Car wax makes your car shiny and sharp-looking to your neighbors. I know this may seem obvious, but a few readers have asked using car wax on Corian countertops is acceptable? That’s a big NO!
Car wax may end up sticking on the surface of your counter, may cause ugly scratches, and leave behind an unsightly greasy look. The worst thing is will likely damage the Corian material over time, resulting in irreparable damage. A costly mistake for a low-cost product.
There is good news since many alternative methods exist to help you maintain Corian countertops. Read on, and I’ll explain some options.
Table of Contents
- What is Corian and how to care for It
- Why using car wax on Corian countertops is a bad idea
- Alternatives to using car wax on Corian countertops
- The best way to remove scratches from Corian countertops
- How to restore Corian countertop surfaces
What is Corian and how to care for It
Dupont is the company behind developing a non-porous solid surface material in 1967 that they named Corian. In particular, scientist Donald Slocum invented the material, with his name appearing on the material’s patent in October 1968.
It was in 1971 when Corian was first made available for purchase in Houston, Texas, during the National Association of Home Builders exhibition. However, most exhibition attendees assumed back then that Corian was a material only meant for the bathroom and kitchen since it was only available in a single color, white.
However, Corian is no longer limited to kitchens and bathrooms alone and is also available in ninety-three vibrant colors.
To make the most out of this Corian, I have a few suggestions for its proper care and maintenance:
| 1 | Use dish soap to clean your Corian countertops. |
| 2 | Apply vinegar to keep your Corian countertop clean and sparkling. |
| 3 | Disinfect your Corian countertop with bleach, but you will want to clean this off within 16 hours maximum. Used a wet, damp cloth. |
| 4 | Always use gentle cleaning solutions every time you clean your Corian countertop. Although Corian is a somewhat forgiving and versatile material, unlike quartz or marble countertops, it can still etch and erode if you use harsh chemical cleaners. |
| 5 | Buff the surface using countertop polish whenever you notice minor scratches or etches, and homeowners should do the same on their Corian countertops. But if you’re dealing with bad scratches, I suggest you seek expert help to seal the material. |
| 6 | Make it a point you clean your Corian kitchen countertop daily, even if it’s not in use. This way, dust won’t accumulate over the surface while keeping your kitchen cleaner. |
Why using car wax on Corian countertops is a bad idea
Car wax is never recommended for your Corian countertops since they are non-porous, so they don’t require any waxes or sealants. These counters can maintain ultra-smooth surfaces and lustrous gloss without applying sealant or polish.
I also learned that car wax is not recommended because it might damage the surface. Since car wax tends to be very tricky to remove from Corian surface, it might also cause ugly scratches on the material’s texture and leaves a greasy surface behind. Using car wax on your Corian countertop might even result in discoloration or excessive flaking.
Although car wax gives cars a glossy finish, it might not work the same on your Corian countertop. As its name suggests, car wax is meant for vehicles and is not designed to be used as a coating on your precious Corian counter.
Alternatives to using car wax on Corian countertops
Corian countertops with high-gloss or semi-gloss finishing, different factors can make them lose their shiny glory in no time. Scratches and sanding are among the most common culprits. However, even water residue that sits too long may result in a stain. The Corian material may also turn dull if you use harsh chemicals.
Instead of using car wax to make your Corian countertops shine again, you might want to invest in commercial polishes specifically made for the gloss finish of these materials. But before you use these products, prepare your counter by wiping it properly, disinfecting it, and removing stains using a non-abrasive cleaner and pad.
You can also soak a clean napkin or sponge in water and use it to wipe down the surface thoroughly. Dry it afterward using a microfiber towel before finally applying the commercial polish. Remember that you follow the instructions of the manufacturer to prevent further damage.
But if you’re on a budget like me and don’t have the money to buy a commercial polish, don’t worry because I got an alternative solution. Mix ¾ parts water and ¼ parts vinegar and soak a microfiber cloth in this solution to polish your Corian countertop.
The best way to remove scratches from Corian countertops
The following steps will help you remove scratches from your Corian countertop. However, remember that it will only work on light surface scrapes and scratches but won’t for deep cuts and cracks. Also, always be cautious when you sand your Corian material and avoid using strongly abrasive products.
I use a clean sponge or cloth, mild abrasive cleaning liquid, and lightly abrasive cleaning pads.
| 1 | Wet the scratched area before you clean using a damp cloth or sponge and mild abrasive cleaning liquid. Rub in small circular motions until you clean the entire area, as this will remove any film on the surface that might end up clogging the abrasive pads |
| 2 | While the surface is still wet, use a light touch when rubbing the lightly abrasive cleaning pad on the scratched area. Make sure you don’t press too hard, or you’ll create deeper scratches. Use straight-line motions when you rub across the scratch. |
| 3 | Change the direction you’re rubbing by 90 degrees now and then. Make sure you also rinse the pad now and then to get rid of fiber buildup. Continue rubbing until the scratch becomes unnoticeable. |
| 4 | Use water to clean the surface and dry it thoroughly. Check proper blending of the sanded area once dry. While it might not be a perfect match with other counter sections, the blending should still be enough and no longer visible from afar. |
| 5 | You can also repeat the process using a slightly harsher cloth several times. But make sure you also properly blend the area surrounding the scratch. |
How to restore Corian countertop surfaces
Did your Corian countertop acquire some stains and scratches through the years? Is it starting to show its age? The one feature I love the most about Corian is that it’s easy to restore when it sustains minor damage. I often do the task using the materials and products already available at home.
Scratch removal
Several steps are involved in removing minor cuts and scratches. I start the cleaning process following the same steps above. I lightly rub the still-wet spot with the abrasive cleaning pad’s peach-colored side. After the signs of blemish are no longer visible, I use water to clean the countertop and let it dry completely.
Blotch and stain removal
The noticeable darker spots on your Corian countertop are mineral deposits that form when hard water dries on the surface. I apply a mild abrasive liquid cleaner on these steps and use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe the area and remove the stains.
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John Thompson, Writer and Commentator, EvolutDesign.com
Soldier, writer, researcher, consultant, and bon vivant, John Thompson is the author of numerous columns, op-eds, reports, briefs, short stories and books as the “Felicity Files” and “Spirit Over Steel: A Chronology of the Second World War” (version III). Often found hunched over his computer, or in his garden, and now often found doing both. His diverse talent has led him to work in industries and projects such as energy, security and home construction and renovation. To see the entire team at Evolutdesign.com, visit Our Team page.
