Formica® Laminate Cleaning

Formica Laminate is simple to maintain… however, sometimes deeper cleaning is necessary. Here’s what you need to know about special finishes, various materials and your laminate countertop.

Ordinary Cleaning

Formica^® Laminate is very easy to clean.

• In most cases, you only need to use a clean, damp, nonabrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner.
• Rinse with clean water, using a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
• Do not flood the laminate, especially near seams, since water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
• Dry the surface with a soft, clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.

For specific types of surfaces, use the following care guidelines:

Matte and Sparkle Finish Laminates

Especially hard-to-clean areas may require special attention. Use a nylon bristled hand or vegetable brush, along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or household cleaner. Clean the soiled area using a rotating motion. Rinse and dry the surface as indicated above.

Sculpture and Dimensional Finish Laminates

These surfaces may require special attention to clean the depressed areas. Use a nylon-bristled hand or vegetable brush, along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or household cleaner. Clean the soiled area, using a rotating motion. Rinse and dry the surface as indicated above.

High Gloss Finish Laminates

If residual streaks and smears remain after normal cleaning, use a mild glass cleaner and then dry with a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth. Avoid exterior glass cleaner.

Abrasives

Abrasive pads, scouring powders or cleaners may permanently dull and scratch the laminate surface making it susceptible to staining. Ceramics, including unglazed materials and other abrasive objects, can cause scratching and premature wear – do not slide these items across surface.

Chemical Damage

Never use cleaners containing acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite. These cleaners will mar, etch, corrode, and permanently discolor the laminate surface. Also, make sure that bottles, rags, and other materials contaminated with these cleaners never contact the laminate surface. Accidental spills or splatters from these compounds should be wiped off immediately, and the area rinsed thoroughly with water.

Examples of cleaners containing acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite include, but are not limited to:

• Ceramic cooktop cleaners
• Oven cleaners
• Chlorine bleach
• Rust removers
• Coffeepot cleaners
• Some countertop cleaners
• Drain cleaners
• Some disinfectants
• Lime scale removers
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Metal cleaners
• Tub and tile cleaners

Have questions about other cleaning materials? Or a stubborn stain? See our special cleaning recommendations.