May 21, 2020 By

5 Ways to Care for Your Solid Surface Countertop

solid surface corianYour solid surface countertops have longevity and durability when properly cared for and maintained. A solid surface Corian or HiMacs material are easy to clean and repair. Compared to other materials, they require relatively little maintenance. Follow these simple cleaning tips to keep your solid surface countertop free from mold, bacteria, viruses, and grime.

Use the Right Cleaning Solutions

You want to avoid abrasive cleaners when cleaning your countertop. The cleaning techniques greatly matters on the type of finish. Do you have matte, high-gloss, or semi-gloss? Depending on the type of finish you have, choose the right cleaning solution for your solid surface Corian countertop.

In most cases soap and water will remove most dirt and grime. Then follow up with an ammonia-based cleaner. If you have a strong stain that will not let up, you can use a more abrasive cleaner. Always follow the instructions when using strong cleaners and be sure to air out the space.

Cleaning the Counter

You want to cover the entire surface with the soap and water or cleaning solutions. Use a soft damp cloth when cleaning. Follow the instructions of the cleaning solution then wipe away all moisture after finishing. Some stain may need to soak for a period of time before the dirt will wash away. Prevent residue by drying the surface thoroughly.

What to Avoid

Don’t use acidic drain cleaners, oven cleaners, or toilet cleaners when cleaning your solid surface countertop. You may irreparably damage the surface with these cleaners. If you have a difficult stain, most of the time a damp cloth with a little bit of more abrasive cleanser will help remove the stain. For pen marks or permanent marker, you can use a Scoth-Brite pad with cleanser.

Furniture Polish

Add some extra shine with furniture polish. You can use furniture polish on dark-colored solid surface countertops. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your countertop. Look for a food-safe polish if you plan on using the countertop for food preparation.

Countertop Repair and Replacement

Sometimes your countertop needs more than a simple polish and cleaning. Call the experts at Solid Surface Canada about repairing and replacing your old countertop. We pride ourselves on superior workmanship. Call our friendly staff today. We will be happy to answer any of your countertop questions. We cover a wide range of brands including Corian, Formica, Avonite, Hanex, and many other brands. Contact us today.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,
April 20, 2020 By

The Ins and Outs of Disinfecting Your Kitchen

laminate-countertopsYour kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook, entertain, and feed your family. Keeping your family safe and clean from bacteria and viruses keeps your family healthy and safe. Whether you have solid surface, marble, or laminate countertops, find out right now how you can keep your kitchen germ-free.

Clean Your Kitchen Daily

This may go without saying, but you need to clean your kitchen daily. If you have porous surfaces, you need to watch for growth of bacteria, mold, and viruses more vigilantly. Non-porous materials like laminate countertops require less maintenance.

Clean regularly with disinfectant wipes. Some materials need just a soft towel and regular soap. Because viruses and bacteria may stay on surface for hours or even days, regular cleaning will ensure that you eliminate germs from your home.

Here is a simple breakdown of recommended cleaners for each type of countertop. Be sure to print this list and keep it in your kitchen for easy reference:

  • Solid Surface: Clean the solid surface countertop using a gentle microfiber cloth. Wipe the countertop each day. For stains, avoid harsh cleaners. Instead use mild dish soap with fresh water. Avoid water spots by using a towel to dry any moisture. You can also use glass cleaner or ammonia on solid surface countertops.
  • Laminate: Use dish soap and water. Use a microfiber cloth or clean soft cloth. Wipe down the counter daily. Rinse the cloth in fresh water.
  • Quartz: Wipe down each day. Use washcloth dipped in soapy warm water. Rinse in clean water. Wipe away any soap.
  • Marble: Use a marble cleaner. If you do not have marble cleaner, then use a non-abrasive dish soap. Use warm water in a spray bottle. Cover the marble with water and scrub very, very gently. Wipe any water with a soft cloth until all water is wiped up.
  • Corian Countertops: Use an ammonia based cleaner. Do not use window cleaner. Clean with a damp cloth. Use a circular motion.

How to Disinfect Your Kitchen

Bleach works great on almost all surfaces. Bleach works well on quartz. However, your laminate, Formica, and older vintage countertops might be damaged by bleach. If you combine diluted bleach with 70% isopropyl alcohol, most viruses and bacteria will be eliminated, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Should I Use Vinegar?

While vinegar does clean to some extent, vinegar will not eliminate viruses and bacteria. If you are looking to disinfect your kitchen, opt for disinfectant wipes, bleach, and similar cleaning products.

Wash Your Hands

Don’t forget to wash your hands after cleaning and disinfecting your kitchen. You can use disposable gloves if you want. However, regular soap and water will do.

Other Cleaning Tips

Here is a short list of other ways you can disinfect your kitchen. Eliminate bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

  • Disinfect nonporous food containers like glass and metal with disinfectant wipes
  • Move foods to clean containers
  • Run dishwasher on sanitizing setting
  • Leave newly bought packages out of the way for a few days before use
  • Rinse all produce
  • Always wash your hands, especially before serving food or when doing food prep and cooking
  • Encourage family members to wash their hands
  • Keep clean towels in the kitchen for hand use
  • Disinfect any utensils or cutting boards that come into contact with raw meat or raw eggs
  • Replace outdated cutting boards

Contact the Counter Experts at Solid Surface Canada

Ready to replace or refurbish your outdated countertop? Trust the experienced experts at Solid Surface Canada. We pride ourselves on the best customer service in Toronto. Solid Surface Canada has the widest selection of countertops, custom store fixtures, custom cabinetry, kitchens, dental cabinets, and so much more. Call us today. We are ready

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: , , ,
March 20, 2020 By

How to Care for Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops

solid-surface-countersKeep your solid surfaces clean and pristine for years to come with these simple maintenance tips from our experts. Prevent damage and scratching of your solid surface countertops. Enjoy beautiful counters for years to come.

Solid Surface Basics

Many counters have relatively low maintenance. Solid surface counters are non-porous and simple to clean. The “synthetic” stone surface will last for many years with proper care. Because the countertops are seamless, unlike laminate counters, you don’t have to worry about bacteria and grime in gaps and cracks like porous materials.

Cleaning your countertop involves a few simple steps:

  • Clear off any pots, pans, and objects
  • Dampen a microfiber cloth
  • Use mild dish soap and water or an ammonia-based glass cleaner
  • Wipe down the surface gently
  • Towel dry any moisture
  • Air dry

How can you remove difficult stains from your countertop? Use a mildly abrasive cleaner to remove any stains. You can use baking soda and water to remove stains from matte finishes. Some commercial solid surface cleaning sprays can be bought at the local grocery.

Maintenance

Once you have cleaner your countertop, keep the surface clean with a little basic maintenance. Prevent stains by keeping hot objects and strong chemicals away from your counter. Use a potholder to protect the surface from hot dishes and pots.

Always use a cutting board. A knife can easily scratch the surface permanently. Avoid dropping heavy items on the countertop. If you have permanent damage to your countertop or are ready for an upgrade, you can easily replace the counter affordably.

Counter Repair and Replacement

If your counter needs replacement, call the experts at Solid Surface Canada. We provide high-quality workmanship for every budget. Whether you need a full upgrade or want to schedule a consultation about your needs, our friendly staff will happily answer all of your questions. We provide the best solid surface products in Canada.

We provide quality products for both residential and commercial clients. Solid Surface Canada carries a number of popular brands like Corian, Formica, Meganite, and Staron. Talk with our experts today about your project’s needs.

 

 

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: , ,
February 1, 2020 By

25 Minimalist Countertop Ideas for 2020

countertopsWhether you own a home, have a small business or run a large restaurant chain, you make a first impression the minute someone walks through your door. The right countertops make a statement about your home or business. You want surfaces that emphasize both elegance and functionality, as well as your individual taste. Explore this year’s trending Minimalist design ideas.

Breaking Down Minimalist Design

When we discuss minimalism in interior design, we refer to the old axiom “less is more”. In minimalist design clean simplicity and elegance have priority over the superfluous. In other words, clean countertops in muted colors, neutral tones, and clean lines demonstrate elegance and order. A commercial retail space, office, or home that emphasizes simplicity denotes professionalism and class.

Top Trending Design Ideas

When selecting the right materials for your minimalist design, you can choose from a wide variety of countertop options. Enjoy a great array of colors and styles. Here are the most popular minimalist ideas:

  1. Solid surface neutral tone countertops contrasted with dark cabinets and fixtures
  2. Custom task lighting to maximize utility and elegance
  3. Metallic fixtures in mixed styles
  4. Monochromatic palette in matte charcoal, marble, and white
  5. Accent with natural materials, woods, and unique organic designs
  6. Install a statement chandelier
  7. Leave spaces blank or simply add sparse vases in dark colors to surfaces
  8. Add beautiful geometric art prints
  9. Place lovely vases of lush greenery strategically around the space
  10. Install colorful toe-kick lights or under cabinet lighting for extra elegance
  11. Carefully select which items to display in your home
  12. Avoid cluttering counters and shelving
  13. Coordinate the flow and layout of your space
  14. Choose antique glass materials
  15. Contrast neutral walls and flooring with bold bright countertop colors
  16. Curved and organically shaped counters
  17. Ergonomic design in opal
  18. Simple lines and geometric
  19. Avoid harsh patterns
  20. Use recycled materials
  21. Install stainless steel fixtures
  22. Include hidden storage to reduce mess
  23. Make stunning statements with unique custom shapes
  24. Tastefully combine glass displays with elegant lighting
  25. Always have the guest experience in mind

As you can see, there are countless ways to create an elegant clean minimalist look in your home or business. The minimalist style has the advantage of being easy to maintain and to perpetually looking classy. Unlike other styles like Boho, maximalist, or shabby chic, this clean design is timeless. Combine this style with an industrial look or Scandinavian furniture for a twist.

The Premier Design Professionals

Contact the seasoned design professionals at Solid Surface Canada today. Our friendly staff will happily answer any of your questions. We work with any project, large or small. We pride ourselves on superior artistry and craftsmanship. Call us today.

 

 

Filed Under: blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
October 26, 2016 By

Solid Surface Countertop Brands

When you’re deciding on solid surface countertops, you may be surprised to see the wide variety of brands available.  Different companies offer their own unique solid surface styles, each with their own selection of colors, finishes and other options.  It can be a bit overwhelming for the first-time buyer, but each brand offers its own strengths and weaknesses.

DuPont Corian

Solid surfaces were invented by DuPont in 1967, and its Corian brand was, for many years, the only brand available, until their patent ran out and competitors can enter the market.  The original solid surface is still a very solid choice.  It comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, and is still the leading brand in the industry.  Corian is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry, and has a proven track record of durability—it’s still the gold standard among solid surface brands.

Wilsonart

Wilsonart is best known for its laminate countertops, but they’ve been involved in the solid surface industry for over a decade and make some fine options.  Their main selling point is their variety; Wilsonart offers more than 80 colors and patterns to choose from.  They used to have quality control issues, offering a “solid surface veneer” that cracked and shattered, but their current offerings are much better in quality and definitely worth considering.

Samsung Staron

When you think “Samsung”, you think televisions and mobile devices, not countertops.  However, Samsung’s Staron brand is one of the more attractive solid surfaces available on the market.  Their Tempest line of semi-translucent metallic finishes has them stand out from the pack; they’re not like any other brand on the market today.  Their more traditional offerings promise to give you Corian-style quality at cheaper prices.

Avonite

Avonite offers both polyester-based and acrylic-based solid surfaces, and pioneered a new technology allowing them to create incredibly long sheets of acrylics.  While you’re likely not in the market for a 300-foot kitchen counter, it goes to show you that they’re an innovative and established company.  With both the polyester and acrylic options, Avonite gives customers the widest range of budget choices, as polyester-based solid surfaces generally are cheaper than their acrylic-based counterparts.  That doesn’t mean they’re of lesser quality, however; polyester tends to stand up against harsh chemicals better and can achieve a higher polish.

Formica

Like Wilsonart, Formica is better known for its laminate countertops, to the point where “Formica” is often used as the generic term for laminate.  However, they’ve been transitioning into the world of solid surface, and have come out with some exciting colors and styles in recent years, and are a rapidly-growing name in the solid surface world.

There are many other brands available, with Hanex and LG HI-MACS getting their fair share of use, as well.  Ultimately, the choice for best surface to use will depend on your precise requirements.  An expert solid surface professional can help make sure you’re making the right choice for your home.

Filed Under: blog, solid surface countertops Tagged With: , , , , ,
October 26, 2016 By

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.

Filed Under: blog, solid surface countertops Tagged With:
« Previous Page