High End Custom Bath & Kitchen Cabinets::Rich Maid Kabinetry::

GRANITE COUNTERTOP CARE AND CLEANING

Granite is a hard, non-porous, natural stone that is relatively unaffected by most chemicals. However, do not use harsh, caustic chemicals to clean it. Instead, clean your granite countertops with a neutral, mild, vegetable oil-based cleaner, such as our "Murphy's Oil Soap®." Synthetic scrubbing pads can be used on these surfaces. A good idea is to test clean products on an inconspicuous area before cleaning visible areas.

Here are a few recommendations:

• Use few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dish washing detergent or warm water.
• Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
• Use a clean rag.
• Products containing acids should be avoided. The acid in high concentration etches the surface.
• After using the soap solution, the surface should be rinsed properly.
• Do not use abrasive powders or creams that may create scratches.
• Extremely hot pans should not be kept over granite slabs since it quickly absorbs heat and distributes it out.
• Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids
• Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners.

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ZODIAQ® CARE AND CLEANING <<Click Here>> to go to the DuPont website for additional information

DuPont Zodiaq® quartz surfaces are very easy to maintain. The quartz used in Zodiaq® - coupled with high-performance, stain-resistant polymers - results in a durable, nonporous, chemical-resistant surface. Zodiaq® is also heat- and scratch-resistant, but not heat- and scratch-proof. Therefore, the use of a cutting board is recommended when using a knife.

Of course, Zodiaq® keeps its lustrous gloss and ultra-smooth surface without polishing. Because it is nonporous, Zodiaq® does not require sealants or waxes.

For routine cleaning, use a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, nonabrasive cleanser.

Even though Zodiaq® resists permanent staining when exposed to liquids (such as wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice and soda) or fruits and vegetables, wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible.

For stubborn or dried spills, use a nonabrasive cleaning pad such as a white 3M Scotch-Brite®* scrub pad coupled with Formula 409® Glass & Surface Cleaner or a comparable cleaning product.

Avoid using cleansers that contain bleach. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer's use instructions and exercise proper care when handling and storing any cleaning products.

Zodiaq® can withstand exposure to normal cooking temperatures from pots, pans and dishes without being damaged. To maintain the beauty of Zodiaq®, do not place hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface. DuPont recommends the use of trivets and hot pads.

Sometimes spills occur and dry on the countertop. For materials that harden as they dry (such as gum, food, grease, nail polish or paint), remove by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic putty knife.

Permanent markers and inks may adhere to the surface and should be avoided. Should these agents come into contact with the surface, clean first as outlined in Routine Care.

If the stain persists, moisten a cloth with Saniten 313*, Greased Lightning™**, or a comparable product and rub it into the stain. Let the cleaning agent sit for 15 minutes and wipe the surface clean with a cotton cloth. Rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaner residue.

Avoid exposing Zodiaq® quartz surfaces to strong chemicals and solvents, especially paint removers or furniture strippers containing trichlorethane or methylene chloride. Keep nail polish remover, bleach, bluing, permanent markers or inks, and oil soaps away from Zodiaq®.

While casual exposure to alkaline materials will not damage Zodiaq®, highly alkaline (high-pH) cleansers are not recommended when cleaning Zodiaq®.

If any of the substances listed above come into Zodiaq®, rinse the exposed surface immediately and thoroughly with water.

*Saniten 313 may be purchased by calling 717-626-7661 or by sending an e-mail to saniten@mailcity.com.

**Greased Lightning™ is available through major department and hardware stores. For more information, visit www.greased-lightning.com.

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CORIAN CARE AND CLEANING <Click Here> to go to the Dupont website for additional information

Most dirt and residue can be removed by using soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner, rinsing and wiping dry.

For difficult residue, spray residue with Cleaner for DuPont Corian® from Stone Care International, wait for about 30 seconds for cleaner to work. Wipe dry with a paper towel. If residue persists, repeat process.

For occasional disinfecting, wipe surface with dilute household bleach (1 part water/1 part bleach). Rinse top thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

Over the counter cleaners, such as, Clean EnCounters® may be used for routine cleaning in place of soap and water.

To enhance the gloss level on semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes, use a countertop polish such as Countertop Magic®1, Hope’s Countertop Polish®2 or Enhance Countertop Polish®.

Corian® is an excellent material for heat resistance. As with all countertop materials, it is important to minimize direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment. We recommend using heat trivets or hot pads when placing hot objects on any surface. Allow cookware to cool before placing them into a Corian® sink.

In most cases Corian® can be repaired if accidentally damaged.

• Avoid exposing Corian® to strong chemicals, such as paint removers & oven cleaners. If contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water.
• Do not cut directly on Corian® countertops.
• Boiling water alone will not damage your Corian® sink, however it’s a good practice to run your faucet while pouring boiling water into your sink.

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FORMICA BRAND LAMINATE SURFACES CARE AND CLEANING <<Click Here>> to go to the Formica website for additional information

For assistance call 1-800-FORMICA™ / Mon – Fri, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST

Formica® brand laminate is designed for beauty and durability. With minimal care it will last for years and remain as beautiful as the day you installed it. It's very easy to clean. Normally, a clean, damp, non-abrasive cotton cloth with a mild detergent or household cleaner works best.

For hard to clean areas use a nylon bristled hand or vegetable brush, using a rotating motion. Rinse with clean water, using a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth. Do not flood a laminate surface, especially near seams because water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell. Periodic application of a self-cleaning wax can help minimize staining. For difficult stains apply a paste of baking soda and water on the area to pull out the stain. The paste will be slightly abrasive so do not rub.

• Residual Glue: A streaky appearance on new laminate may be caused by contact adhesive used during fabrication. Clean with a non-abrasive cotton cloth and an adhesive solvent such as Formica® brand Non-flammable Contact Adhesive Solvent.

• Paint and Varnish: Remove oil-based paints with a suitable solvent. Water-based paints can be removed with an ammoniated household cleaner.

• Stubborn Spots: Gently use a plastic, non-metallic, non-abrasive pad. Never use steel wool or other abrasive scouring pads. There are many different types of stains. Some are stubborn or “fugitive” and may disappear on their own with time and repeated cleanings. These include some food stains, food dyes, water marks, glass rings and fingerprints. Very stubborn or permanent stains include wood stains, newsprint, ink, hair dye, Mercurochrome, and peroxide to name a few.

• Stains: Use full strength mild household cleaner on the affected area and allow it to draw out the stain. Blot and rinse with a clean damp cloth. Solvents such as denatured alcohol can also be used.

• Difficult Stains: Apply a paste of baking soda and water on the area to pull out the stain. The paste will be slightly abrasive so do not rub. Wipe up the paste with a clean, dry cloth and rinse with clean water.

WARNING! Never use cleaners containing acid, alkali or sodium hypochlorite (bleach). These cleaners will mar, etch, corrode and permanently discolor the laminate surface. Examples of these types of cleaners include drain cleaner, metal cleaner, oven cleaner, rust remover, coffeepot cleaner, chlorine bleach, ceramic cooktop and some “countertop” cleaners, toilet bowl cleaner, tub and tile cleaners and lime scale remover.

Formica® brand laminate is resistant to scratches and impact under normal use and conditions. Lengthy exposure to temperatures over 140° F (60° C) may cause the laminate to separate from the core material.

• Use a cutting board, chopping block or other protective surface for chopping, slicing, pounding or hammering on any laminate surface
• Use placemats or doilies under abrasive or ceramic items
• Use insulated hot pads, trivets or other protective devices under all hot cookware, including utensils like electric skillets and waffle irons
• Don’t use knives or other sharp utensils that may slice or scratch the surface
• Don’t hammer or tenderize meat on laminate surfaces
• Don’t slide ceramic or abrasive items across laminate surfaces
• Don’t place hot objects directly on laminate surfaces
• Don’t place items like curling irons or hot rollers directly on laminate surfaces
• Don’t iron or place a hot iron on laminate surfaces
• Don’t place lighted cigarettes directly on laminate surfaces

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