How to Care for Corian & Formica Counters

Formica and Corian provide durable, low-maintenance surfaces.

Formica counters have been available for many years and provide a stable, economical work surface in kitchens. They are made by fusing a plastic laminate to a plywood base and are cut to fit. Corian counters became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. These man-made products simulate natural materials, such as granite or marble. They cost more than Formica, but are non-porous and stain-resistant. They can be formed into a solid surface with no seams. Both types of countertops require only basic care to maintain.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge or dish cloth
• Dish detergent
• Paper towels
• Commercial Corian cleaner
• Chlorine bleach
• Spray bottle
• Trivet
• Liquid abrasive cleaner
• Cleaning pads for Corian

Instructions

Caring for Corian

1. Wash the Corian counter daily or as needed with a sponge or clean rag dipped in sudsy water. Dry the counter immediately with a paper towel. When Corian is left wet, it develops a film or hard water spots.

2. Treat more difficult stains with a commercial stain remover made for Corian counters. Disinfect the counters occasionally by mixing 1 cup water and 1 cup chlorine bleach in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the counters, wait five minutes and rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water. Dry as previously instructed.

3. Set trivets and hot pads on the counter before placing hot pots and pans down. Corian is heat-resistant, but may be damaged by very hot cookware. Do not use the counter as a cutting board.

4. Apply a dime-size amount of an abrasive liquid cleaner to minor scratches. Rub the scratches with a sponge or cloth in a circular motion and rinse. Dry with a paper towel.

5. Clean the surface with soapy water and rinse. Rub deeper scratches lightly with the cleaning pads until the scratches are gone. Rinse and dry.

Caring for Formica

1. Spray Formica counters with a gentle, neutral cleaning spray as needed and wipe with a clean sponge or dish cloth. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleansers, such as vinegar or trisodium phosphate, which can discolor or damage the finish.

2. Disinfect the counters occasionally by mixing 1/4 cup chlorine bleach with 1 cup water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the counters and wipe immediately. Chlorine bleach can stain or yellow Formica counters, especially light-colored ones.

3. Use trivets and cutting boards to protect the Formica surface. Cuts and scratches in the finish cannot be repaired, and attract dirt and bacteria.

Tips & Warnings

• Darker colored counters tend to show spots and imperfections more readily than light surfaces.

References

• DuPont: Caring For DuPont Corian
• Kitchen Countertops: Cleaning and Maintenance of Laminate Countertops

Resources

• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: The Clean Kitchen Test