Want your countertops to last a lifetime and still look good for years to come? First and foremost, we highly recommend that you read and follow your countertop manufacturer guidelines on how to care for and maintain your countertops. Solid surface countertops are extremely durable, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t treat them with care!
If you’re looking for some quick and easy tips to protect your countertop from damage and break those bad habits of yours, keep on reading.
1. Protect your countertops against heat:
Do you start your morning routine by cooking dinner in your Crock-Pot so that when you come home from work it’s ready to eat? For 8 hours straight, while your marinated, pulled pork is cooking in that hot-pot on your solid surface countertop, you’re probably not thinking about the damage this may be causing to your countertops.
Well, we have news for you, direct exposure to heat can often lead to cracks or burns on solid surface countertops, and although solid surface countertops endure heat better than most surfaces, it can only do so to a certain degree.
Helpful tips to protect your countertops against heat:
- Always use trivets, particularly with legs, or pads under heat-generating appliances
- Never place hot pots or pans directly on the countertop; let them cool down first
- In the bathroom, place your curling iron or flat iron in a heat-proof pouch or on a stand (never directly on the countertop)
- Never place steam irons directly on the countertop
2. Clean the surface with simple cleaners:
Get in the habit of cleaning your countertops regularly to keep your solid surface countertops looking fresh. If you spill something on your countertop, clean it up right away! Don’t allow liquid to sit there too long as it may cause discoloration and become difficult to remove later on.
To clean your countertop, we suggest the following:
- A simple dishwashing detergent soap or ammonia-based cleaner
- Warm water
- A little elbow grease!
These should do the trick! If the stains are stubborn, use a Soft-Scrub pad in circular motions to remove dirt and grime. Stay away from window cleaners, as these tend to leave streaks or a waxy build-up on countertops.
3. Use a cutting board:
Don’t want scratches on your countertop? This is the reason why cutting boards exists! We know how easy it is to cut directly on the countertop without thinking of the damages. But if you continue this bad habit every day, you’ll be left with scratched countertops for the long run.
Why it’s important to use your cutting board instead of your countertops:
- You’ll extend the life of your countertops
- Cutting boards prevent damages, such as scratches, nicks and gouges
- Cutting boards prevent dull appearances on the surfaces of your countertops
We hope you find these important care and maintenance tips helpful and encourage you to use these tips on a daily basis. If you get in the habit now, your solid surface countertops will look good as new! Feel free to pass them along to your friends and family.
Author Bio: Surface Link (www.surfacelink.com) specializes in repairing, restoring and modifying countertops, and repairing and replacing sinks, in commercial and residential settings throughout the United States and Canada. Since 1997, Surface Link Certified Technicians have been professionally trained to work exclusively on installing new sinks and repairing Corian, Solid Surface, Quartz, Engineered Stone, Granite, and Natural Stone countertops. Currently, Surface Link is the Certified Warranty Inspection & Repair Service Agent for several manufacturers, such as DuPont Corian & Zodiaq, LG Hausys HI-MACS & Viatera, Formica Solid Surface, LivingStone, Caesarstone, & many more. Their goal is to help to restore your countertop back to its original condition. If you have cracks, burns, or scratches on your countertop and need a repair or a refinish, feel free to contact Surface Link for a free estimated quote over the phone.