How do I care for my Silestone worktop?
Silestone requires very little and very simple, mostly preventive care. Silestone worktops are the hardest and most damage- and stain- resistant worktops known to man. Not only is it highly resistant to scratches, stains, knocks and heat, it does not flake or delaminate, and it actively kills germs and bacteria due to its unique patented antibacterial formula baked into the worktops, with absolutely nowhere for bacteria to accumulate anyway as it is impervious and virtually seamlessly joined.
Knocks, cuts, abrasions, heat, harsh sun
One should bear in mind though that no worktop is indestructible and even Silestone can be marked by inattentive hard knocks, cuts and abrasions, etc and like almost any other material, prolonged exposure to harsh direct sun can cause fading, especially to the darker and brighter colours.
Because Silestone is incredibly hard, DIY repairs are not recommended and in the unlikely event of damage, professional repairs will be quite costly. However, with proper care, you can keep your Silestone worktops in pristine condition and enjoy that opulent look for generations to come.
Fortunately, it is quite easy to properly care for Silestone worktops as they require only basic cleaning and care to prevent damage. Common-sense care to avoid excessive exposure to physical damage, heat damage, scratches and abrasions will keep them looking like new for generations.
Simple preventive measures will include:
- Using hot pads or trivets to protect them from direct contact with high heat
- Using chopping blocks or cutting boards to prevent scratches and knocks
- Do not use paint removers, oven cleaners or strong chemicals to clean the worktops
- Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh direct sunlight
Stains
Silestone is completely impervious, making it extremely resistant to stains. Simple steps to avoid excessive exposure to abrasive or caustic spills, is enough to clean and maintain them properly.
If a stubborn stain settles on the surface, soak it for a while to dissolve the particles and then wash off with mild soap and clean water. Because Silestone is completely non-porous, the stain will not penetrate the surface.
Daily cleaning and care
For daily care, clean your Silestone worktops with a soft, or micro-fibre cloth, using clean water and mild soap and wipe dry. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive cleaning sponges, excessive pressure or force to remove stains.
Because quartz has a natural glossy sheen, it will not need to be polished, provided it is kept clean and dry.
If water marks dull the surface, apply a limescale remover, or use a paste of bicarbonate of soda and spirit vinegar to soften the limescale and wash off with mild soap and water.
Areas in which Silestone scores higher than any other worktop surface:
- Scratch resistance
- Flexural resistance (bend strength)
- Impact resistance
- Low maintenance
- Low porosity
- Ability to use large format slabs
- Hygiene
Other areas of durability and strength in which Silestone excels
- 3D decoration
- Abrasion resistance
- Material workability
Other areas of Silestone reliability
- Resistance to fire – as good as solid surface worktops and almost as good as natural stone
- UV resistance – as good as natural stone and better than solid surface worktops
- Chemical resistance – better than natural stone and as good as solid surface worktops
- Thermal expansion – better than solid surface and almost as good as natural stone
- Thermal shock – as good as natural stone and better than solid surface
Can I repair scratches, nicks or chips to my Silestone Worktops?
Silestone is made of very tough quartz crystal, which is exceptionally resilient and more resistant to damage than any other worktop surface, but in time, unusually rough treatment or accidents may cause scratches or surface damage.
The hardness of the quartz makes it advisable to call in professional help in the unlikely event of damage. Worktops.net has specialists who can assist you, either on site, or in our high-tech factory.
Silestone carries a 10-year warranty from worktops.net. Only if the damage is of a nature not covered by your warranty, will you need to worry about the cost of repairs.
