Compac worktops have all the benefits of granite and more. Comprising mostly of quartz, they are extremely scratch resistant and hard wearing. On the Moh scale of hardness, quartz is actually slightly higher than granite.
The high scratch resistance makes it possible to use a compac worktop day after day without the risk of cracking or chipping; a problem often encountered with other natural stone worktops. Even cutting food without a board will not leave scratch marks.
With a range of added elements such as fragments of sea shells or glass to create the appearance of different textures – pigments to achieve a host of different colours and bound with resin, for example – compac worktops can be produced to suit the kitchen decor of any home. This is, of course, an advantage other natural stones like granite cannot offer.
The resin binding also reduces the water absorbency of compac worktops, making them far easier to clean. Spills can be easily wiped off, leaving no trace and a worktop looking like new. Because spills cannot seep into the worktop surface and promote fungal or bacterial growth, compac worktops are far safer and more hygienic when it comes to the preparation of food.
Naturally, it is always best to wipe all spills immediately to avoid staining, and excessive exposure to highly alkaline or acidic substances over long periods should be avoided to prevent a dulling effect on the surface. Having said this, even substances like lemon juice, vinegar or nail varnish remover will do no harm if removed immediately.
Compac surfaces are also comparatively tolerant of high temperatures. It is nonetheless safer to avoid placing pans or pots straight from the cooker onto the worktop. A mat or trivet will avoid burning the surface and preserve the beauty of the worktop.
Caring for a compac worktop is very basic and does not take a huge amount of effort. A regular clean with a moist cloth and a mild detergent, preferably gel or liquid, will remove any marks or spills and no polishing is required. Though hardwearing, even compac worktops have limits and abrasive cleaners may eventually graze the surface if used regularly.
Should a somehow missed spill leave a stubborn stain, using bleach may become necessary. This should be no problem as long as the chemical is thoroughly rinsed off after the stain has been removed.
Call us now on 0208 216 2051 or contact us here.
