Use a multi-surface cleaner such as Windex® Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner to clean and shine countertops made of sealed granite, sealed marble, Corian®, Formica® and more. For a gentle clean that also works on a variety of surfaces, try Windex® Vinegar Glass Cleaner.
Normal Cleaning
Abrasive cleaners, powders and abrasive cleaning pads should never be used on your laminate countertop - they will scratch and damage the laminate and make it susceptible to staining.
Spray the area with Windex and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Rinse well if using near food preparation areas. Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile.
To make the countertop shine, spray them with a vinegar solution. Mix 2 cups water with 1 tablespoon vinegar in a spray bottle (Image 1 below). Spray the countertop down, and allow the solution to sit for 2 minutes (Image 2 below). Finally, wipe the counter clean.
Add Shine
To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine.
If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
You can either use plain water or dilute some white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Remember to avoid pouring liquid directly on the floor when cleaning. For stubborn spots or areas of buildup, some people turn to glass cleaners like Windex. This method is helpful in a pinch, but use it sparingly and only in small areas.
Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.
A: I would try Bar Keepers Friend. It's a mild powdered cleanser that doesn't scratch and is supposed to be effective on hard-water stains. The manufacturer says it's safe for plastic laminate, such as Formica. Make sure the surface is wet before you apply the cleanser.
Homeowners or renters with laminate countertops may also want to steer clear of bleach. Though laminate is fairly hardy, it's not the most durable substance in the world. Bleach can damage the laminate countertop or can cause permanent discoloration.
Don't use abrasive tools
Laminate floors can scratch, so steer clear of anything abrasive (steel wool, for example). You'll want to use a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to sweep up debris. If you're vacuuming, be careful to use an attachment without a beater bar or rotating brush, which could scratch the surface.
Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says.
Floor Cleaning Tips
They work great on hardwood floors! You can also use Clorox® Scentiva® Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths, which make it easy and convenient to clean floors, and can be used with a sweeper tool. They can be used on laminate floors, and other types of flooring like hardwood.
Rubbing Alcohol Windex Alternative
(Rubbing alcohol is also a safe cleaning solution for stains and sticky messes.) Mix one cup distilled water, three tablespoons vinegar, and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol in a new spray bottle and label it. Shake up your glass cleaning solution and spray it on your glass.
For best results, use a Windex® Multi-Surface Cleaner on countertops made from marble, granite, ceramic tile, enameled paint (appliances), stainless steel, and chrome.
You can use Windex® Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner on your car's tinted windows, mirrors, glass, chrome, stainless steel, plastic, and vinyl surfaces.
Paint right over it.
Sometimes you don't have to overthink it: A complete laminate counter upgrade can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. But naturally, not any old can you find moldering under your sink is going to do the trick.
Just paint over it
You'll need to sand the surface beforehand and use countertop coating, which is a special product that can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Be sure to reach the nooks and crannies and allow enough time for each layer to dry.