Tag Archive for: maintenance

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.

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.