How to Clean Corian^® — Guidelines for Long-lasting Beauty

Everyday cleaning

Although liquids cannot penetrate Corian^®, 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^® 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^® 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 the table in our use and care guidelines on specific stains.

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^® surfaces can be repaired if damaged. Be sure to follow these guidelines to help you prevent any permanent damage to your Corian^® countertop.

While Corian^® 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^® top or in a sink. Such heat can damage any surface
  Boiling water alone will not damage your Corian^® 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^® will develop slight abrasion marks in normal daily use:
  Never cut or chop on Corian^® - 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^® sink. This type of damage is not covered by the DuPont 10 Year Warranty.

Whatever happens, do not despair! 

Corian^® Countertop Repair Basics for Beauty with Staying Power

Corian ^® 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^® Countertop Repair
Corian^® 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 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 Fine Scratches
Because the solid beauty of Corian^® solid surface goes all the way through the material, it can be sanded and renewed. You can remove minor cuts and scratches yourself by following these instructions.

1. Wash (but do not dry) the area where the scratch is located, using the cleaning technique described above to remove any film on the surface, as this film may clog the abrasive pads. (See the Corian^® maintenance sourcing list below for details on abrasive pads and other products.)

2. With the countertop surface still wet, start rubbing the scratched area with the peach-colored side of the cleaning pad. Use a light touch. Pressing too hard may actually leave deeper scratches. Rub over the scratch, using a straight-line motion.

3. Periodically, switch rubbing direction ninety degrees. Rinse pad periodically during this process, to remove any built-up residue. Be sure all of the scratch is removed.

4. Clean your countertop with water and dry thoroughly. Check to see if the sanded area blends with rest of countertop. Please note that the sanded area may not perfectly match the rest of the countertop. If necessary, turn the pad over and repeat the process. Rub over large area to blend in sanding.

5. If needed, continue the sanding process using the Aqua- colored pad, and if necessary, the Gray-colored pad, until the desired gloss level is achieved.

6. Rinse out all pads used and allow them to air-dry before putting them away.

There's Always the Professional Option
When confronted with a stubborn scratch or cut, contact the Authorized Corian^® retailer from whom you purchased your Corian^® solid surface product, or engage any Authorized Retailer to repair your countertop. Contact your Corian^® Retailer or DuPont to arrange for professional refinishing.

Guaranteed Quality
With proper care, your Corian^® countertop can stay looking good as new for many years to come. Your Corian^® also carries a Limited Residential Warranty. For complete details, see warranty literature.

Visit our documentation section for more information.