Ultimately, cleaning various casework surfaces requires simple testing to ensure you don’t damage the surface.
Different materials are used to make casework depending on where it will be used. A laboratory will differ in requirements from an educational setting. For example, a lab’s casework might need to be extra resistant to heat and moisture. Consequently, cleaning various casework surfaces will differ in different locations. In addition, you’ll need to polish an epoxy resin surface differently than a stainless-steel surface.
The ideal place to learn how to clean your casework is in the manufacturer’s warranty or owner’s manual. These official documents should work as your primary source. Of course, there are general cleaning rules that are great to know. So, let’s discuss cleaning various casework surfaces.
Stainless Steel Casework
If you have washed stainless steel before, you might have had the annoying experience of the surface looking sloppier than before. That’s because not all cleaning products perform great on it. Also, you should only clean stainless steel with a clean cotton cloth and mild soap with water or glass cleaner. So, avoid using anything aggressive such as scouring pads or steel wool, because this will scratch the steel.
Simple Cleaning Solid Surfaces
Clean solid surface casework with a damp cotton cloth and mild soap and water. You may also use ammonia-based cleaners. Additionally, don’t use abrasive cleaning chemicals such as scouring pads and steel wool. You should also immediately rinse off any chemical spills with water and clean up according to lab safety procedures.
Epoxy & Phenolic
Epoxy resins are typically used to coat work surfaces in laboratories. They are resistant to heat, flame, and moisture. They are also non-porous, making them ideal for demanding laboratory environments. You should also clean them with a soft cotton cloth, mild soap, and water. When it comes to acetone, you can use it per the packaging directions. Once again, please avoid using abrasive products when cleaning epoxy casework.
It’s not uncommon for epoxy resin surfaces to lose their luster with time, so apply a finishing oil with a soft cloth to restore it. Also, eliminate excess oil with another clean cloth when you are done. Moreover, phenolic is a resin made from an organic material known as phenol. It is mixed with an aldehyde to produce a long-lasting, non-porous resin. As with most surfaces, a soft cloth and mild detergent work for general cleaning purposes. However, don’t use powdered cleaning agents.
High-Pressure Laminate, or HPL
A damp cloth and sponge with a mild detergent work well for general cleaning. You may also use non-abrasive cleaners like window cleaners and isopropyl alcohol. Also, use bleach sparingly because exposing HPL to bleach for an extended period of time may discolor.
Ultimately, cleaning various casework surfaces requires simple testing to ensure you don’t damage the surface.
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