How to care for solid surfaces Posted on May 17, 2024 by Katie Shaw Solid surfaces such as HI-Macs by LG, Corian® by DuPont, Krion by Porcelanosa, are firm favourites within premium and luxury kitchen and bathroom designs. They have the visual appeal of natural stone, while being extremely hardwearing, hygienic and easy to clean. People often ask how to clean their solid surface, worrying they may harm the surface finish if handled improperly. However, it’s very simple to clean and care for a solid surface. Here’s what you need to know about keeping a solid surface worktop in its prime. How to care for and clean solid surfaces: the basics What cleaning products can you use on a solid surface? A daily cleaning routine helps to prevent dirt build-up and makes everyday spills easier to clean. Use warm soapy water or a mild surface spray to clean the solid surface countertops. Remove the excess with a microfibre cloth, rinse with water and then dry. Do solid surface worktops stain? Solid surfaces like Corian, Krion, and HI-MACS are non-porous, meaning they don’t absorb spills or stains like other surfaces. However, it’s still important to handle spills promptly as residues from substances like wine, coffee and oil can leave stubborn stains that may require a different type of cleaning. How to remove a stain from a solid surface Should a stain happen, it’s possible to remove with the right techniques. For common stains like coffee, wine, and oil, act quickly. Begin by gently blotting the spill with a clean, damp cloth to absorb as much of the substance as possible. Then, if necessary, use a mild abrasive cleaning pad along with a mild abrasive product. Always clean using a circular motion and towel dry. For stubborn stains, use a specialised stain remover designed for your specific solid surface material. It’s a good idea to test any new cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause damage. Preventing damage to a solid surface worktop It’s difficult to damage a solid surface worktop but it can happen. What should you NOT do on solid surface countertops? Use sharp objects without using cutting boards and trivets Place hot items like pans directly on the surface Use harsh chemicals like concentrated bleach and ammonia-based cleaners Although prevention is the best policy, the beauty of solid surfaces is that they are repairable. Should a stain, crack or scratch happen, it is possible to repair it and preserve the surface finish. Repairing damage to a solid surface Stubborn stains, scratches, and cracks can be repaired, restoring the surface to its original smoothness and shine. However, in these cases, it is best to get in touch with your surface provider as they need expert attention and specialist equipment. Solid surface technicians repair your surface by cutting away the damaged portion. They replace it with a patch of colour matched solid surface which is seamlessly blended in, leaving your kitchen or bathroom surface looking as good as new. At DFMK, we work with trade, commercial clients and domestic customers to create practical, beautiful worksurfaces using leading solid surfaces. Are you interested in solid surfaces for your next design? Request a quote today to get started. If you have any queries, please use the contact form in the bottom right corner of the screen to reach out to our friendly team.