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7. Maintenance instructions
LAMINATE COUNTER TOPS
THE MATERIAL
The frame in the counter top is made from high-quality carpenter’s
particle board. The manufacture is checked regularly so that the release
of free formaldehyde is kept well under the established limits. The
laminate on the top is a high-pressure laminate, which consists of more
than 65% kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin. Over this lies a
paper with a printed pattern, covered with melamine. The underside is
lined with balanced laminate with integrated polyethylene damp-proofing.
Single-colour satin finish POL has a velvety anti-fingerprint surface with
high scratch resistance. However, a single-coloured matt surface is still
susceptible and shows stains and marks more clearly than a patterned
and textured surface. Sawn-off pieces and chips resulting from installation
may be disposed of, composted or incinerated in an approved industrial
incineration facility.
CLEANING
Clean the laminate surface regularly with water and washing-up liquid. A
soft nylon brush can be used on tougher stains on a textured laminate
surface. When cleaning, never use abrasive cleaning agents on the
laminate surface, such as scouring powder, steel wool, nylon sponges or
similar. These may leave scratches on the surface. For stubborn stains,
it is fine to use agents such as methylated spirit, laminate cleaner or
acetone. Avoid allowing concentrated mineral acids and strong colour-
ants such as iodine, hydrogen peroxide and ink to come into contact
with the laminate surface. These colourants can cause chemical burns or
discolouration. It is important that water is not left standing between the
counter top and the hob or between the counter top and the sink.
Such joints must be silicone-treated so that moisture cannot penetrate
and stand in the joints.
Laminate counter tops can withstand temperatures of up to 180°C.
Cooking pots and frying pans taken directly from the hob may have
temperatures of up to 350°C, and ceramic hobs can produce even higher
temperatures. Mats must therefore always be used when placing cooking
pots or frying pans on the counter top. If you have a hob that is recessed
into the counter, you must take care to ensure that pans are always
completely on the hob and not partly over the laminate surface.
Laminate is hard, but dark and/or glossy surfaces are sensitive to
scratches. Normal kitchenware does not normally cause damage, but the
surface may be scratched by ceramic containers and sharp tools. Never
cut directly on the counter top; always use a cutting board. If the counter
top has a wooden edging strip from Vedum, this should be oiled once or
twice per year.
Do not open the dishwasher before it is ready. If you have to open it
before drying is complete, open the door the whole way. Then wipe away
the water that forms on the underside of the counter top when hot steam
is released from the dishwasher. Do not forget to wipe the doors on each
side of the dishwasher as well as the integrated dishwasher door where
applicable.
WOODEN COUNTER TOPS
THE MATERIAL
In order to produce a solid wood board, the wood is sawn into bars which
are then glued back together. By first dividing the wood into smaller
pieces and then gluing it back together, the wood is stabilised. The glue
used to join the bars together is an aqueous dispersion of polyvinyl
acetate (wood glue). Certain types of wood can be treated with a wax
consisting of vegetable oils and natural waxes. Sawn-off pieces and chips
resulting from installation may be disposed of, composted or incinerated.
CLEANING/MAINTAINING OILED BOARDS
The fibres of solid counter tops must be saturated with wood oil to ensure
that the counter top will retain its shape and withstand damp and dirt.
The counter top must therefore be oiled on both the underside and the
top before installation, otherwise there is a risk that the counter top will
bend. After installation, the counter tops must immediately be oiled on
all sides and edges with wood oil. Apply the wood oil carefully and let it
absorb for an hour; in the meantime, spread and work in the excess oil
with a cloth. For an extra smooth surface, use Scotch-Brite or similar, or
alternatively a soft sanding block (extra fine). Work along the length of
the wood. Then rub the surfaces dry with a lint-free cloth. If the surface
has not dried completely within three hours, it may dry into a tough, sticky
surface that is difficult to get rid of. Take care to ensure that the oil does
not come into contact with anything other than the counter top,
especially the doors. Repeat the treatment at least once in the first week,
then once per week for three weeks. Repeat after one month, three months
and six months. Following that, treat the counter top three to four times
a year. Note that all treatment and maintenance must be done on dry
boards. Never let water remain standing on the counter top. If this occurs,
there is a risk that the counter top will swell up, and at worst crack. It
should therefore be wiped dry immediately; this is especially important
around the sink. Mats must always be used when placing cooking pots or
frying pans on the counter top. Coffee makers and other machines that
become hot may need to stand on a mat. Warning: The cloths and spong-
es you have used may self-ignite when the oil oxidises. Soak with water
and wrap in an airtight wrapping or ignite under controlled conditions.
CLEANING/MAINTENANCE OF HARD-WAX OILED BOARDS
On delivery, the counter tops are treated with a special combination of oil
and wax that produces a very hardwearing surface layer and good
protection. They do not need to be treated before or directly after
installation if the surface has not been damaged, but they are not
maintenance-free. To maintain the appearance and an adequate surface
for the counter tops, it is necessary to check whether maintenance is
required so that the surface does not become worn or damaged. It is
especially important to check that the end wood and edges have
adequate protection, particularly in the case of an undermount sink where
moisture can permeate up. This also applies to surfaces that are used
frequently and may be exposed to water and steam. As each board – as
well as each bar – is unique, different quantities of hard-wax oil are
required to saturate the surface and produce an adequate surface layer.
For daily maintenance, or as needed, use a cloth dampened with warm
water. The wiped surface should dry within 1–2 minutes. Vedum has a
cleaning spray with art. no. 37010 for daily cleaning. This contains soap
that is based on natural oils. The product cleans the surface without
drying out or removing the hard-wax oil. Spray onto the surface and wipe
off with a lint-free cloth (not included in the delivery from Vedum). Never
use tape on the surface. Maintenance wax art. no. 37009 is used after
wiping with a damp cloth to easily freshen up the hard-wax oiled surface
if necessary. Shake the can and apply a very thin layer of the product
onto the clean, dry surface using a microfibre mop or lint-free cloth (not
included in the delivery from Vedum). Allow to dry for at least an hour.
Ensure good ventilation.
7.2 COUNTER TOPS