One great advantage Silestone has over granite is that it is fairly easy to clean and maintain. Most often, it only needs to be wiped using a dry cloth to remove dirt. Because the natural quartz in Silestone is the market’s toughest interior surface, it can resist stains, scratches, and scorching better compared with other solid surface or natural stone.
However, this doesn’t mean that Silestone surfaces are not impervious to damage over time. Below are instructions to keep your Silestone kitchen worktop in optimum condition. Included also are precautions that should be observed.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Spills
Use only mild household cleaners for silestone quartz with a polished finish. To remove difficult spills, soak the area for about 10 minutes using mild household cleaner, only. Then, rise with water and vigorously wipe using a soft cloth. Avoid the use of cleaners containing abrasive because it will dull the polished surface of your kitchen worktop. Click here for a more detailed overview of silestone cleaning and maintenance.
Stains
For stains which harden as they dry like gum and food, gently scrape them off the surface. Then, clean the surface with warm water and mild soap.
For grease stains, apply an ample amount of any common household cleaner to the stained area and then rub using a scouring pad until stain is removed. Immediately rinse with water.
For limescale stain, such as marks left by glasses, sprinkle hydrochloric acid only on the worktop surface and not on any other areas such as the sink or taps. Leave the hydrochloric acid to work for a minute and then rinse with water. Note: Strictly follow manufacturer’s recommended use of hydrochloric acid.
Excessive heat and pressure.
Avoid excessive pressure or force that may chip the surface.
Silestone kitchen worktops are resistant to heat. It can withstand moderate temperatures for short periods without any damage. However, certain heat exposure cold cause cracks because of thermal shock. So always use trivets when placing hot items directly on the surface. Never use electric skillets or crock pots directly on Silestone surfaces.
Precautions
NEVER place your Silestone surface outdoors or in areas with direct UV lighting. Continuous or long-term exposure to direct UV rays (sunlight) could result to slight discoloration on the surface.
NEVER use sealants or water repellents to bring out the sheen. They only provide artificial short-lived shine on the surface. Never use caustic soda, strippers or any products with a pH of above 10. Dilute solvents or bleach with water when used for cleaning, but never leave them in permanent contact with the product.
To prolong the life of your Silestone worktops, clean them immediately when there are stains or spills. And avoid harmful chemicals and observe with the above-mentioned precautions.
