Cleaning a Solid Surface Countertop

Cleaning a solid surface countertop is quick and simple—an easy, stress-free task that can help extend the life of your countertops and keep them looking and feeling like new.

The first thing you’ll need to do is to remove any dirt or other standing residue.  This can be done with plain soapy water or a standard ammonia-based cleaner.  Be sure to rinse and wipe dry the counter after this step; it will help remove any loose particles from your countertops.

Hard water can leave unsightly marks on your countertops.  Help prevent them by wiping your surfaces dry, both after spills and after cleaning.  This prevents the hard water from sitting on your countertop, staining the surface.  If you do end up with hard water spots, however, ordinary vinegar can remove most of them without too much trouble.

For more stubborn stains, you can use a diluted mixture of water and bleach for cleaning, or denatured alcohol applied to a cotton cloth.  Avoid stronger, acidic products—using a toilet or oven cleaner on your solid surface countertop can cause damage, and are not recommended.  When you’re done cleaning, be sure to rinse with plain water and wipe dry.

To disinfect your countertops, a mixture of one part water and one part ordinary household bleach is recommended.  Again, rinse with clear water and wipe dry when you are finished.

Integrated solid-surface sinks can be cleaned in the same way as your countertops, or with standard liquid cleansers.  Make sure to rub over the entire sink to help blend in the finish.

The best way to keep your countertop clean, of course, is to avoid stains and damage in the first place.  Use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans, electronic cookware and anything else hot.  Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can discolor your countertops.

You should also avoid exposing your countertop to harsh chemicals.  Paint removers, oven cleaners and similar products can eat away at the surface of your countertop.  If you do accidentally spill some on your countertop, rinse immediately and thoroughly with cold water.

Do not cut items directly on your solid surface countertop, as that can scratch your surface.  Instead, use a cutting board.  Also ensure that you’re running your faucet if you dump boiling water down your solid surface sink; the extreme heat could cause discoloration.

One of the major benefits of solid surface is the fact that it’s a continuous pattern all the way through, rather than just on the top level of your countertop.  That means you can remove minor cuts and scratches with a simple wet abrasive sponge.  Simply rub it in a circular motion over the scratch or cut until the renewed area blends in with the surrounding surface.