Teclab casework is built to last. With proper care, you can expect many years of reliable service from your cabinets, benches and work surfaces.
This guide brings together Teclab’s recommended cleaning and care procedures for every surface we make. Start with the good habits that apply to any lab, then jump to your material for its everyday routine, what to avoid, and a printable care sheet.
Please share this page with your lab staff and custodial team. A consistent maintenance program is the best way to protect both the safety and the appearance of your lab.
Chemicals left to dry on a surface can lighten, roughen or even crack it. Quick cleanup prevents most permanent damage.
Always try the softest cloth and the weakest solution — soap and water — first. Step up only if the mark remains.
After cleaning, rinse with clean water and wipe dry so cleaning agents never dry on the surface.
Ammonia-based products must never be mixed with products containing bleach. Combining products can release harmful gases.
On steel, laminate and resin surfaces they scratch and dull the finish, and steel particles left behind can rust and stain.
Daily or weekly cleaning, plus monthly or quarterly inspections of surfaces, sinks and joints, catches small problems early.
A quick reference for each Teclab material. Select a material for full instructions.
| Material | Everyday cleaning | Never use |
|---|---|---|
| Powder-coated steelSteel cabinets & painted steel tops | Glass cleaner and a soft cloth | Steel wool, abrasive cleaners, acids, MEK, acetone or other strong solvents, chlorine- or sulfur-based cleaners |
| Stainless steelStainless cabinets & tops | Warm water (mild soap if needed) and a soft cloth; rinse and towel dry | Steel wool or carbon steel brushes, chloride or chlorine cleaners, acetone, methyl alcohol, mineral spirits, oily rags |
| Tec-Resin Epoxy | Acetone (where allowed) or Crystal Simple Green® on a clean rag or paper towel | Wax or polishes containing wax, abrasive pads, powders or liquids; liquid nitrogen or dry ice in sinks |
| Phenolic Resin | Warm water and a mild cleaner with a sponge or soft nylon brush; wipe dry | Concentrated acid, caustic or abrasive cleaning agents |
| Laminate (HPL)Self-edged & PVC-edged | Damp cloth or sponge with mild soap; rinse with warm water and wipe dry | Acidic or abrasive cleaners, lye drain cleaners, rust removers, oven or toilet bowl cleaners, hot pans |
| Chem-Surf | Damp cloth or sponge with mild soap; rinse with warm water and wipe dry | Hydrochloric, sulfuric, hydrofluoric or phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide (lye), pumice |
| ESD Laminate | Damp cloth or sponge with mild soap or detergent | Acid-based cleaners, abrasives, oven, toilet or drain cleaners; heat above 135°C (275°F) |
| Hardwood Butcher Block | Wipe clean immediately; oil oiled tops at least once a month | Excess water or oil, strong cleaning agents, carburetor cleaners |
| Composite Resinwood | Wipe clean immediately after any spill | Excess water or oil, strong cleaning agents |
Teclab casework is offered in powder-coated (painted) steel and stainless steel. The same care applies to our painted steel and stainless steel work surfaces.
Applies to: painted steel base, wall and storage cabinets · Painted Steel work surfaces
Teclab steel is protected by one of the newest paint application methods in the industry. Powder coating is a chemical-resistant, baked finish that withstands a number of chemicals. To keep that “like new” appearance, clean all exposed surfaces regularly.
Clean regularly to remove surface contaminants — this also helps safeguard against unwanted chemical reactions. The best method is glass cleaner with a soft cloth.
Make sure your cleaner is compatible with other chemicals in use around the area: ammonia-based products should never be mixed with products containing bleach.
Applies to: stainless steel cabinets · Stainless Steel work surfaces
Stainless steel is extremely durable, and it actually thrives with frequent cleaning — you can’t wear it out by cleaning it too often. It protects itself with a thin film of chromium oxide that forms when oxygen in the air combines with the chromium in the steel. Dirt and other contaminants interfere with that film and can trap corrosive agents, so regular cleaning preserves corrosion resistance as well as appearance.
Use warm water and a soft cloth, adding a gentle, non-abrasive detergent such as mild soap as needed. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap, then towel dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
Fingerprints are the most common contaminant. Remove them with glass cleaner followed by a warm-water rinse, or polish with a stainless steel cleaner, which adds a barrier film that helps minimize future fingerprints.
Rub lightly with a recommended cleaner on a dry to damp cloth, always in the direction of the polish lines — never across them.
Limescale can be removed with a cleaner containing approximately 10% acetic or citric acid. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly and rinse surfaces and edges very thoroughly. Rub silicone off dry or use a silicone remover.
Always finish with a rinse. Cleaning should always be followed by rinsing with clean hot water.
Each Teclab work surface material has its own strengths — and its own care routine. Not sure which surface you have? See our Work Surface Options or ask us.
Chemical resistant · Non-absorbent · Self-extinguishing
Tec-Resin Epoxy work surfaces are durable, non-porous, man-made stone that is relatively unaffected by most chemicals, heat, flame and moisture. They do need periodic care throughout the life of the lab to keep looking like new.
An occasional application of finish oil (mineral oil) or Murphy’s Oil® restores the surface’s luster — but too much oil can cloud it.
Sinks collect dirty, wet lab ware that leaves liquids, residue and chemicals on the surface for long periods, so they need more thorough cleaning and more frequent inspection than dry bench tops. Inspect all sink surfaces and joints, including the outlet joint and the sink rim joint above and below the work surface. Fill cracked or pitted joints immediately with two-part Smooth-On® epoxy grout to prevent leaks and damage to the supporting casework.
A line of material left on the surface that stays smooth to the touch — usually from metal pulled across the top.
Fix: Almost always removable with acetone, or mild cleaner and elbow grease. For persistent marring, ask us for the “Tec-Resin Epoxy – Removing Mars” guide.
A lighter shade of the surface that feels rough — caused by harder metals, abrasives, or heavy or sharp items.
Fix: Scratches are permanent but don’t affect performance. A permanent marker can disguise them, though it won’t perfectly match color and gloss.
Caused by chemicals left to dry. Stains usually lighten or bleach the surface and can roughen or crack it.
Fix: Chemical stains are permanent. If damage is severe, the top may need to be replaced.
Impact, scratch and wear resistant · Non-absorbent
Phenolic Resin is designed for intensive interior use. Because it doesn’t absorb or retain moisture, it can be cleaned frequently using standard cleaning agents and many common disinfectants.
Use warm water with a mild, all-purpose cleaner, applied with a sponge or soft nylon brush — the ideal way to remove most light, recent soiling. A dry or damp cloth also works well. Wipe damp surfaces dry with an absorbent cloth.
Apply hot water and a detergent or soap-based cleaner with a sponge or soft nylon brush and let it soak. Rinse with clean water and dry with an absorbent cloth. This handles everyday soiling such as dust, pencil, ink, coffee, tea, juice, grease, soap residue, limescale, and water-soluble paints and adhesives.
Occasionally a liquid cleaner with very fine polishing particles, or bleach, may be needed. Use polishing cleaners with care — they can damage the surface. Wash down thoroughly with clean water afterwards and dry with an absorbent cloth.
Both the surface and core are highly resistant to most common disinfectants:
Applies to: Self-edged Laminate · PVC-edged Laminate
Prolonged exposure to bleach will discolor laminate.
Hot pans and heat-producing appliances set directly on the surface can mar it, and extreme heat will cause cracking or blistering. Always use a hot pad or trivet.
Chemical-resistant laminate
Chem-Surf follows the same four-step cleaning routine as standard laminate: mild soap and water first, then a mild cleaner and soft brush, then a baking soda paste, and finally undiluted bleach or nail polish remover for no more than two minutes. Go especially easy with baking soda on gloss finishes. Always protect the surface from heat with a heat shield, hot pad or trivet.
Electrostatic dissipative high-pressure laminate
Acetone, trichloromethane, alcoholic beverages, vegetable oil, water, salt solution, soap solution, kerosene, phenol, coffee, black tea, milk, cola, vinegar, 3% hydrogen peroxide, 10% ammonia, nail polish remover, lipstick, watercolor, ballpoint and laundry ink.
25% sodium hydroxide, 30% hydrogen peroxide, concentrated vinegar (30% acetic acid), acid-based metal cleaners, shoe polish, hair coloring, iodine, boric acid, lacquers, 10% citric acid, 5% acetic acid.
Acid-based cleaners permanently damage ESD laminate. Never let these cleaners — or bottles, rags or other items contaminated with them — touch the surface. If contact occurs, wipe immediately and rinse thoroughly with water. Prolonged exposure to bleach will also cause discoloration.
Solid hardwood · lacquered or oiled
Solid hardwood responds to the temperature and humidity around it. A little routine attention keeps it stable and handsome for years.
Cut or drilled the top? Refinish every exposed edge, hole and notch with melted paraffin and oil, or a lacquer sealer. Unsealed edges will dry out and crack.
Warping from seasonal or environmental dryness is temporary. Un-mount the top, turn it over (bottom side up) and allow it to equalize, then reinstall it as originally mounted.
| Problem | What you see | Cause | To repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| End checks | Joints separating along the end of the top | Excessive dryness; not oiled often enough | Melt a 1:4 mixture of paraffin and mineral oil and fill all checks, sealing them thoroughly. Continue oiling. |
| Splits | A joint separating along the full length of the top | Excessive dryness | Seal as for end checks. If the condition continues for an extended time, contact your dealer. |
| Wind shakes | A small piece of grain lifting from the top | Grain separation, excessive dryness | Clean and dry the top. Put a little white glue on a slip of paper, slide it under the shake and withdraw it, leaving glue behind. Weight overnight. Remove excess glue with light sandpaper or fine steel wool — working only with the grain. |
| Warpage | Top cupping or bowing | Uneven moisture between top and bottom, e.g. oiling only one side | Apply oil (or lacquer) liberally to the concave side. If not corrected within 2 weeks, tape plastic (such as a liner or dry-cleaning wrap) to the convex side and oil/lacquer the reverse side. The top may adjust to the new humidity and correct itself. |
| Rail expansion | One rail raised above the rest of the top | That rail expanding faster than the others | Continue regular oiling. The top will adjust to the new humidity. |
| Stains | Water spots, food stains, etc. | Food or liquids left on the top too long | Lightly sand or use fine steel wool on the stain, then continue regular maintenance. |
| Damage | Nicks, gouges, dents | External environment | Oiled tops: sand and re-oil. Lacquered tops: lightly sand and refinish with lacquer or another compatible finish. |
| Mineral streaks | Dark streaks in the wood | Natural mineral deposits in the tree | No repair needed — they add to the individuality of your work surface. |
Lacquered or oil-finished
Lacquer-finished tops are not considered food safe.
Tops and benches shipped without a finish, and tops modified in the field, void the warranty.
Teclab products are warranted to the original user to be free from defects in design, material and workmanship,
“given normal use and care, for a period of ten (10) years of single shift service, from the date of purchase.”
Multi-shift use is pro-rated, and some components carry shorter coverage periods. See the full Teclab Warranty for details.
If you’re unsure whether a product is safe for your surface, ask before you use it. Our customer service team is happy to help.
Call 269.372.6000
Email info@teclab.com
