) that can damage its physical properties. The use of highly aggressive cleaning agents such as oven/grill cleaners and dishwasher polishing agents that have high alkaline/pH levels (pH 8 or higher) is not recommended. Products containing oils or powders may leave a residue and should be rinsed off thoroughly. Should the surface accidentally be exposed to any damaging products, it is best to immediately rinse the area with clean water to neutralise the effect.
Corian Care & Maintenance www.corian.com
Corian is composed of a unique blend of minerals and acrylic, creating a stone-hard surface which is extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures, staining, UV and most common chemicals. Impact marks and scratches can be easily removed, as it is repairable and renewable. Its non-porous surface prevents penetration of dirt and stains, which remain on the surface and can easily be removed with a Scotch-Brite type pad used with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Corian is exceptionally resistant to high temperatures. Substances such as alcohol,
coffee, tea, fruit, vegetables, ammonia (10%), bleach (5%), disinfectants, washing
soda, shoe polish, etc can usually be removed, with no effect on the surface, by
water and ordinary cleansing agents, abrasive powders or scouring pads. The same
procedure will even remove marks from cigarettes left burning on the surface. Spirit
can be used to wipe away stubborn cosmetics and nail varnish spills cleaned with
non-acetone nail varnish remover, always washing with water after treatment. However,
concentrated acids, chlorinated solvents, such as chloroform and ketones, found as
acetone in some brands of nail varnish and paint cleaners, can all affect appearance
after prolonged contact. If flushed with water promptly after exposure, most strong
reagents and specialised biochemical stains will show no effect.
Wood Care & Maintenance www.spekva.com
Refer to the manufacturer’s specific care and maintenance guidelines – some provide a maintenance kit of various grain sandpapers, polishing cushions and treatment oil or soap, however lacquer treated and laboratory stained worktops have specific guidelines.
Generally, for daily cleaning, a firmly wrung sponge or cloth with mild soap solution is sufficient with a wipe after cleaning. The use of strong detergents, scouring powders, concentrated soaps/detergents or soft soap is discouraged. The ‘water-drop’ test determines if a worktop requires treatment: sprinkle a few drops of water onto the worktop, if the water pearls the worktop is saturated but if the water is absorbed then it requires treatment. Surplus water from wet cloths, cups, glasses, vases, etc should not be allowed to remain on the worktop but dried immediately. More frequent maintenance is required close to hobs, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and above ovens
Steel wool or rough sandpaper should not be used on the surface - if polishing is necessary, the use of a very fine-grained sandpaper, minimum 180 grains or finer is recommended. Sandpaper can be used to minimise or remove scratches, dents and other minor defects. Oil and soap should be applied to provide an effective protection. When polishing the hardened surface, a smooth soft and dirt repelling surface will be achieved.
Do not place heat emitting household appliances, such as coffee machines, directly on a solid wooden worktop, instead place it on a heat resistant base to avoid discolouration, drying-out and cracks. Similarly, the use of protective mats is recommended to protect the worktop from hot, damp, wet or coloured objects and a chopping board should be used with sharp tools such as knives.