Regular Cleaning
Warm water is highly effective for regular cleaning. As FENIX is a strong material, you can also use any household cleaner, such as all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers, or limescale removers. If needed, even acetone can be safely used. However, when using acetone, always follow the health and safety instructions on the bottle and keep the contact time minimal.
To avoid damaging the structure of FENIX, don’t scrub the surface with abrasive cream, a scouring pad, or a hard brush. Over time, this might lead to a glossy spot on your matte surface. Instead, you can use a melamine sponge, also known as a magic sponge.
As a final step, always rinse with plenty of warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. The water removes dirt, residues from cleaning liquids, and particles of the melamine sponge that could otherwise remain in the structure. The clean cloth absorbs the water, preventing limescale residues that may cause a change in appearance.
Deep Cleaning
If the surface has not been cleaned properly over time and you notice a change in appearance, you can follow the procedure below to deep clean the FENIX surface:
- Spray a kitchen degreaser on the entire surface. Use a clean, damp cloth to loosen any residues, applying gentle friction.
- Rinse with plenty of warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Spray a limescale remover on the entire surface and repeat the cleaning process with a damp cloth.
- Use a melamine sponge, making circular movements to reach deep into the structure.
- Rinse with plenty of warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
For superficial defects caused by micro-scratches, you can repair the surface with a hot iron. Place a dampened sheet of kitchen roll or a towel over the damaged area. The iron should be on low heat and placed on the towel for no more than 10 seconds at a time. Dampen the towel again if it dries out and repeat the steps as needed. Finally, rinse the repaired area with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth. If you need further guidance, feel free to reach out to our Customer Success team.
Preventive Measures
Although very resistant, a FENIX surface should never be treated with products containing abrasive substances, macro-abrasive sponges, or unsuitable materials such as sandpaper or steel wool. Strongly acidic or alkaline products should be avoided as they can stain the surface.
Bleach and heavily chlorinated products should be avoided as they can degrade the surface. Sodium hypochlorite should be used at concentrations lower than 5% and for no more than 5 minutes at a time, then rinsed off with a sponge or towel.
Hydrogen peroxide at concentrations lower than 3% should be carefully rinsed off. For concentrations higher than 3%, avoid leaving the solution in contact with the surface for more than 10 minutes at a time; the surface must then be thoroughly rinsed with a non-abrasive sponge and dried well.
When using solvents, the cloth used must be perfectly clean to avoid leaving marks on the FENIX surface. Any marks may, however, be removed by rinsing with hot water and drying well.
Refrain from using furniture polishes or wax-based cleaners in general, as these tend to form a sticky layer on the FENIX surface that attracts and traps dirt.
Do not use metal scrapers, iron brushes, or any other metal tools to remove stains, paint, plaster, or other substances from the surface. Instead, try warm water and mild household detergents.