How to care for solid surface countertops

4 April 2025|
Blogs|
velstone_admin

Proper maintenance of solid surface countertops is straightforward but essential. For daily care, simply wipe with soapy water using a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, sharp objects, and direct heat exposure. For stubborn stains, use a mild abrasive cleaner in a circular motion. Solid surface materials can be restored to their original condition even after minor damage, making them a highly durable and practical choice for any property.

Following these simple care instructions ensures your solid surface countertops, from a solid surface such as Velstone, maintain their beauty and functionality for decades. For a more comprehensive guide, read on.

What makes solid surface countertops a popular choice for property owners?

Solid surface countertops have become a staple in modern properties due to their seamless appearance, durability, and easy maintenance. Whether installed in residential kitchens, commercial facilities, or healthcare environments, these versatile work surfaces offer a perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality.

After choosing the appropriate thickness of your solid surface material(s) and having it installed by a professional solid surface fitter, the right care and maintenance is essential. As a significant investment, understanding proper care techniques ensures the materials last throughout their intended shelf life.

Solid surface daily cleaning protocol

Maintaining the day-to-day cleanliness of your solid surface worktop doesn’t require special tools or complicated procedures:

Use a damp cloth – Wipe surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth after each use
Apply mild soap – A small amount of dish soap in warm water is ideal for daily cleaning
Avoid residue – Always rinse with clean water and dry with a second clean microfiber cloth to prevent residual water marks
Remove immediately – Wipe up spills promptly to prevent potential staining
Bathrooms: Regularly wipe down the tops with good Limescale removers to avoid build up

Good news: Routine cleaning helps maintain both matte finish and high gloss surfaces with minimal effort!

student bathroom

Recommended cleaning products for solid surfaces

Choosing the right cleaner for your solid surface countertop is crucial for preserving its integrity:

✓ DO USE:

Regular soapy water and/or a cleaning agent with an adequate amount of citric and oxalic acid for daily cleaning such as Unika Worktop Cleaners
T-cut or Bar Keeper’s Friend (Cream version) fortnightly or monthly to maintain the finish and texture of the surface overtime, especially for darker surfaces.
Specialised solid surface cleaners that follow manufacturer’s recommendations

✗ DON’T USE:

Window cleaners that may leave streaks
Products containing harsh chemicals like acetone
Strong chemicals that can damage the surface finish
Undiluted bleach which can cause discoloration

How to care for solid surface countertops: Tackling stubborn stains

Even with proper maintenance, stubborn stains can occasionally occur. Here’s how to address them:

Apply a small amount of mild abrasive cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend (Cream version) directly to the stained area
Leave for five minutes and, using a soft cloth, work in a circular motion from the outside in
If the stains, such as brown stains, are slow to remove using a microfiber cloth, use a Lamb’s Wool bonnet on a handheld polisher to fasten the process. Once the stains have been eliminated, use soap water to clean any leftover residue.
In extreme cases, Ajax powder using a cloth or Scotch Brite Pad can be used, followed by wipe clean using soap water.

Protecting your solid surface

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to maintaining your solid surface countertop:

ü Avoid cutting food directly on the work surface, always use a cutting board

ü Avoid placing hot pans, utensils or appliances directly on the work surface. Instead, use a trivet.

ü Do not throw or drag sharp objects the worktops, especially on darker surfaces

Maintaining different finishes: Matt vs. High Gloss

Different finishes require slightly different approaches to care.

A matt finish is more forgiving with minor scratches and wear, can be refreshed with a mild abrasive cleaner when needed, and requires polishing less frequently.

A high gloss finish can show marks more readily, requires more careful maintenance and needs gentle cleaning to maintain solid surface countertop shine. It will also benefit from occasional professional repolishing.

Restoring your solid surface

One of the major advantages of solid surface material is its repairability. Professional solid surface specialists can typically restore even severely damaged countertops to like-new condition—a significant advantage over other countertop materials. Significant damage can usually be professionally repaired without complete replacement.

Velstone surfaces, for example, can be repaired on-site. In cases where damage does occur, we provide affordable repair kits that make it easy to restore surfaces to their original condition, ensuring continuous use without the need for costly replacements.

Long-term care for durability

The inherent durability of solid surface material is one of its greatest advantages over the likes of granite and quartz, but while solid surface countertops are known for easy maintenance, certain situations may call for professional attention and proper long-term care enhances this quality and for high-traffic commercial installations then professional maintenance could be considered.

With proper care, solid surface countertops can maintain their beauty and functionality for decades, making them a truly cost-effective solution for property owners and facilities managers.

Why choose Velstone?

Velstone solid surface represents the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and easy maintenance. Our non-porous surfaces resist staining, bacteria growth, and everyday wear, making them ideal for environments where hygiene and appearance are paramount, while our bespoke colour matching service means you can create the look and design you want with a wide colour range of worktops.

Velstone has a proven track record of delivering on large projects across numerous applications, including hotels, education facilities, student accommodation, airports, healthcare environments, leisure and retail spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and even cruise ships. Our products are engineered specifically to withstand the demands of high-traffic areas while maintaining their aesthetic appeal with minimal care requirements.

By choosing Velstone, you’re not just selecting a beautiful surface—you’re investing in a durable, easy-to-maintain solution backed by extensive expertise and industry experience. With proper care following the guidelines above, your Velstone solid surface countertops will maintain their beauty and functionality for decades, providing exceptional value and performance throughout their lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I restore the shine to my high gloss solid surface countertop?

For minor dulling, use a specialized solid surface polish according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For more significant restoration, professional refinishing may be necessary to bring back the original high gloss appearance.

Are solid surface countertops heat resistant?

While solid surface materials have moderate heat resistance, direct exposure to high temperatures can cause damage. Always use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and cookware, appliances, and heat-producing items to prevent heat damage to your countertop.