Can I place hot cookware on Durrstone?
Durrstone withstands heat better than ordinary counter tops. However, do not place high temperature objects directly on Durrstone solid surface material. Hot pans directly from the cooktop or oven, as well as some heat generating appliances like electric frying pans crockpots, portable grills or fry daddy could damage your Durrstone surface, the use of a trivet insultating pad or Durrstone heat protector will safeguard your countertop.
What can harm Durrstone?
While Durrstone is resistant to most common household chemicals, some strong acid or alkaline cleaners and cleansers can mar or permanently discolor Durrstone if allowed to remain on the surface for an extended period of time. Accidental spills or splatters from harsh materials should be wiped up immediately and then rinsed with water. Potentially harmful compositions included: Toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, rust removers, metal cleaners, cooktop cleaners, lacquer thinners, varnish removers, nail polish remover, oven cleaners and contact adhesive solvent.
What is recommended for day to day care?
It's easy to keep Durrstone looking as good as it did the day it was installed. Wiping the surface with a damp cloth quickly removes water marks. Many stains wipe off easily with a sponge and soapy water or an ammonia-based liquid cleaner. If the stain persists, use an abrasive household cleanser such as Ajax**** and a Scotch-Brite****** pad. The use of a Scotch-Brite pad and the occasional use of an abrasive cleaner is recommended to maintain its original look. Even the use of a fine sandpaper is advised for removing scratches and tough stains.
Can household abrasive mar the finish of Durrstone?
Durrstone surface is non-porous so many food and stubborn stains like coffee, grape juice, ink, hair dye and food coloring rub off with abrasive household cleaners. Cigarettes cannot damage Durrstone, but merely leave a brown stain which can be easily removed using a Scotch-Brite pad and a abrasive cleaner.
Is Durrstone hygienic?
Durrstone is one of the most hygienic and sanitary surfaces available. The sanitary quality of Durrstone makes it ideal for use in health-care facilities as well as in the kitchen or bath.
Can Durrstone be repaired if something is dropped on it?
Durrstone is highly impact resistant, however, dropping heavy objects on it can mar the surface. In these situations your authorized manufacturer should be consulted. The manufacturer will have the expertise to repair these damages.
Can I cut on Durrstone?
Although accidental knife nicks and scratches can be repaired, your Durrstone countertop is not meant to be used as a cutting surface. Use a cutting board instead. (Rainbow provides a cutting surface for you)
What about knife cuts and minor scratches?
Durrstone is solid, and will resist damage that would leave a lesser material permanently scarred. Superficial cuts and scratches are easily remedied and you can repair the Durrstone surface yourself, using this simple technique First sand away deeper blemishes using a medium to soft grit sandpaper (220)grit. Follow with a finer sandpaper (600)grit Then finish by rubbing a Scotch-Brite pad in a gentle, circular motion to blend in the repaired area. Then apply a cleaner (like Enhance), to the surface to bring the color back. This procedure returns the entire surface to a new condition. (If you don't want to do the repair yourself, call our office to send a service representative out to fix the problem).
The Gelcoat (neopentyl glycol) finish is the very highest of quality available. Because of it's exceptional toughness and fine workmanship, the warranty on the finish is 5 years. Proper care and maintenance will preserve the high gloss finish.
1. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS. For normal cleaning use a liquid detergent with a soft rag or sponge. A few good cleaners to use are Windex* Dow Bathroom Cleaner with Scrubbing Bubbles** Occasional polishing, we recommend a non-abrasive automotive grade was, such as Megulars***
2. The slip resistant bottom of the shower bases or tubs (custom or standard)can be cleaned with liquid detergent and a soft nylon bristle scrub brush. Rinse the bottom thoroughly after cleaning.
3. To remove rust stains, we recommend Naval Jelly, a rust dissolver product. Other bathroom lime and stain removers may work; however, test a small area before applying to a product to insure no damage is done to the surface.
4. Difficult stains such as tar or paint can be removed with turpentine, paint thinner or nail polish remover(just be sure not to leave on too long, wipe up after applying).
For minor scratches and scuffs Though the surface of your marble, onyx, granite product is incredibly tough and durable, accidents do happen. A dropped tool, child's toy or improper cleaning (with abrasive) can scratch or scuff the high gloss surface. For minor scuffs that do not penetrate the colored surface layer, restoration is simple.
For fine scratches and abrasion, buff the area with natural wool pad and soft automotive type buffer at the speed not to exceed 1750rpm. Apply a light coat of wax to the buffed area.
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Clean stone surface with a neutral cleaner, stone soap or a mild liquid dish washing detergent and warm water. Use a soft cloth. Too much soap will cause streaks and leave a film. Rinse the surface thoroughly with warm water and a soft cloth. Do not clean the surface with products containing lemon, vinegar, acids, or abrasives.
To Remove Stains and Spills
Use a paper towel to blot up a stain as quickly as possible. Avoid wiping up a spill because it will cause a stain to spread. Use a soft cloth to dry the area completely. If the stain remains, first determine the cause of the stain. Different type of stains have various removal processes. The five most common stains are:
1. Organic- coffee, tea, food, cosmetics
2. Biological-mold, mildew, fungus
3. Metal-rust, iron, copper, bronze
4. Ink-pen, magic marker
5. Oil-tar, grease, cooking or skin oil
Once the stain is recognized, an appropriate stain removal method must be devised. Determining the suitability of a product for the intended purpose shall be solely the responsibility of the user.
Buying a pre-packaged poultice
To remove a stain you may purchase a poultice powder, which is designed to re-absorb a stain out of a stone that cannot be removed with a liquid cleaner. There are five ready to use formulas. Each one is designed to remove a specific stain: food, mildew, rust, ink, and oil. These poultice powders will safely remove stains from the interior of the stone. This dry method does not require any scrubbing. The special formulas are ready to use with water. Most surfaces will retain their original finish. Always test a small area befor using the poultice powder to assure compatibility. To assure results, follow all manufacturers' warranties (expressed or implied) including those merchant ability or fitness for particular purpose that extend beyond the description of the product label.
Do's and Don'ts
Do dust floors often with a rag mop.
Do clean surfaces with a mild detergent, stone soap, or specialty cleaner and soft clean cloth.
Do rinse surface thoroughly after cleaning, then dry with a soft clean cloth.
Do blot up spills immediately with a paper towel.
Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other acid.
Don't use cleaners such as bathroom grout or tile tub cleaners.
Don't use cleaners containing abrasives
Don't use plumbers putty around surface (it will stain)
*Registered TM of Windex **Registered TM of Dow Cleaner ***Registered TM of Megulars ****Registered TM of Scotch-Brite *****Registered TM of Ajax