Use & Care
How to Clean Corian® Solid Surface — Guidelines for Long-lasting Beauty
The cleaning video shows how quick and efficient it can be to clean a Corian® Solid Surface with common diluted household bleach.
Cleaning of frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, tables, doorknobs, light switches and handles is a significant way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Use of common household cleaners in conjunction with the appropriate EPA-registered disinfectant can help reduce the spread of these diseases. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus which causes the COVID-19 disease. The CDC has recently provided a list of recommended cleaning procedures using environmental surface disinfectants recommended by the EPA against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Visit www.epa.gov to find the current list of active ingredients that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) has compiled a list of products that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Corian® Solid Surface and Corian® Quartz have been shown to be compatible with the current products listed by the EPA to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s use-dilution and application directions to achieve proper disinfection.
Everyday cleaning
Although liquids cannot penetrate Corian® Solid Surface, it is best to wipe up spills as they occur. Generally, a damp microfiber cloth used with a standard household kitchen spray should remove most stains.
For most residues, all you need to clean your Corian® Solid Surface countertops is warm soapy water, ammonia-based household cleaner, or a dedicated countertop cleaner. Do avoid window cleaners, however, as they can leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface. Always clean using a circular motion.
Film will build up on countertops if water is left to dry on the surface. This film will dull the countertop surface, making the finish appear blotchy and uneven. To prevent film build-up, it is very important to wipe the countertop completely dry immediately after spills and cleaning.
Some colors of Corian® Solid Surface may require more frequent cleaning to maintain a uniform finish. Darker colors tend to require more attention than lighter colors. Over time, even with proper care, your countertop will acquire a sheen. Dark colors may show light scratches more readily. But rest assured — restoring your countertops to their original glory is an easy process.
Sinks
Once or twice a week, give your sink a beauty treatment: Remove all the fat and oil residues of normal food preparation from the sink, using a detergent or a hard-surface cleaner. Use a spray with 3/4 of liquid household bleach and 1/4 water to spray the sink and leave a few hours or overnight. The exposure time should be limited to 16hrs. In the morning, rinse or clean with a damp cloth. The sink should then be beautifully clean, with very little effort.
Dealing with resistant strains
Common household spills, such as vinegar, coffee, tea, lemon juice, dyes, ketchup, red wine or vegetable spills: Refer to our use and care guidelines.
Hard water can be a problem in many areas, and can build up over time. If you live in a hard water area, and are experiencing problems with stain removal, apply “Viakal” gel over the area, leave for 2-4 minutes, then remove with a damp microfiber cloth. Using a second clean microfiber cloth, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Use a damp microfiber cloth and a mild abrasive cleaning product.
Preventing Damage
In most cases, Corian® Solid Surface can be repaired if damaged. Be sure to follow these guidelines to help you prevent any permanent damage to your Corian® Solid Surface countertop.
While Corian® Solid Surface is heat resistant, as with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment.
Important — Do not place hot pots, pans, etc. directly on the countertop surface.
Always use heat trivets or pads when placing hot objects on any surface. Always use a trivet under portable heat-generating appliances, such as a toaster oven. Allow cookware to cool before placing it into a Corian® sink.
- Heat marks & scorching
Always use a heat protection pad, trivet (with rubber feet) or protective sink mat for hot cookware, or leave cookware to cool first. Never put hot pans, particularly cast iron, directly on a Corian® Solid Surface top or in a sink. Such heat can damage any surface
Boiling water alone will not damage your Corian® Solid Surface sink. However, it is a recommended practice to run cold water from the faucet while pouring boiling water into the sink.
Always use the correct size pan on the burner and place it centrally. An overhanging pan scorches surrounding surfaces. - Scratches
Like all materials, Corian® Solid Surface will develop slight abrasion marks in normal daily use:
Never cut or chop on Corian® Solid Surface - it will score the surface! Use a chopping board instead.
Dark, heavily pigmented colors will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily than lighter, textured colors. - Chemical Spillage
Accidental spills of strong chemicals (e.g. paint stripper, brush cleaners, metal cleaners, oven cleaners, cleaners containing methylene chloride, acid drain cleaners, acetone based nail varnish removers etc.) should be flushed promptly with plenty of soapy water to avoid damaging the countertop! For nail varnish spills, non-acetone based remover can be used, and then flushed with water. Undetected or prolonged exposure to chemicals may damage the surface. - Instant Boiling Water Taps
A container should be used to collect boiling water at all times as boiling water from this type of tap may cause surface damage in and around the Corian® Solid Surface sink. This type of damage is not covered by the DuPont 10 Year Warranty.
Whatever happens, do not despair!
Corian® Solid Surface Countertop Repair Basics for Beauty with Staying Power
Corian® Solid Surface is inherently “renewable” because it is solid and homogeneous all the way through. Most damage, including severe impact, heat or chemical damage, can usually be repaired on site to restore the original, smooth, hygienic solid surface integrity.
Guidelines for Easy Corian® Solid Surface Countertop Repair
Corian® Solid Surface is a remarkably durable material. However, in the event that a countertop does get lightly scratched, most repairs can be handled easily by the average homeowner.
Countertop Repair Technique — Removing Blotches
You may notice that the surface of your countertop is starting to look blotchy. Typically, this is caused by letting hard water dry on the surface, leaving behind a film of minerals. To remove blotchy appearance or fine scratches, follow these simple steps.
Pour some mild abrasive liquid cleanser, such as Soft Scrub®, on a damp sponge or cloth and rub over area, using small circular motions, from the front to the back, and then from side to side, overlapping the circles until the entire area has been cleaned.
Thoroughly rinse the countertop with clean water and wipe the surface completely dry. Check to see if blotchiness is gone. If not, repeat procedure, applying more pressure on the sponge or rag.
Countertop Repair — Removing Minor Cuts and Scratches
Because the beauty of Corian® Solid Surface goes all the way through, they are renewable. You can remove minor cuts and scratches yourself by following these instructions. Deeper scratches may also be removed, but repair is best done by professionals.
First, wash the area with hot soapy water and dry where the scratch is located, to remove any film on the surface.
To restore a matte finish
- Use P240 grit sandpaper or 60μ paper to remove scratches. Wash to remove residue, then follow by buffing with a Scotch-Brite™ pad 7447 A VFN (maroon) pad in a circular motion.
To restore a semi-gloss finish
It is difficult to create a uniform semi-gloss finish by hand. The following may be suitable for small sections of horizontal surfaces. Use either P grade or micron paper for the entire sequence. Do not mix types as the grid sizes are not equivalent. For larger areas, particularly where reflected light shows nonuniformity of the surface, professional finishing is recommended.
- Light colors: Use P240 grit sandpaper or 60μ paper to remove scratches. Wash and follow by P400 grit or 30μ paper. Wash to remove residue, then follow by buffing with a Scotch-Brite™ 7448 S ULF (gray) pad in a circular motion.
- Dark colors: Use P240 grit sandpaper or 80μ paper to remove scratches. Wash and follow by P400 grit or 60μ paper. Wash and follow by P600 grit or 30μ paper. Wash to remove residue, then follow by buffing with a Scotch-Brite™ 7448 S ULF (gray) pad in a circular motion.
A high gloss finish is best restored by a professional. Contact your supplier or Corian® Design.
There's Always the Professional Option
When confronted with a stubborn scratch or cut, contact the Authorized Corian® Solid Surface Retailer from whom you purchased your Corian® Solid Surface product, or engage any Authorized Retailer to repair your countertop. Contact your Corian® Solid Surface Retailer or DuPont to arrange for professional refinishing.
Guaranteed Quality
With proper care, your Corian® Solid Surface countertop can stay looking good as new for many years to come. Your Corian® Solid Surface also carries a Limited Residential Warranty. For complete details, see warranty literature.
