Any homeowner knows the importance of regular upkeep and cleaning throughout the house. Countertops are no exception to this rule. While different countertop materials require different levels of care, solid surface countertops require arguably the least amount of maintenance.

In comparison to natural stone, solid surface countertops require far less maintenance. That doesn’t mean they can be left alone, however. As with any home fixture, periodic cleaning and preventive care are the best ways to take care of your solid surface countertops.

Solid surface countertops require very little cleaning and care compared to other materials. Learn how to keep these low-maintenance countertops clean here. Click To Tweet

Basic Cleaning

Most of the time, you can just use a damp cloth (microfiber is an excellent choice) to quickly wipe down your countertops. For slightly more in-depth cleaning, use a mild cleaning agent such as liquid dish soap or glass cleaner. Try to avoid washing with an abrasive cleaner or rough sponge–even though the countertop itself won’t be damaged, you may scratch the finish and end up with an unsightly spot.

Pro Tip: If you spill nail polish on a solid surface countertop, immediately clean the spot with non-acetone nail polish remover (acetone will damage the finish) and rinse the area with water.

Stain Removal

Occasionally, you’ll need to clean up a more difficult stain or spill on your countertops. The exact cleaning supplies you’ll need will depend on how your countertop is finished:

• Shiny finish: use a very mildly abrasive cleaning agent.
• Matte finish: use a baking soda and water paste.

A specially formulated cleaning spray such as Prello also works for either type of solid surface countertop.

Preventive Maintenance

Solid surface countertops don’t require resealing or polishing like genuine stone would. However, it’s also important to recognize what NOT to do to keep your countertops looking nice. As with any type of countertop, avoid cutting directly on the surface with sharp knives or placing hot pots and pans down without protection. Most importantly, NEVER clean your countertops with oven cleaner, paint remover, or other chemicals that will dissolve the finish. Not only will this leave a noticeable mark behind, but it also makes your countertops vulnerable to staining or other types of damage.

Maintaining Attractive Countertops

Solid surface countertops are an excellent choice for anyone who loves the look of natural stone but isn’t willing to commit to the extensive care and maintenance it requires. With these high-quality imitations, your kitchen or bathroom will have the same classy appearance for a fraction of the accompanying work.

Join the conversation to learn more about solid surface countertop maintenance and see our gallery of completed projects.