Care & Maintenance
With care, your new marble, granite or engineered stone benchtops will last a lifetime. Simply follow some easy tips and protecting surfaces from heat and spills, your benchtops will look as good as the day they were installed.
For Natural & Engineered Stone
- Normal cleaning involves only periodic washing with clean, tap water and neutral cleaners. Accent Benchtops recommends soapfree cleaners because they minimize sticking and filming. However, mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soaps, soap flake or powders which contain no aromatics are acceptable if able to be thoroughly rinsed - removing all residues. Please refer to your stone brand website for care information.
- Stone surface should firstly be wet with clean, mild hot water. Then, using the cleaner solution, rub in small overlapping motions, from bottom-up if a vertical surface. Rinse thoroughly with clean tap water to remove all traces of soap or cleaners. Change the water in the rinse pail frequently to assist in removing any residues. Dry with soft cloth or cotton-flannel, and allow to thoroughly air-dry. Chamois skin may be used in lieu of a cotton cloth to remove any spots.
- Spills of any type should be immediately removed and water-rinsed. Coasters should be placed under all glasses, particularly those containing liquors or citrus juices.
- Place-mats, wooden cutting boards or trivets should be used under heated dishes.
- Generally, prevention will save a great deal of time spent on cures and remedies, especially since damages to stone, are often irreparable. Polished stone should receive the same care and consideration that is given to a fine wooden finish.
Natural & Engineered Stone |
Engineered Stone |
Don'ts
We do not recommend placing very hot items (such as saucepans and oven pots) or electric frypans directly on any stone based bench top surface, as this can cause extreme thermal shock. Damage may not be noticed immediately if this is done regularly, however over time hairline cracks may appear reducing the strength of the product.
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The Do's
The Don'ts
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Solid Surface
The inherent qualities of your solid surface counter tops ensure the ultimate in easy care and renewability. Its non-porous, solid composition makes it easy to live and work with for many years.
Routine Care Use the following procedures as a guide to everyday care for your solid surface benchtops: Sinks
Preventing Heat and Other Damage on Solid Surface Benchtops |
Although your solid surface counters are generally resistant to heat, you should always use a hot pad or a trivet to protect it. Hot pans, as well as some heat-generating appliances like frying pans or electric cooking pots, can damage the surface if a hot pad or trivet is not used. Follow these guidelines to prevent any permanent damage to your counter tops:
Removing Cuts and Fixing Scratches
Nicks, scratches and cuts are inevitable with any product, including solid surfaces. Below are some tips to removing the marks.
- Avoid exposing your solid surface counters to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleansers, etc. If contact occurs quickly flush the surface with water.
- Remove nail polish with a non-acetone-based polish remover and flush with water.
- Do not cut directly on your counter tops.
Removing Cuts and Fixing Scratches
Nicks, scratches and cuts are inevitable with any product, including solid surfaces. Below are some tips to removing the marks.
- To remove minor scratches, sand in a circular motion, with light pressure, using a 3M gray finishing pad. Apply light water as you sand. Wipe clean.
- If scratches are deeper and still visible, sand wet in a circular motion using 320-grit Wet and Dry sandpaper, followed by the gray pad.
- For best results, sand slightly wet, and clean before each step.
- For a trouble-free fix to nicks and scratches, we recommend getting a professional who can help you restore the shine and look on your benchtops like it's new. Our customer service department can assist in arranging this service.