Corian/ Solid Surfaces Care Instructions

Congratulations on your selection of Corian /Solid Surfaces for your countertops. With proper care, your countertops will remain beautiful for many years

Cleaning Procedures
Corian/Solid Surfaces are hygienic, non-porous and will not support the growth of bacteria. Routine cleaning with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaning product will remove most dirt and stains. Water spots can be removed by wiping the surface with a damp cloth and towel drying. To disinfect, occasionally wipe the surface with equal parts of household bleach and water, then towel dry. Filling the bowl with a 50/50 water/bleach solution can clean Corian/Solid Surfaces sinks. Let soak for 10-15 minutes and then wash the sides and bottom as the solution drains.

Removing Stains, Cuts & Scratches
One of the many superior features of Corian/Solid Surfaces is the ability to be repaired if blemished or damaged. Your countertops are renewable. If they show wear and tear, an authorized Corian/Solid Surface dealer, such as The Countertop Shoppe, can remove Many imperfections and bring them back to their original luster. While it is possible for a homeowner to remove most cuts and scratches, we do not recommend it because of difficulty in matching the repair to the original finish. Severe scratches and dents from falling objects should be referred to an authorized Corian/Solid Surface dealer.

Preventing Heat Damage
Corian/Solid Surfaces withstand heat better then ordinary surface materials. However, all solid surfaces will expand and contract under extreme temperature changes, which can result in scorching or cracking. To prevent such damage it is recommended that you always place frying pans, hot pots and any heat-generating appliances on a hot pad or trivet with rubber- tipped feet.

Corian Warranty
Following proper care procedures will keep your Corian/Solid Surfaces looking like new. That is why DuPont backs Corian with a ten year limited warranty.

Natural Stone Care Instructions

You have made an excellent investment in new natural stone. Natural stone can provide years of beauty when cared for properly.

Sealing Your Stone
Although we usually think of stone as “hard”, it is a porous material that can absorb spills and stains. Prior to installation, your countertops were treated with an impregnating sealer. The sealer will help to prevent most spills from damaging your investment. Resealing the stone every few years may also be beneficial.

Cleaning Procedures
Clean your natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and dish soap. Periodically, use a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone to help remove residue that normal cleaning leaves behind. General-purpose cleaners and other products that contain bleach, ammonia, lemon, vinegar or other acids may etch stone surfaces and damage their polish. Scouring powders or creams and other abrasive cleaners also may scratch your surfaces.

What To Do When Spills Occur

Wipe off all spills quickly.

Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange and lemon juice, coffee, vinegar, tomato, mustard and many soft drinks, will “etch” natural stone, whether it is sealed or not. Also, some common toiletries, such as perfume, toothpaste, and mouthwash, contain acids and other ingredients that may degrade the sealer. Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark in the stone.

Do not store bottles of cooking oil directly on your countertops. Oil can be absorbed into the stone and leave a permanent dark stain. When cooking with oil wipe clean any tops that come in contact with it.

Rust will also stain Granite. Do not store metal pots and pans on your countertops. Remember that stone is porous and the sealer is not a waterproofing agent. It is normal for some stone surfaces to darken when wet. They will regain their natural appearance when dry.Avoiding Scratches And Chips

Stone is relatively hard to scratch but it can occur. Avoid using stone or harder materials directly on your countertops. Knives will not scratch the stone, although cutting on your countertop is not recommended, as your knives will dull very quickly. Diamonds and certain stoneware dishes contain rough silica and do pose a risk. Some pizza stones also will scratch if they are spun around while cutting.

Chips are also not a common occurrence. They are most often caused by banging something into the edge of the countertop. Heavy pots and pans and the bottoms of large bottle are the most dangerous. If a chip does occur and you find the piece that chipped out, save it. Most of the time it can be epoxied into place. Continued on back side

Heat
Reasonably high temperature will not harm granite. We do recommend that you do not place hot dishes directly on your countertops, however. If you have a seam in your countertop it is best to avoid setting hot materials on top of it since seams are made with epoxy and can be melted if exposed to heat for an extended period of time.

Zodiaq/Quartz Surfaces Care Instructions

Congratulations on your selection of Zodiaq/Quartz countertops. Zodiaq/Quartz countertops are an excellent investment and will remain beautiful for many years with proper care.

Cleaning Procedures
Routine cleaning with soapy water will remove most dust and stains. A small amount of non-bleach, nonabrasive cleanser may also be used. Even though Zodiaq/quartz surfaces resist permanent staining, wipe up spills as soon as possible. For dried spills, use a nonabrasive cleaning pad such as a white 3M Scotch-Brite Scrub pad coupled with Formula 409 Glass & Surface Cleaner or a similar product. Rinse thoroughly to remove any hazy residue and dry with a soft cloth.

For materials that harden when they dry, such as gum, food, grease, or nail polish, remove by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic putty knife. Then clean and towel dry. Permanent markers/ink may adhere to the surface and should be avoided. Should these agents come into contact with the surface, clean first as outlined above. If the stain persists, moisten a cloth with Saniten 313, Greased Lighting or another comparable product, apply to the stain and then let the agent sit for about 15 minutes and wipe clean with a clean cloth. Rinse thoroughly.

Polishing Zodiaq/Quartz Surfaces
Zodiaq will keep its gloss and ultra smooth surface without polish. Zodiaq/quartz is non-porous and does not require sealants or wax.

Preventing Heat Damage
Zodiaq/Quartz Surfaces is heat resistant, but not heat proof. It can withstand exposure to normal cooking temperatures from pots, pans and dishes without being damaged. It is recommended, however, to use trivets and hot pads and not place hot pots, pans and dishes directly onto the surface.

Avoiding Chemicals & Scratches
The quartz used in Zodiaq coupled with high performance, stain resistant polymers results in a durable, non-porous, chemical resistant surface. Avoid exposing Zodiaq/Quartz Surfaces to strong chemicals and solvents, especially paint removers or furniture strippers containing trichlorethane or methylene chloride. Also, do not use abrasive alkaline (high-pH) cleaners. If your Zodiaq/Quartz Surface comes in contact with any of the substance listed above immediately rinse the exposed surface thoroughly with water.

Zodiaq/Quartz Surfaces are relatively hard to scratch but they still can occur. Avoid using stone or harder materials directly on your countertops. Diamonds and certain stoneware dishes containing rough silica can scratch your countertops. Pizza-stones will scratch if they are spun around while cutting. Stone cutting boards are not recommended unless they have rubber feet.