Country Cabinets Helpful Cleaning & Care Tips
Please Note: Reasonable judgment should be used at all times. If you have more specific
recommendations for care from a particular manufacturer, please adhere to those guidelines.
If you have any questions, please call us at 603-356-5766.
Counters
Laminate Counters:
Clean with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge & mild liquid detergent or
household cleaner. Do not flood laminate especially near the seams, since water can penetrate
& cause the substrate to swell. Never use cleaners containing bleach, acid, alkali
or sodium hypochlorite, as these products will mar, etch, corrode & permanently discolor
your counter. If you are looking to refresh your laminate, we carry a product called Countertop
Magic that will clean & polish laminate counters.
Natural Stone:
For daily cleaning you can use a damp cloth or sponge with mild detergent, afterwards
dry with a soft cloth. For polishing you can use Windex with Vinegar (not amonia) or a Revitalizer
that you can purchase from Country Cabinets. Granite counters will need to be sealed at least once
per year, depending on use. The common perception is that granite counters can withstand extreme heat,
however, we recommend the use of trivets and hot plates to prevent breakdown of the sealer and the
possibility of heat damage.
Silestone Counters:
Maintain by using normal household cleaners. Stubborn stains may require more
scrubbing or minimal use of an abrasive cleaner.
Solid Surface Counters (Corian, Staron, Hi-Macs, Etc.):
For routine cleaning, we recommend using the rough side of a Scotch Brite type
sponge with any household cleaner (ammonia is fine) in order to maintain a matte finish. You can
use full strength Comet on tough stains or scratches. Also a diluted solution of 1 part bleach, 1 part
water, can help to revitalize & disinfect counters & sinks. These products can be lightly sanded
& repaired if burned or severely scratched. As a last resort, a professional could either sand the
affected area or cut out the damage & replace it with a new piece. Always keep the scrap pieces provided
by your fabricator for an accurate color match.
Wood/Butcherblock Counters
Wood is a natural material, sensitive to environmental humidity.
It is important that a stable humidity of 35% - 45% is maintained in order to insure continued stability.
Any deviation from the recommended care can void the warranty from the manufacturer.
Oil Finish:
Keep your top well oiled with Mineral or Butcherblock oil. This may be required
as often as once a week, depending on use (once a month, minimum). Sanitization is also very
important to prevent cross contamination. Use a commercially available cleaner or mild solution
of water and bleach (2 tbsp per gallon). Apply directly to top, allow to soak in for several
minutes, then dry with a clean dry rag. Allow top to air dry, once completely dry, apply a fresh
coat of mineral oil. The oil should be liberally poured onto the top & spread with a clean dry
rag (we use a paintbrush) to coat the entire surface including edges. Allow oil to seep into the wood
(approx. 15 minutes), then wipe off with a clean dry rag.
Acrylic Finish:
Butcherblock tops sealed with an acrylic finish can be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cloth or sponge & mild liquid detergent. This finish is not meant to be used for cutting.
Scratches and damage can be repaired with "Good Stuff" gel which is available at Country Cabinets.
Wood Tops:
Wood counters provided by the cabinet company should
be cared for using the same process recommended for your cabinets.
Cultured Marble Tops:
Gloss Finish:
Clean with detergent, glass cleaner, or foam cleaner. For stubborn
spots, use a polishing compound such as an auto polish or "Soft Scrub" by Clorox.
Abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
Satin Finish:
Same as gloss finish for routine dirt. For stubborn spots, mild
abrasive cleaners may be used. Use 600 grit wet sandpaper for very stubborn spots.
|
