Archives for July 2021

How to Make Solid Surface Countertops Sparkle

How to Make Solid Surface Countertops Sparkle

Solid surface countertops are easy to clean and manage. However, there is a specific process you need to follow to keep them easy to manage. But how do you keep solid surface countertops looking good?

To keep them shiny, you must use an ammonia-based household clearer. Other types of cleaners will leave behind residue, which makes them look cloudy. So stick to something similar to your glass cleaner.

This article will detail a detailed step-by-step process to keep your solid surface countertops streak-free. By the end of this article, you’ll have a defined cleaning process for your counters.

Step-by-Step on Cleaning Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface counters can be simple, provided that you follow these three steps.

  1. Use either an ammonia-based household cleaner or regular soapy water
  2. Use a microfiber cloth to run the cleaner along the surface
  3. Use a second microfiber cloth and rinse the surface with clean water

The third step is what trips people up. Why use a second microfiber cloth when cleaning countertops?

You use a second cloth because it removes the chemicals from the surface. The second cloth prevents any lingering chemicals from leaving stains. It also provides for better food safety.  

Why is Soapy Water Also Good for Solid Surface Countertops?

Soapy water, which is just a mix of a squirt of dish soap and water, is a good substitute. Why? Because dish soap doesn’t have any potent chemicals.

While you still want to remove all the soapy water with a second towel through rinsing, there’s less harm in getting sick. Food safety should be a high priority when you are cleaning spaces for food prep.

Why Cleaning in “Tiny Circles” is the Best Way To Clean

You’ve probably seen employees at a restaurant or your mom clean in tiny circles. You might think this is needless, but it’s the only way to clean your food surfaces.

Why?

Because wiping in a circular motion allows you to double-tap on areas you may have missed. It runs through the same spot multiple times, allowing you to put more detail into the process.

Cleaning in circles won’t help if you aren’t keeping your microfiber cloth clean. So every few feet, flip the surface of the microfiber cloth to use the clean side. For larger surfaces, consider the use of multiple rags.

Do not take a dirty rag to a clean surface. Filthy rags will cause chemicals from other spaces to land on your counters. Dirty rags are great for creating environments that are the opposite of clean.

Final Thoughts – The Last Cleaning Tip

If you want to keep your solid surface countertops clean, you need to remember this last tip:

Clean a mess before it has a chance to sit.

The biggest mistake homeowners make with any surface is to let that mess sit. But if you clean it up before it has a chance to dry on, you won’t have to be as diligent with your cleaning later.

To get solid surface countertops worthy of your detailed cleaning practice, contact Solid Surface Canada to get long-lasting counters that are easy to clean.

Best Brands of Solid Surface Countertops

Best Brands of Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are an excellent addition to both kitchens and bathrooms. They are easy to install, cheap to maintain, and simple to clean. But who are the best brands of solid surface countertops?

Below, we will dig into five of those top brands, informing you of their specialty.  

#1: Avonite

Avonite is an all-purpose brand that is excellent at mimicking glass, concrete, and metal. They are great if you want to get a solid surface countertop that pretends to be something else. 

All Avonite products are resistant to stains, scratches, and higher temperatures.

#2: Corian

Corian is often used interchangeably with solid surface due to its easy brand recognition.  Corian excels at easy shaping, making them very suitable for unique needs. 

DuPont is the creator behind Corian, lending to its unique features through transparent business practices. Corian is one of the best products of solid surface countertops as a result. 

#3: Formica 

Formica is another easily recognizable brand, but it is best known for its speckled appearance. However, Formica isn’t just a brand known to be “solid surface with sprinkles” Instead, it is known for seamless designs. 

Formica has an impressive line-up of designs for people from all walks. Whether you prefer solid covers of a unique appearance, Formica is an excellent selection.

#4: Hanex 

Hanex is a company known for two things: being easy to work with and flexible. It is one of the few companies known for having over 70 varieties of colors and patterns. That puts them on par with some of the better-known manufacturers. 

Hanex’s design is also known for being easily cut during fabrication. That means quick production and turnaround times. Still, it is sturdy enough to withstand heat and stains.

#5: Wilsonart

Wilsonart solid surface countertops are unique in their construction. These countertops are built so that they aren’t affected by UV lights, allowing them to keep their color. 

They are also known for having tight seams, keeping water and food from bunching in. Wilsonart countertops are easy to take care of and are great at duplicating a granite appearance. 

#6: Staron

Staron Solid Surfaces are known for being incredibly sturdy. They are also NSF compliant, meaning they are suitable for commercial food use. 

Staron also has a selection of about 70 patterns, with an entire series of colors for recycled materials. They also offer sinks and bathroom bowls that blend with their countertops.

#7: Meganite

Meganite offers acrylic solid surface options, known for producing everything from countertops to commercial spaces. Their countertops are also incredibly easy to manage and clean, explaining why they are used in healthcare. 

Meganite is also known to be easy to repair. However, it isn’t known for offering as many options. Still, those options are beautiful and simple.

Final Thoughts

Solid surface countertops can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, you’ll find yourself appreciating it more if you buy from a brand that appeals to you. 

Whether you are looking for flexibility, sturdiness, or something easy to clean, solid surface countertops cover all of these. To help find the right brand for you, reach out to Solid Surface Canada for your needs.