The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Solid Surface Countertops

Hey there! If you‘re reading this, you likely have beautiful solid surface countertops in your home that you want to keep looking pristine. As a home renovation expert who has installed and cared for many solid surface countertops over my career, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you clean and care for your counters so they always look their best!

What Exactly Are Solid Surface Countertops?

Solid surface countertops are made from an acrylic-based resin that is mixed with minerals and pigments. The result is a completely non-porous, seamless countertop that has the look and feel of natural stone, but is resistant to stains, scratches and heat damage.

The most popular brand of solid surface is Corian, first introduced by DuPont in 1967. Since then, other companies like Avonite, Wilsonart, and LG Hi-Macs have introduced their own lines of solid surface as well.

Compared to materials like granite, quartz, laminate, and wood, solid surface has some great advantages:

• Non-porous – Absolutely no place for bacteria or stains to hide!
• Impact resistant – Doesn‘t chip or crack easily.
• Heat resistant – Can withstand hot pots and pans better than laminate.
• Scratch resistant – Stands up to normal wear and tear.
• Easy to repair – Small scratches and dings can be sanded away, and seamless look maintained if repairs are needed.

Of course, solid surface also has some downsides to be aware of:

• Can be pricier than laminate, but generally cheaper than stone.
• Subject to dulling and etching over time without proper care.
• Not totally heat-proof – extremely hot pans can still cause damage.

But with the proper cleaning and maintenance routine, you can enjoy beautiful, hygienic solid surface counters for decades!

Daily Care and Cleaning Dos and Don‘ts

Caring for your solid surface countertops doesn‘t require anything fancy on a day to day basis. Just follow these basic do‘s and don‘ts:

DO:

Clean with mild soap and warm water daily – Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down all surfaces with warm, soapy water. This prevents buildup of grime that can dull the finish.

Rinse soap residue thoroughly – It‘s important to rinse off any soap with clean water and buff dry with a soft cloth each time you clean. Remaining residue can attract dirt.

Clean spills ASAP – Immediately wipe up any spills, especially oils, tomatoes, wine, coffee, and other staining substances. The quicker you act, the less likely a stain can set in.

Use cutting boards – Always use boards for food prep and never cut directly on your counters. This prevents Knicks and cuts in the surface.

DON‘T:

Use harsh cleaners – Avoid any cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, acids, or abrasives. Stick to mild dish soap.

Let spills sit – Don‘t wait to wipe up spills. Attend to them immediately to prevent possible stains.

Use rough scrub pads – Avoid abrasive pads that can wear down and dull the finish. Use soft cloths and sponges only.

Cut food on counters – Using sharp knives directly on the surface can damage and scratch it. Always use a cutting board.

How to Remove Stains from Solid Surface Countertops

Even if you‘re careful, stains still happen! Here are some safe, common household products you can try to remove stains from your solid surface counters:

• For coffee and tea stains, place a cloth soaked in undiluted white vinegar directly on the stain. Let it sit for 1-2 hours, then rinse clean. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down the stain.

• For wine, tomato sauce, oil or grease stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub the paste into the stain with a soft cloth or sponge and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing clean.

• For stubborn stains, apply full strength hydrogen peroxide and let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be very careful not to let it sit too long, as this can bleach the counters.

• A Mr Clean Magic Eraser can lift many marks and stains with light rubbing. Be sure just to use minimal pressure.

• Bar Keeper‘s Friend is another popular cleaner that can tackle stains from food, grease, coffee and minerals. Just dampen the surface first before sprinkling on the powder and rubbing gently with a soft cloth.

Always check your countertop manufacturer‘s care guide for their specific recommendations, and spot test any new cleaning method first, especially on darker surfaces.

With a little kitchen chemistry and elbow grease, you can make most stains disappear right away. But if all else fails, call in a pro!

Polishing and Protecting for Shine

In addition to keeping your counters clean, it‘s smart to polish them every 2-3 months to maintain the glossy finish. Here are two easy options:

1. Use a polishing compound or kit

Many brands like DuPont sell special polishing creams and kits made specifically for solid surface. Just use a soft cloth to apply a dime-sized amount of cream in circular motions until the desired shine is achieved. It helps fill in micro-scratches and oxidization.

2. Apply mineral oil

Rubbing a small amount of mineral oil, baby oil, or butcher block conditioner works great too. Just pour some on a soft cloth and gently rub into the entire surface. It enhances shine and acts as a barrier against fingerprints and smudges.

Occasional polishing removes built-up grime and restores the counters‘ just-installed luster. Stay away from polishes containing abrasives like cerium oxide that could damage the finish.

Fixing Light Scratches and Surface Damage

No material is totally scratch-proof, but solid surface really holds up well to normal wear and tear. But over time, minor scratches and scuffs can appear. Here are some tips for fixing light surface damage:

• For fine scratches, rub a wet Mr Clean Magic Eraser over them with minimal pressure. This can buff out light marks.

• Use 2000+ grit sandpaper to gently sand out scratches in the direction of the mark. Work up through higher grits incrementally.

• Alternatively, gently rub a Scotch-Brite pad over damage. Spraying water first provides needed lubrication.

• Finish by polishing sanded areas with compound, oil, etc to blend shine.

• For dings or nicks, use a razor blade to carefully slice off the rough edge at a 45 degree angle. Sand smooth and polish.

• Apply touch-up material (available through manufacturer) into any deep chips before sanding flush and polishing.

Take care not to over-sand, test first on scraps, and consult a pro for extensive damage. But light DIY repairs can make scratches virtually disappear.

Mold and Mildew Prevention Tips

Like any surface in your home, solid surface can develop mold if exposed to a lot of excess moisture. Prevent mold by:

• Disinfecting regularly with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol
• Using exhaust fans and controlling humidity when cooking and showering
• Immediately drying standing water with a clean cloth
• Avoiding sealers which can trap moisture

If mold spots do develop:

• Combine 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1-2 tsp dish soap
• Apply paste to mold spots and allow to sit for 5 minutes
• Scrub and rinse clean

Mold can‘t gain a foothold on counters that are kept clean and dry. But if discovered promptly, it can be removed without staining.

Helpful Dos and Don‘ts for Solid Surface Care

Here‘s a handy checklist of dos and don‘ts to keep by your kitchen sink:

DO:

• Use mild soap and soft cloths/sponges
• Rinse thoroughly after washing
• Blot spills quickly
• Regularly apply polishing wax or oil
• Use cutting boards for food prep

DON‘T:

• Use harsh or abrasive cleaners
• Cut food or place hot pots directly on counters
• Allow spills or moisture to sit on surface
• Use waxes or sealers containing silicone

Following these simple guidelines will ensure your counters always look their best!

Considering DIY vs Professional Cleaning

Regular DIY care is all that‘s needed to keep your counters shining day-to-day. But occasionally, having a professional come in to deep clean and rejuvenate the finish really makes sense.

Every 2-3 years, a pro clean can:

• Remove hard water stains, calcium buildup, soap scum
• Eliminate etching and scratches beyond a DIY fix
• Provide professional grade polishing for ultimate shine
• Sanitize and disinfect thoroughly killing bacteria
• Revitalize high traffic areas prone to wear
• Extend the life and look of your investment

While costing more up front, professional cleaning pays off by making your counters look brand new again, and can catch issues before repair is needed. DIY care is great for maintenance, but bring in the pros when you need that deeper renewal.

Caring for Your Solid Surface Investment

With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the tips and advice needed to keep your solid surface counters spotless. Just remember to:

• Clean daily with mild soap and soft cloths
• Rinse extremely well after washing
• Immediately wipe spills when they occur
• Polish regularly with approved products
• Make simple repairs to minor scratches
• Handle mold promptly if it appears

See – caring for solid surface counters isn‘t so hard! Follow these steps and your counters will stay looking amazing for decades. I hope you found this guide helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!