Tag Archive for: cleaning

Tile vs Solid Surface Shower Surround: Which One is Right for You?

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  • Tile and solid surface shower surround pros and cons

  • Cost, durability and ease of cleaning comparison

  • Design options and aesthetics

Glacier White Corian Solid Surface ShowerWhen it comes to designing a new shower, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what type of material to use for the surround. Two popular options are tile and Corian solid surface. Both have their own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs before making a decision.

Tile is a classic option that has been used in bathrooms for centuries. It is versatile and comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and sizes. It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, tile can be difficult to clean and maintain. Grout can become discolored and mildew can form in the crevices. Additionally, tile can chip or crack if something heavy falls on it.

Solid surface shower surrounds is a newer option that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s made from a man-made material that looks similar to natural stone. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns and is easy to clean and maintain. Unlike tile, solid surface doesn’t have any crevices for mildew to form and it’s more durable.

When it comes to cost, tile is typically the more affordable option. A tile shower surround can cost anywhere from $15 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type of tile you choose. A solid surface shower surround, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $20 to $45 per square foot.

In terms of aesthetics, both tile and solid surface shower surround can look great. Tile comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find something that matches your personal style. Solid surface shower surround also has a variety of colors and patterns, but it’s more limited than tile.

When it comes to durability, solid surface shower surround is the more durable option. It’s resistant to chips and cracks and doesn’t require as much maintenance as tile. Because solid surface has no grout, there is no cracking between the tiles causing water damage.

Solid surface shower surround is the easier option when it comes to cleaning, as it is non–porous and easy to wipe down. In comparison, tile can be more difficult to clean due to its grout lines.

In conclusion, tile and solid surface shower surround are both great options, but they each have their own set of pros and cons. It’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs before making a decision. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that has a wide variety of colors and patterns, tile may be the best choice. If you’re looking for a more durable option that’s easy to clean, solid surface shower surround may be the better choice.

For more information about solid surface shower surrounds, click here.

Tips for Routine Cleaning and Removing Stains on Quartz Surfaces

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Routine Cleaning

Cleaning Quartz surfaces require only simple and routine care to maintain its good looks. In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain the shine. For tougher blemishes, apply a non-abrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach or a mild degreaser on a damp cloth and wipe the surface. Rinse with warm water to wash away the
residue and dry with paper towel.

Care and CleaningWeekly, the surface should be cleaned with Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach and thoroughly dried. We recommend a thorough cleaning of the Quartz surface on a regular basis (because of the patina that will develop on the surface from day-to-day use) to keep the surface as beautiful as the day it was installed. If you have heavy patina build-up from using non-approved cleaners, please contact our Customer Care department for detailed instructions on how best to remove it.

For a complete list of countertop cleaning supplies, click here.

Common Spills and Stubborn Food Stains

Includes stains such as: ink, markers, paint, food coloring, herbs and spices, red wine, mustard, coffee/tea, fruits

Cleaning product:
• Dawn Soap or mild detergent
• Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach

Instructions:
Thoroughly rinse off the soap or mild detergent with warm water after use and dry with soft cloth or paper towel. If needed, apply a generous amount of a non-abrasive cleaner, such as Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach, to a damp soft cloth (not directly onto the surface). Wipe the area using a circular motion, rinsing thoroughly with water and dry with soft cloth or paper towel.

Those wishing to use environmentally safe cleaners may also use a combination of 50/50 vinegar and water, rinsing and drying the surface thoroughly afterwards.

Dried Spills

Includes adhered material such as: food, gum, nail polish

Cleaning product:
• Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach

Instructions:
To remove adhered material, first carefully scrape away the excess material with a plastic putty knife and then clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any marks left behind and any residual dirt. Do not use any abrasive pads to clean tougher dirt as abrasives
can damage the finish/sheen of your countertops

Oil

Includes stains such as: olive oil, canola oil, machine oils

Cleaning product:
• Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach
• Dawn Soap

Instructions:
Apply a delicate cleaning product on the surface if necessary (soap and water will often suffice) and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and material disintegrates with ease.

Avoid soaps with plan oils as they may leave a film build-up on the surface.

Cosmetics

Includes stains such as: hair shampoo, medical creams, make-up

Cleaning product:
• Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach

Instructions:
Apply the cleaning product to a damp cloth. After a few seconds, wipe with a clean cloth and water then wipe dry.

Metal and Rust Marks

Includes marks such as: knives and metal pots

Cleaning product:
• Bar Keepers Friend Powder

Instructions:
Special use for spot cleaning ONLY. Because of the abrasive nature of this cleaner, use Bar Keepers Friend Power only as follows: Place a small amount on a damp cloth. Using very light pressure, wipe the area where the marks are in a circular motion, rinsing thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Do not use a scouring pad.

Other Stains

Includes stains such as: soap stains, hard water deposits, blood, glue from adhesive tape

Cleaning Products:
• Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach
• Alcohol
• 50/50 combination of vinegar and water

Soft Scrub® Liquid Gel with Bleach should remove most dirt and spills. For tougher spills or dried-on stains, apply alcohol to a cloth and let sit for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth or paper towel then dry the surface. To remove hard water deposits, treat the surface with a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water before wiping.

 

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

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Quartz for Easy Care and Maintenance
Learning how to clean quartz surface countertops takes no time at all. Quartz countertop material is a tough, non-porous, chemically resistant, high-performance surface that elevates residential kitchen aesthetics with the natural beauty of quartz.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops — Routine Care

Just Use Water and a Paper Towel
Quartz surfacing material will retain its radiant, lustrous appearance for many years. For routine cleaning, simply wipe down your countertop with a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleanser.

Clean Up Spills Right Away — Before They Can Dry
Even though quartz resists permanent staining when exposed to liquids (such as wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice and soda) or fruits and vegetables, you’ll want to 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.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops — Essential Gear

Cutting Boards and Trivets
DuPont™ Corian® quartz surfaces are heat- and scratch-resistant, but not heat- and scratch-proof. Use trivets or pads with hot pots, and always use a cutting board. Never chop or slice food directly on your quartz countertops.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops — What Not to Use

  • No Wax or Polish Necessary – Because it is non-porous, quartz surface does not require sealants or waxes. Corian® keeps its lustrous gloss and ultra-smooth surface without polishing.
  • Do Not Use Bleach – 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.
  • Avoid High-pH Cleaners – While casual exposure to alkaline materials will not damage Corian® quartz surfaces, highly alkaline (high-pH) cleansers are not recommended.
  • Heat Damage Prevention – Do not place hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface. DuPont recommends the use of trivets and hot pads.
  • Dealing with More Difficult Spills and Materials – Materials that harden as they dry (such as gum, food, grease, nail polish or paint) are especially tenacious. Remove these by gently scraping away the excess with a plastic putty knife.
  • Permanent Markers – Keep permanent markers and inks away from your quartz countertops. Should these agents come into contact with the surface, clean first as outlined above in Routine Care. If the stain persists, moisten a cloth with Goo Gone®**, or a comparable product, and rub it into the stain. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaner residue.
  • Keep Solvents and Powerful Chemicals Off the Counter – Avoid exposing quartz surfaces to strong chemicals and solvents, especially paint removers or furniture strippers containing trichloroethane or methylene chloride. Keep nail polish remover, bleach, bluing, permanent markers or inks, and oil soaps away from quartz.

Removing Cooking Grease

When grease from cooking is an issue, use Greased Lightning™**, or a comparable degreasing product, to help loosen and remove the grease from the surface. Follow the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions for use.

If any of the substances listed above come into contact with quartz surfaces, rinse the exposed surface immediately and thoroughly with water.