Kitchen Care & Maintenance

Once you have your beautiful kitchen designed, built, and installed, you will want to keep it in the best possible condition. A kitchen that is well maintained looks better and lasts longer. To gain a sense of general kitchen maintenance to extend the life and look of your kitchen, please familiarise yourself with the maintenance requirements of your chosen materials. Your well-kept appliances and kitchen cabinets will surely tie together the look of your kitchen.

Below are some guidelines to keep your kitchen beautiful for a long time to come.

White kitchen with marble backsplash and gold accents on the stove, with wooden floors and a potted plant on the counter.

FOR A KITCHEN THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

SOLID TIMBER BENCHTOP MAINTENANCE

Your new benchtops have been professionally finished in oil. To keep them looking their best, please follow these tips on care and maintenance.

    • Always wipe up any spills immediately using a soft, damp cloth, then dry them off with a soft, lint-free cloth.

    • Always use a chopping board.

    • Be careful not to expose the benchtop to stains such as beetroot juice and coffee; if you do, wipe them off immediately to prevent further staining.

    • If more intensive cleaning is required, use warm water with some mild soap, such as a spray cleaner specifically formulated for oiled benchtops.

    • For heavier stains or benchtops that need more than a general clean or are looking a bit faded, use a liquid wax cleaner (in spray or liquid form).

    • For stains, the liquid wax cleaner can be applied directly to the stain and rubbed using a cloth. A fine white Scotchbrite pad in the direction of the grain can be used carefully to assist with tough stains.

    • If large patches or entire sections of the benchtop are looking a bit dull, they can be revitalised with Liquid Wax Cleaner. Apply the liquid wax cleaner sparingly directly to the benchtop and buff it with a soft cloth.

    • For badly worn areas, the benchtop should be cleaned and left to dry overnight before applying a thin coat of rejuvenating oil at the same sheen level used on your benchtop (refer to your kitchen specifications). Apply in the evening when the kitchen is no longer required, then allow it to dry overnight. If you are just treating a specific area rather than the entire benchtop, it is worth buffing the entire benchtop with Liquid Wax Cleaner to obtain an even sheen level.

    For more information or to purchase our approved products, please chat with your designer.

  • To care for your clear, two-pack polyurethane-sealed timber benchtop:

    • Always wipe up any spills immediately using a soft, damp cloth, then dry them off with a soft, lint-free cloth.

    • Splashes around the sink area should be wiped regularly.

    • Always use a chopping board.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, wooden countertops, a large stainless steel refrigerator, and tile flooring. There is a wooden ceiling and a window overlooking trees outside. A kitchen island with stools, a tea set, and a bowl of apples are also visible.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, a large window with blinds, a kitchen island with a flower vase, wine bottles, and glasses, and bar stools.

DUPONT CORIAN MAINTENANCE & CARE

  • DuPont™ Corian® was created for a lifetime of easy care. Corian maintenance is easy. Just follow the simple guidelines listed here to help you keep your Corian® surfaces looking fresh. Your Welcome Kit will provide you with tips to help you maintain your new Corian® installation for years to come.

  • There are three types of Corian® benchtop finishes: matte/satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Most benchtops are finished with a matte or satin finish. All Corian® sinks have a matte or satin finish. (*Contact your local Corian® sales expert if you are uncertain what type of finish is on your benchtop.)

    Soapy water, ammonia-based cleaners (not window cleaners, as they can leave a waxy buildup that may dull the surface), or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most dirt and residue from all types of finishes. Stubborn residue will require a little stronger cleaning.

    Experience has shown that a film builds up on the surface if water is left to dry on the benchtop. This film will dull the look of the benchtop, making the finish appear blotchy and uneven. To prevent the buildup of the film, it is very important to wipe the benchtop completely dry after spills and cleaning.

    Some colours of Corian® may require more frequent cleaning to maintain a uniform finish. Darker colours tend to require more attention than lighter colours. Over time, even with proper care, your benchtop will acquire a patina, changing the appearance of the finish. You may restore the look of the original finish by following the refurbishing guidelines below.

    A key to keeping your countertops looking good is to thoroughly rinse and wipe them completely dry after cleaning.

    • Use soapy water, ammonia-based cleaner (not window cleaner), rinse, and wipe completely dry. Commercially available solid surface cleaners, such as Clean EnCounters®, will also work well.

    • Preventing hard water marks: Rinse and wipe completely dry after cleaning; clean up spills before they dry.

    • Removing hard water marks: Use a cleaner formulated for removing hard water marks, such as CLR or Lime-A-Way.

    • Difficult residue: Spray residue with Deep Cleaner for DuPont Corian® from Stone Care International. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Wash the area with soapy water, rinse, and wipe completely dry. If residue persists, follow the steps below for removing dulling film.

    • Disinfecting: Occasionally, wipe the surface with diluted household bleach (1 part water, 1 part bleach). Rinse the top thoroughly with water and wipe completely dry.

  • CLEANING

    Follow the procedures above or use Soft Scrub® and a green Scotch-Brite® pad to remove residue. Rub a green Scotch-Brite® pad over the entire sink to blend in the finish. Note: Do not use Scotch-Brite® on the countertop surface.

    DISINFECTING

    Fill your sink 1/4 full with diluted household bleach (1 part water, 1 part bleach). Be sure to get some of the solution into the overflow opening to disinfect. Let the solution stay in the sink for 15 minutes, then wash the sides and bottom as the solution drains. Rinse out the sink with water.

    Avoid getting the bleach solution in your eyes or bare skin. Always follow the bleach manufacturer’s safety instructions when working with bleach.

    POLISH

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

  • While Corian® is heat-resistant, as with all countertop materials, it is important to minimise direct heat exposure to protect your surface and investment.

    • DO NOT PLACE HOT POTS, PANS, ETC. DIRECTLY ON THE BENCH-TOP SURFACE.

    • Always use heat trivets or hot pads when placing hot objects on any surface.

    • Always use a trivet under portable heat-generating appliances such as a toaster oven.

    • Allow cookware to cool before placing it into a Corian® sink.

  • In most cases, Corian® can be repaired if damaged. Be sure to follow these guidelines to help you prevent any permanent damage to your Corian®.

    • Avoid getting strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc., on your Corian® benchtop. If a spill does occur, promptly flush the surface with water to fully rinse off the chemical.

    • Do not cut directly on Corian® benchtops. Use a cutting board.

    • Boiling water alone will not damage your Corian® sink; however, it is a recommended practice to run cold water from the faucet while pouring boiling water into the sink.

  • You may notice over time that the surface of your benchtop begins to look blotchy. Typically, this is caused by leaving hard water to dry on the surface, leaving a film of minerals. To remove this film:

    • Pour some mild abrasive liquid cleanser, such as Soft Scrub®, on a damp sponge or cloth and rub over the area using small circular motions, from the front to the back, then side to side, overlapping the circles until the entire area has been cleaned.

    • Thoroughly rinse the top of your bench with clean water and wipe the surface completely dry.

    • Check to see if the blotchiness is gone. If not, repeat the procedure, applying more pressure to the sponge or rag.

    • Continue over all affected areas until all film is removed.

    NOTE: While this procedure may remove or minimise the look of very fine scratches, other deeper scratches may remain. They may be removed by following the procedure below, or you may hire a professional refinisher to refinish your countertop. Contact your Smith & Smith designer to arrange for professional refinishing.

  • Because the solid beauty of Corian® goes all the way through, Corian® surfaces are renewable. You can remove minor cuts and scratches yourself by following these instructions.

    • First, wash the area where the scratch is located, following the instructions found in this guide, to remove any film on the surface, as this film may clog the abrasive pads. With this surface still wet, start rubbing with the peach-coloured side of the cleaning pad. Use a light touch. Pressing too hard may actually leave deeper scratches. Rub over the scratch using a straight-line motion. Periodically switch the rubbing direction ninety degrees. Rinse the pad periodically during this process to remove any built-up residue. Be sure all of the scratching is removed.

    • Clean the top with water and dry thoroughly. Check to see if the sanded area blends with the rest of the top. Please note that the sanded area may not perfectly match the remainder of the top. If necessary, turn the pad over and repeat the process. Rub over a large area to blend in the sanding.

    • If needed, continue the sanding process using the aqua-coloured pad, and if necessary, use the grey-coloured pad until the desired gloss level is achieved.

    • Rinse out all pads used and allow them to air dry before putting them away.

    An alternative to refinishing your benchtop is to contact your Smith & Smith designer to arrange for professional refinishing.

Download the Corian® Care Maintenance PDF

CAESARSTONE MAINTENANCE & CARE

  • Caesarstone® is a 93% quartz-based product that has outstanding properties to ensure ease of Caesarstone maintenance and longevity of your surfaces. It will withstand exposure to tea, wine, vinegar, lemon juice, and strongly coloured substances.

  • Everyday Cleaning Caesarstone® requires very little maintenance to keep the surface looking like new.

    • For everyday routine cleaning of Caesarstone, we recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water (a mild detergent) and a damp cloth, or alternatively, use a quality spray and wipe type cleaner.

    • Caesarstone Cream Cleanser has been specially formulated to remove the most stubborn stains, such as red wine or beetroot, while taking care of your Caesarstone surfaces.

    • We recommend using a small amount of the cream cleanser on a 3M Scotch Brite Never Scratch All-Purpose Scrubber that has been thoroughly soaked in warm water.

    • To remove adhered materials like food, gum, and nail polish, use a sharp blade to scrape away the excess.

    • If there are any grey metal marks on the surface, a mild detergent will remove them.

    • Household bleach can generally be used as an effective cleaner to remove stubborn marks, but care should be taken as some products are considerably stronger than others.

    • For the MotivoTM pattern textured collection, it may also be necessary to use a non-abrasive soft bristle brush for extra stubborn stains.

    As with any surface, Caesarstone can be permanently damaged by exposure to strong chemicals and solvents that undermine its physical properties.

    • Do not use products that contain trichlorethane or methylene chloride, such as paint removers or strippers.

    • Avoid highly aggressive cleaning agents like oven cleaners that have high alkaline or pH levels.

    • Should the surface be accidentally exposed to any of these damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralise the effect.

  • To avoid damage we always recommend cutting on an appropriate cutting board and never directly on the Caesarstone surface.

  • As Caesarstone is virtually non-porous it will keep its lustrous gloss and ultra smooth surface without polishing and it never needs sealing.

  • Caesarstone will tolerate brief exposures to moderately hot temperatures; however, prolonged direct contact with or radiated heat from very hot pots can cause thermal shock, discolouration, or damage. Therefore, we do not recommend placing hot pots, pans, electric frying pans, oven trays, etc. directly from the hotplate or out of the oven onto the surface of Caesarstone. We always recommend using a hot pad or trivet to place hot items on. Tough? Yes. Indestructible? No.

Download the Caesarstone® care and maintenance guide.

Click here for more information on Caesarstone®.

Modern kitchen with gray marble backsplash, countertop, and cabinets. A stainless steel teapot on a gas stove, a brown ceramic cup, and a window with a view of an outdoor patio are visible.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black kettle, toaster, coffee machine, and black mugs on a wooden tray.

LITHOSTONE MAINTENANCE & CARE

  • Often referred to as can lights, they consist of a housing that is mounted above the drywall in the ceiling. Inside the housing is an adjustable bulb socket that can receive various bulbs. The can light is finished with a trim ring that goes flush against the drywall. Can lighting is useful in that it can provide general lighting in the kitchen, task lighting over the stove, sink, and counters, as well as accent lighting. There are many different kinds of can lights and trim rings for many types of uses.

  • To care for your Lithostone benchtops and splashbacks, routine cleaning simply involves wiping down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

    For more information on caring for your Lithostone benchtop or splashback, see the Lithostone website.

FORMICA MAINTENANCE & CARE

Formica maintenance is straightforward as there are no special chemicals and cleaners required. Cleansing can be as simple as soapy water.

    • Don’t place electrical appliances or pots straight from the oven or cooker directly onto your Formica® laminate surface.

    • Avoid scourers and abrasives; they will damage the surface.

    • Keep waxes and polishes well away. They merely dull the natural shine.

    • Don’t use knives directly on Formica laminate surfaces.

    • Sharp objects moved across the surface will also cause scratching. This will not impair the serviceability of the surface but will spoil its appearance. Dark benchtop colours will make these scratches more visible, as will smooth and glossy finishes.

    • Don’t place burning items on Formica laminate surfaces like incense.

  • Streaky marks sometimes show on dark colours and gloss surfaces after cleaning. Mr Muscle, Windex or Ajax Spray n Wipe spray cleaners should wipe them away.

  • Clean, soapy water will deal with greasy marks. Dab, wait and wipe away. Finish off with Mr Muscle, Windex or Ajax Spray n Wipe spray cleaners.

  • Formica laminate surfaces resist staining from most household chemicals. With some accidental spills, however, you must take prompt action. Wipe off beetroot, grape, and berry juices, first aid preparations, concentrated bleach, oven cleaners, dishwasher detergents, and artificial dyes or hair colouring immediately. Speciality glue types such as Super Glue must also be removed immediately with acetone (nail polish remover).

    Note: Some solvent-based texture pens may leave permanent marks unless removed immediately.

  • Methylated spirits, acetone, paint thinners, or 2–3 light rubs with a cream cleanser can be used on stubborn stains. Use a light scrubbing brush if necessary.

    Note: Always be careful with laminate joins and edges, as these products can break down the adhesive used to bond your Formica laminate to the substrate.

  • Formica laminate surfaces will withstand normal wear and tear but can be damaged by scratching or cutting with utensils, knives, and unglazed pottery. Darker colours and gloss surfaces will show scratches more readily than lighter colours. To minimise scratching, always place and lift objects from the surface; never drag or slide them across the surface.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, a gray countertop island, a large window with plantation shutters, and decorative plants including a vase with lilies on the island.

Download the Formica Care and Maintenance Guide PDF

Close-up of a kitchen island with a curved marble countertop and white vertical paneling on the side, next to a wooden floor and a white chair with wooden legs.

SMARTSTONE MAINTENANCE & CARE

GENERAL SMARTSTONE MAINTENANCE

  • Smartstone Quartz is designed to offer high performance with low maintenance, and being non-porous it will never need sealing or waxing. Smartstone maintenance is easy. Only a little common sense is needed to care for your Smartstone surface.

    Stain Resistance Smartstone Quartz has been tested by the CSIRO and due to its low moisture absorption, is resistant to stains caused by wine, fruit juices, liquid food colouring, tea and spices with strong colours.

    Damaged Benchtop Edge & Surface A damaged benchtop edge or surface (including the stone edge for an under-mount sink) is not indicative of defective material. The Smartstone 15-year Limited Warranty does not cover edge or surface damage, such as chipping or scratching caused by wear and tear or negligence.

  • For dried spills, remove solids first. A wet cotton cloth is recommended for any stubborn stains. Avoid forceful scrubbing as this may result in a loss of shine. Rinse well with water.

    Do not use bleach on or near a Smartstone surface.

    For Interior Applications Only Smartstone should not be used outdoors. The Smartstone Limited Warranties do not cover exterior applications (where Smartstone is exposed to weather conditions). Exposure to direct sunlight may result in a colour change and it is therefore recommended that exposure to direct sunlight is limited.

  • Placing hot items directly onto your Smartstone benchtop is not recommended. Although Smartstone has high heat resistance, excessive localised heat may result in damage to your Smartstone due to thermal shock.

  • •To keep your Smartstone clean, simply wash with a soft cloth, warm water and a pH neutral household liquid detergent.

    • Avoid exposure to products with high pH levels such as oven cleaner. Rinse immediately to neutralise the effect, and then follow usual cleaning procedure.

    • Avoid exposure to paint strippers, paint removers, bleach and nail polish remover. Rinse immediately with clean water to neutralise the effect, and then follow usual cleaning procedure.

    • Avoid exposure to high impact, especially on the edges.

    • Avoid excessive weight being placed on your bench top, such as tradespeople standing on the bench top when doing other work in your home such as painting or electrical work.

SMARTSTONE MARBLE MAINTENANCE

  • Smartstone Marble is made from up to 95% natural marble, therefore it exhibits similar performance, with regard to porosity and scratch resistance, as natural marble. Smartstone Marble is not recommended for food preparation applications because it is susceptible to staining or etching from red wine, beetroot juice, lemon juice, tea, coffee and other similar substances. The Smartstone 10-year Limited Warranty does not cover Smartstone Marble with regard to staining, scratching, chipping, etching and cracking post-purchase. Smartstone Marble is not suitable for food preparations as the product is porous.

  • It is advisable not to use cleaning products that contain acids or abrasives, as they will deteriorate the surface. The resin used in Smartstone Marble is susceptible to discolouration from alkaline substances.

    Do not use bleach on or near your Smartstone Marble bench-top.

Download the Smartstone Care & Maintenance Guide PDF

WILSONART MAINTENANCE & CARE

  • To clean the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent. Difficult stains such as coffee or tea can be removed using a mild household cleaner and baking soda; mixing to achieve a paste consistency. Use a stiff nylon bristle brush, scrubbing (approx. 15-20 strokes) the affected area. Do not scrub so as to mar (damage, scratch) the surface finish.

    Stubborn stains that resist any of the above cleaning methods may require the use of undiluted household bleach or nail polish remover. Use a cotton ball saturated with bleach or nail polish remover (acetone), gently rub the stain for up to two minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry using a soft cloth. This step may be repeated if the stain appears to be going away and the color of the laminate has not been affected.

    WARNING: Prolonged exposure of the laminate surface to bleach will cause discolouration. Always rinse laminate surfaces after cleaning! Failure to rinse after cleaning can cause damage; even if a small amount of cleaning solution remains on the surface. A dry residue may be invisible; however, moisture from cups or drinks can reactivate it, and result in permanently etched scars or stains over time.

    • Formula 409®

    • Dawn®

    • Glass Plus®

    • Dow Bathroom Cleaner with Scrubbing Bubbles™

    • Fantastik®

    • Windex®

    • Lestoil®

    • Lysol® Brand Disinfectant Basin / Tub / Tile Cleaner

    • Mr. Clean®

    • TOP JOB®

    • Clorox®* (*Caution: prolonged exposure can mark the surface)

  • Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage laminate surfaces; do not use them. Drain cleaners containing lye will permanently damage the laminate surface. If you spill a drain cleaner, wipe it up immediately and rinse several times with water.

    Hair, textile and food dyes can cause permanent stains. If dye should happen to spill, wipe it up immediately with dishwashing detergent or an all-purpose cleaner.

    Wipe spills away promptly and rinse several times with water.

    Rust removers contain harsh chemicals, which will quickly cause permanent damage. If a spill occurs, wipe off all residue immediately, wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse several times.

    Steel wool and other abrasive pads will damage the laminate face. Do not use them for cleaning and don’t store steel wool pads on your countertop; the metal can rust and leave stains.

    Toilet bowl cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause permanent damage. If spills occur, wipe up immediately, wash surface with soapy water and rinse several times.

    Pumice (abrasive) - remember, sharp objects can damage the surface of Wilsonart Laminate, marring its beauty and lowering wear and stain resistance. Although high pressure laminates are somewhat resistant to scratch and marring, the surface can be damaged, even under normal use.

  • The cleaners listed below can cause damage to the surface of laminate

    • Hydrochloric Acid - Muriatic Acid, Hydrogen Chloride

    • Sulfuric Acid - Oleic Acid, Oil of Vitriol Oleum

    • Hydrofluoric Acid - Rust Remover

    • Phosphoric Acid - Rust Remover

    • Sodium Hydroxide - Caustic Soda, Caustic, Lye, Soda Lye

Bright white kitchen with marble countertops, large window, and white cabinets. Four black upholstered bar stools at a white island, terracotta tile floor, and a wooden door in the background.

APPLIANCES

  • If your oven is self-cleaning, consult the owner’s manual for instructions on how to use this feature. The self-cleaning feature works by heating the interior of the oven to a temperature so hot that it incinerates the residue inside the oven. Normally, it is not a good idea to clean the interior of a self-cleaning oven with a spray cleaner. If in doubt, refer to your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer of your oven for further information. Non-self-cleaning ovens require a domestic oven cleaner, a great variety is available at supermarkets and hardware stores.

    • Clean the condenser coils – if they are dirty the fridge will have to work harder, shortening its life expectancy and increasing energy costs.

    • Clean the drip pan and drain hole – if they become clogged condensation can build up in the fridge.

    • Check the gasket seals around the doors – they keep the warm air out and the cool air in so it’s vital that they seal properly.

    • Ensure the Fridge is level – if not, then the doors may not be closing properly.

    • Check the water filter – if you have an ice maker or water dispenser.

    • Defrost the freezer – if you don’t have an automatic defroster, if the ice builds up to more than 1cm you should defrost the freezer, by turning off the freezer, removing all the contents, waiting some time for the ice to melt, knocking off big sections of ice, wipe the inside of the freezer and the gaskets, then return the contents.

    • Minimize moisture by keeping food covered and containers shut.

    • Don’t use paper as a wrapper, instead use aluminium or plastic.

    • Full Freezers perform better than if they are nearly empty.

    • Pre-rinsing is a waste of time and water. Dishes need only to be scraped of solids and then placed in the dishwasher.

    • Face the dirtiest dishes towards the centre for maximum water exposure.

    • Don’t place the dishes too closely – the water spray won’t reach what is not exposed.

    • To avoid chipping ensure breakable items don’t touch others.

    • Don’t machine-wash any metal other than stainless steel. Disposable plastics, gold-coloured cutlery, gold-leaf china, hollow-handle knives and anything made of wood should be hand-washed.

    • Aluminium items may discolour.

  • Clean anything that you spill on the floor immediately and don’t allow it to soak and stain the kitchen floor. Some floor coverings may lift, split or warp with constant moisture, such as floating floors and parquetry. Keep the floor as dry as possible and maintain varnish to allow as little moisture seepage as possible.

Modern kitchen with black stove and teal cabinets, white countertop, wooden floor, white tiled backsplash, open shelves with books and plants.